Arad to Tel Afa with Al-Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-01-26
When I hiked segments of the Israel Trail with friends 12-14 years ago, we used paper maps. We did not rely on a GPS or a mobile app to keep us from going astray. Occasionally we unintentionally deviated from the trail. Sometimes we were engrossed in conversation and not paying attention to the trail blazes. Sometimes we just didn’t see the blazes. In the end, we always reached our final destination. We always enjoyed every hike, no matter what path we took.
The more I hike with Al Hashvil, the more I appreciate how they intentionally take us off the official trail route. This hike is a prime example.
The Arad to Tel Afa segment that we hiked was part of the original Israel Trail. Many years ago the route was moved east due to plans to establish a phosphate mine in the area (Sde Berir). Fierce opposition from nearby residents and environmentalists resulted in litigation that is still ongoing. Construction of the mine remains a real threat. Hence the motivation to hike this glorious trail segment before it is lost forever.
Our first stop was at Hirbat Uza, the ruins of an ancient fort that served to control the wadi road that linked Judea and Edom.
The first of two steep descents.
We hiked along the ridge of Nahal Kina. From afar, the trail looked like any other “goat” trail.
Trail blazes (and our guide) kept us on the right path.
At a rest stop with panoramic views, our guide asked us all to be silent for one minute. “Listen to the desert.”
In our stillness, we heard birds calls, the faint drone of a distant airplane, and even the grunts of camels from the ridge beyond. It was enchanting. “We need to do a minute of silence on every hike,” I commented as we continued on our way.
I love spending a day in the desert. Vast expanses and stunning views. Indeed it is majestic, as my hiking buddy Tia declared. No people except my fellow hikers. No traffic or industrial noise. No mobile reception. Just nature and me.
The second steep descent of the days. Hard on the knees.
A singular acacia tree (thorntree) provided enough shade for everyone during our lunch break.
Then we dropped into the Nahal Kina riverbed.
The trail in the desert is all sorts of rocky.
Nahal Kina eventually joins Nahal Himar and the newer version of the trail segment.
But even this route has been superceded. The Israel Trail has been expanded to include a multi-segment branch that stretches from Arad to Massada, heads south along the Dead Sea, and reconnects north of HaMachtesh HaKatan.
Another acacia tree appeared just in time for another rest break.
The final stretch in Nahal Himar with a beautiful backdrop.
I was a bit disappointed at seeing very little greenery throughout the day. The only flowers were small zamzoomi hamidbar (“desert hummer”).
The complete set of my photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-01-26
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Desert Flood
In May 2007 I was on a jeep trip in the Judean Desert when a cloud burst created a flash flood exactly where we were standing. It was an incredible experience. Photos and videos along with my story —
The Genesis of a Flood
