Mount Tabor (Gazit Junction to Shibli) with Al-Hashvil, guided by Avi Farjioun
Photo album: Israel Trail Hike 2022-11-03
Could we do it? That question nagged at Tia and me in the days leading up to our hike on the Israel Trail. We were facing a 500 meter ascent and descent of Mount Tabor. On a trail that goes mostly straight up, and then straight down. It was just the second hike of our second season, but rated the most difficult one we would do this year (2.5 on a scale of 3, or 4.3 on a scale of 5).
Early on in the hike, I noted a power line heading up adjacent to the trail. As we climbed, I occasionally looked up to check how steeply the electrical lines were angled. Later on, when I could see the lines overhead leveling out, I knew the climbing portion of the hike was nearly over.
I was happy to discover that Mount Tabor is covered in a rich forest, and most of our hiking would be in the shade. I was delighted by the scent of pine trees washed by the first rains, and the sight of green leaves no longer covered in summer dust.
Our wonderful guide Avi led us up the mountain at a comfortable pace. He split the climb into four segments, pausing for short breaks, and short guide-talks along the way.
When we were able to stop to look, panoramic vistas lay before us. Although the haze reduced visibility, I was glad for the clouds and cooler temperatures, which made hiking much easier.
The ascent was quite challenging in places.
As we pushed up the final steps of the climb, Avi played the Rocky theme song on his loudspeaker, and called out words of encouragement.
At the top of Mount Tabor we visited the Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration, believed to be the place where Jesus began to radiate light, and received his status as the son of God.
At noon, bells rang out from the Russian Orthodox church (which is not open to visitors). That was our signal to begin the descent down the steep slope.
While the ascent gave our hearts a good workout, the descent put a strain on our knees. The slow and cautious pace meant we often ended up paused in a bunch, which led to some light moments of jokes and laughter.
Still a ways to go, but as we neared the end, the trail became smoother and gentler.
We made it! After some stumbles and falls, but no major injuries to anyone, we reached the western edge of Shibli.
Postscript: fresh leaves and new blossoms after the long and dry Israel summer.
PPS: The comments function on my blog is blocked to prevent spam replies to my posts. But I want to share a wonderful summary that Tia posted on her Facebook page.
“Despite what Lisa wrote, the last leg up the mountain was super hard for me… But some lovely man stayed with me and talked the whole time about being a guide in Iceland. I was busy telling myself, as long as I don’t sit down, I’ve got this. Was an amazing and beautiful experience. On the way down I slipped. People said I did a triple somersault, and thankfully some young woman got her hands between my face and a rock. There’s nothing better than doing these challenging hikes with a group when it comes to companionship and encouragement.”
A quick and easy read about Mount Tabor.
The complete set of my photos in a Flickr album: Israel Trail Hike 2022-11-03
