Latrun Archives - ***Asterisks

Season 4, Episode 1

13 October 2024

I was back hiking the Israel Trail last week, to start our fourth season. The Burma Road and its role in Israel's War of Independence was the central theme of the hike. We heard about the challenges, dangers, and acts of heroism in 1948. But our thoughts and conversations throughout the day rarely strayed from the current events in Israel — family members serving in the IDF, the hostages still held in Gaza, the ongoing attacks from Hamas, Hezbollah, Houtis, and Iran. Although the members of our group span the spectrum of political ideologies and religious leanings, we all share a yearning for a safe, peaceful and prosperous Israel.

Bittersweet Serendipity While Cycling Near Shaar Hagai

14 June 2009

The plan for yesterday morning's bike ride was a loop from the Latrun Monastery to Shaar Hagai and back -- in the same area as last week's Israel Trail hike, but on different trails. After cycling for about 40 minutes, we reached our intended turn-around point. We paused to catch our breath at a junction on the steep climb up Givat Hatul, and did a quick rethink of our route choice. We decided that instead of turning off the trail, we would walk/push our bikes a short distance further to the top of the ridge. From there we could ride on flat or downhill trails. When we reached the top of the ridge, we were surprised and delighted! An amazing vista point overlooking Shaar Hagai. What a view! Engraved plaques present maps and history of the Burma Road and…

The Mishli Hiking Group Takes to the Israel Trail Again

8 June 2009

Segment 22: Latrun to Shaar Hagai * For our second hike on the Israel Trail we were a group of 18. We were missing 7 from the first hike, several of whom were unfortunately suffering from back ailments. The 6 newcomers had expressed interest from the start, but for various reasons had not been on the first hike. (My apologies to the group: we forgot to take a group photo this time. We must remember to do on every hike.) 6:45: Meet-up at gas station near Messilat Zion, regrouping into 4 cars, and shuttle back to Latrun. 7:15: The GPS (”the Garmin”) starts recording. We leave the parking lot next to the restaurant and head north to reconnect with the trail where we left the trail last time. We walk around the east side of the Armored Corps Museum…

Get Set for our Second Hike on the Israel National Trail

17 May 2009

In light of feedback and requests following our first hike, this is the plan for our second hike. (1) The date remains as originally planned: Shabbat, June 6. Sorry, cannot be changed! Please confirm your participation by May 30. (2) In addition to the 19 people who hiked the first segment, another 12 people are also on the list. If I do not receive 20 confirmations by May 30, I will let you know spaces are available for newcomers. (3) We will slow down the pace a bit to keep the group together. Specifically, we will stop more often -- as a group -- to snack, sing, chat, view the vistas, learn about the sites, and to simply enjoy moments of pleasure and comradarie on the Israel Trail. (4) Varda Ingels has volunteered to share her knowledge about this…

The Israel Trail Hiking Group Materializes

2 May 2009

Segment 21: Mitzpeh Modiin to Latrun * My emails, phone calls and conversations over the past few weeks produced a group of 17 people ready to roll on the Israel Trail this morning. Here, then, is my account of our first hike: 6:45: Quick introductions in the restaurant parking lot at Latrun, regrouping into 3 cars, and shuttle to Mizpeh Modiin in Ben Shemen Forest. 7:29: The GPS ("the Garmin") starts recording. 7:33: We misread a trailblaze and turn off the main road onto a footpath in the forest. It's not a serious mistake, and actually takes us on a more pleasant route through the woods for 5 minutes. 8:08 (2.4 km): After climbing and descending several hills, we emerge from the Ben Shemen Forest. We head through the olive groves. 8:15 (3 km): We are moving at a…