Mishor Yamin to Ein Yorkeam (Nahal Yamin / Nahal Hatira) with Al–Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjoun
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2024-01-04
Splendor in the desert
I know that future Israel Trail hikes will have jaw-dropping vistas. But the views on this hike most likely belong on a top-10 list. I say that because our hiking group’s WhatsApp chat had more than 100 shared photos at the end of the day. Far more than usual. I’ve included some of them in this blog post.
A 5-star connector trail
Sometimes we need to hike a kilometer or two from our parking/drop-off point to reach the hiking segment of the Israel Trail. Most often these connector trails are nondescript, and simply considered “an administrative task”. The stunning landscape of the green-blaze trail, from Mishor Yamin to Maale Yamin (where it joins the Israel Trail) was a great surprise. It provided a full sampling of desert scenery — sandy terrain, rocky cliffs, and winter pools.
(This stretch of sand reminded me of a joke my father used to tell about an Israeli tour guide who was trying to impress a visiting tourist. The visitor remarked how far away the sand dunes were from the sea. The punchline was the tour guide’s response: “it’s quite a beach, wouldn’t you say?!”)
Pools of water, from winter rains and natural springs, appeared throughout the day.
Descending and ascending
I did not keep track of the number of ascents and descents. Many of them were steep and rocky, and required full concentration and hands-down. Some paths were smooth but narrow, clinging to the ridge above the stream bed.
One of many downhill maneuvers.
Overcoming my fear of heights
Aside from a knee issue that somewhat limits my mobility, the hike was not physically difficult for me. However, it certainly challenged my fear of heights.
Crossing a crevice made me jittery — a helping hand made it easy.
Climbing Maale Palmach
The highlight of the hike was the 100+ meter ascent up Maale Palmach. The day had gotten very warm, but the coolness of the shade, and a slow, steady pace made the first part of the climb easier than anticipated.
The second part of the ascent began with 15 meter metal ladder that scales the cliff. This is where my pulse started to race.
Metal rungs and railings continued along the trail until we reached the top. Fellow-hikers took these pictures of our guide Avi. I clung to the rails for dear life, unable to look up, down or around, until I was far enough away from the edge to feel safe.
Colors
The river bed was full of plant life, including many acacias (thorntrees), adding color and appeal to the landscape.
Winter flowers in blossom in the desert.
P.S. Kudos to my friend Ebba who joined me on this hike. She was a great companion on both the trail and the long drive down south and back.
The complete set of my photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2024-01-04
