Sunday, March 22, 2009
TIME FOR PART III
Saturday, March 21, 2009
HIKING THE JUDEAN HILLS (14th March, 2009)
Yet another hike from Midrasha and it was one of the best I had so far in Israel. The relatively easy routes engulfed with beautiful landscapes, supported by the pleasant spring weather, made the trip worth an experience. In brief, the 12 km stretch started from Ein Hemed (Aqua Bella) National Park and went through the Israeli-Arab villages of Ein Nakuba and Ein Raffa to the ruins of Tel Tzova. Had a nice view to the settlements near Jerusalem from an observation point of Tzova. From the ruins of Tel Tzova the trail took us via Ein Tzova to the ancient Sataf region. Taking a short break at the Ein Bikura spring of Sataf and hearing to the ancient agricultural methods practiced in Sataf, our next stop was at the spring of Ein Hindak. After having lunch at the green meadows of Ein Hindak, it was a steep hike to the twin springs of Ein Uzi and Ein Aminadav located above the modern village of Even Sapir. Our last halt was at Khirbet Se'adim. Due to lack of time and drizzling weather at late hours we rushed to the memorial Yad Kennedy and returned to Sede Boker.
Ein Hemed (Aqua Bella) National Park
One of the loveliest spots near Jerusalem, this beautifully landscaped park has large lawns for picnic and nature lovers. The secret of its greenery is attributed to the Kisalon spring that flows some 600 m through the park. Locals attribute magical power to its waters and orthodox Jews use the spring's water for religious purposes. The other interesting spot to visit is the large Crusader-period (12th cent) building which probably was a house on an agricultural farm. During Crusader periods, this place was called Aqua Bella or "beautiful water" and may be the reason why Arabs still call the area Khirbet Ikbala. It was not part of our schedule to visit the Ein Hemed National park. So all the snaps are taken from outside the park.
Here is link to a nice article on Aqua Bella
http://www.kalmanovitz.co.il/k_comm/english/Israel/Maps/Rezervations/EinHemed33/EinHemed_main.htm
Dont miss the park's official site
http://www.parks.org.il/ParksENG/company_card.php3?CNumber=420551