Morasha Junction to Tel Afek with Al–Hashvil, guided by Shmuel
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-11-23
Preface
Israel’s war against Hamas has weighed down the nation for nearly two months. We are mourning the hundreds of civilians who were massacred on October 7th and the hundreds of soldiers and security personnel who have sacrificed their lives defending Israel. The nation collectively holds its breath waiting for news and the return of all 250 hostages who were abducted into Gaza. So many families are losing sleep with worry over loved ones and friends serving in active or reserve military duty.
This is not a time for social outings or lifecycle celebrations. But many of us need of hitav’rarrut — literally, “airing out” — to breathe in fresh air, relax, and exhale. Thankfully, Home Front Command directives allowed our group to hike a trail segment last week.
The Hike
Two days of heavy rainfall earlier in the week caused the Yarkon River to swell and surge. Branches and leaves caught in the Hadarim bridge show just how high the water level rose.
Many members of our group assumed the flat and sandy clay trail would offer easy hiking, and did not bring their hiking poles. Puddles and mud made for slow progress. Many soon picked up cane sticks to help steady them through the wet and slippery patches.
The Israel Trail follows all the twists and turns of the meandering Yarkon River. Our guide Shmuel made a few shortcuts across or along agricultural fields, to keep us out of deep mud and to stay on schedule.
The challenge of the day was finding the easiest pathways.
Clinging to the sides was usually the best option.
Once upon a time this segment of the Israel Trail required wading through several water crossings. Those have now all been replaced by bridges. But we still had one small make-shift bridge crossing.
In places the reeds have grown and overgrown into delightful tunnels.
The final portion of our hike took us through the Yarkon National Park, which has two sections.
First was the Yarkon Sources park, which contains the natural springs and riverways that comprise the headwaters of the Yarkon River.
Second was the Tel Afek (Antipatris) park, an archeological site containing remains from the Roman, Ottoman and British Mandate periods. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has built a lake in the middle of the park, and developed a lovely leisure park.
The complete set of photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2023-11-23
In Memoriam
Sharon Gordani, age 25, of blessed memory.
Murdered by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023.
Beloved son of Limor and Eyal Gordani — members of the Al-Hashvil’s Brosh hiking group.
