Yavniel (Mitzpeh Elot) to Yardenit with Al-Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjioun
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2022-10-19
The first Israel Trail hike of season 2 was designated an easy hike. Normally, it would be for me. But I had some doubts this time. I had returned home from abroad two weeks previously covid-positive, with a throat infection that required antibiotics, ongoing bouts of naseau, and a left knee that had painfully flared up. My entire body was out of sorts. But my mind was telling me I could and should do it. It would revive my spirits.
Since I had been away on the scheduled date for our regular Thursday group, Tia and I joined a parallel group that hikes on Wednesdays. Our friend Chamutal from our regular group also happened to join this hike.
Due to high temperatures and lack of shade, the organizers simplified the route. Instead of starting from Mitzpeh Elot, we began our hike in the town of Yavniel. We walked for about an hour on the scenic trail road that connects Yavniel and Menahemia.
Our first rest stop was at an oak tree believed to be the tree that inspired the emblem of the IDF’s Golani brigade. Many insist, however, that the original was an olive tree. The dispute has never been resolved.
Near the Golani tree, we connected with the Israel Trail.
We descended through Ein Ya’ala.
Easy hiking down a wide trail until we reached the Yavniel stream and nature reserve.
Despite being the end of a long, hot and dry summer, there were still patches of mud and water-crossings on the trail.
The flowering stalks of chatzav (drimia) herald the autumn in Israel.
The colorful harduf (oleander) flourish near streams and water sources.
A pleasant lunch break in the shade alongside the Yavniel stream.
I am smiling, but I was dismayed by the quantities of litter everywhere along the trail. (Look behind me in this image). My body was also feeling quite tired by this point.
We stopped at the Alumot Dam, several kilometres south of the Kinneret and the Degania Dam. Here brackish water and treated wastewater are added to the waters of the Jordan River.
The final push, through the Southern Jordan park and nature reserve (גן מורד הירדן דרומי).
With the holidays now over, the campsites along the Jordan River were mostly empty.
Normally, I would have taken a dip in the water. But my better judgement told me to head home for rest and recuperation.
The complete set of my photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2022-10-19
