Mashad to Alon HaGalil with Al–Hashvil, guided by Ilan Abecassis (אילן אבקסיס)
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-02-23
In these bleak days of endangered democracy and discord in Israel, I looked forward to an escape on the Israel Trail. Preparing for the hike, I had thoughts of David Grossman’s novel Isha Borachat Mi’bsora (English title: To the End of the Land ), which literally translated means “a woman fleeing a message”. While the context of that story is completely different from the current situation, the attempt to avoid bad news by taking refuge on the Israel Trail was a similar idea.
I usually switch my smartphone to airplane mode while hiking. Primarily it preserves the battery power, which I need for all the photography I do. But it also prevents text messages and news notifications from popping up on my screen. It feels good to be off-grid and out-of-touch for a while.
So I thought, or hoped, I might escape current events for the day. But it was impossible to avoid talking about the problems facing Israel today. And even when I managed to carry on a conversation about exercising, or grandchildren, or some other mundane subject, I could overhear others discussing the state of affairs.
The only thing easy about this escape on the Israel Trail was the hike itself.
This segment of the trail is an easy-to-hike, wide path that winds its way from the Arab town Mashhad to the Jewish village Alon HaGalil.
The forest floor was blanketed in flowers, finally in blossom after the much delayed winter rains this year.
The trail passes through the countryside between the village of Hoshaya to the north and Tzippori National Park to the south.
Unfortunately, we did not detour into the park to see some of the archaelogical sites.
It was a walk-and-talk kind of hiking day.
Clusters of rugged, handsome olive trees dotted the trail.
A few almond trees were in blossom.
Fields of wheat and other crops colored the landscape green.
One short, steep climb in Solelim forest.
A photo-op at the vista point at the top.
A lovely little pond is tucked below the Movil Interchange. Considering how close this spot is to the highway, it was remarkably litter-free. I think someone must be taking care of it.
A gentle climb to end the day.
The star of the day were the red anemones (כלניות) that covered the ground, and occasionally appeared in other lovely shades.
The complete set of photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-02-24
