Israel Trail Archives - ***Asterisks

Judean Desert “Camp-Us”

25 November 2024

Two glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Judean Desert, from Arad to Massada. An overnight trip ("campus" in the lingo of the organizers) but not a camping trip (we stayed in a comfortable hotel). Amazing and challenging desert landscapes. Wonderful comraderie.

Squeezing in Nature

5 May 2024

It's hard to escape the sights and sounds of urbanization when hiking in the vicinity of Hadera, midway between Tel Aviv and Haifa. But clever logistics by the Al Hashvil organizers gave us maximum time in natural environments on this Israel Trail hike.

Water Joy (מים בששון)

15 April 2024

Another day of escape on the Israel Trail last week. Although I knew the hike would start at the Ein Tzur spring, and end on the Mediterranean shore at Caesarea, I was not expecting so many water features and water challenges along the way. Lots of fun.

Wildflower Bouquets

1 April 2024

Our latest Israel Trail hike on the Mount Carmel range delivered a rich medley of terrain and vistas. The hike itself was not difficult. But the day brought the first heat wave of 2024. Many of us were not quite prepared -- mentally or physically -- for the high temperatures that day. Abundant and colorful arrays of wildflowers decorated the landscape. Our guide and some of my hiking partners are adept at putting names to flowers. I stick to capturing their beauty in photos.

Colors and Conversation

7 March 2024

We are a mix of religious, non-religious, and varieties in-between. We sometimes discuss, and disagree, about politics and ideologies. But our differences are diminished as we share the challenges of hiking the Israel Trail together. Our two-day overnight hike in the stunningly colorful Maktesh Hakatan -- with no cell reception -- was a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other even better.

More on Mount Carmel

12 February 2024

In the days preceding our latest hike, Israel experienced some 16 consecutive days of rainfall. Sunshine and clear skies finally took hold just two days before the hike. The weather was glorious and ideal for hiking. But the potential dangers of mud and slippery rocks meant that our route was modified.

Desert Challenge

8 January 2024

Last week's hike on the Israel Trail, in Nahal Yamin and Nahal Hatira, was a wonderful escape into the desert landscape. Classified as a difficult hike, it was not particularly long or physically hard for me. But it did challenge my fear of heights. The vistas 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.

Fresh Air

26 November 2023

Israel's war against Hamas has weighed down the nation for nearly two months. Now is not a time for social outings or lifecycle celebrations. But many of us are in 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.

Beaches and Bridges

25 September 2023

After a three-month summer hiatus, I was recently back on the Israel National Trail with my hiking group. We had an easy walk to kick off our third season -- along the seashore and the Yarkon River. The seascapes and cityscapes were familiar and unremarkable. But reconnecting and chatting with hiking friends made the day special and uplifted my spirits.

Surf and the City

18 June 2023

Our group's 20th hike was an easy trek along the coast, from the mouth of Nahal Alexander to the Victory Monument in Netanya, followed by a small end-of-year party in the adjacent park.