What a fabulous day!! Today we went to the Dead Sea. It still amazes me how different the land is compared to what I was expected. There is almost a distinct line where the desert begins. And the desert is not at all what I had expected. Instead of low rolling hills of fine sand, it is mountains of mostly large rocks and little vegetation. It just occured to me that there weren't any cacti. There were a couple of groves of date palms. We were told that they are irrigated by wells that have been dug in the desert. Our first stop was at the side of the road. We walked up to the top of a small mountain (hill?) There we were able to see one of the most breathtaking views of the entire week. Descriptions seem so inadequate. Still mostly lots of rocks and peaks and valleys, but there are lots of ridges and you can see the different layers throughout. Now I wish I knew a little geology so I could include all the correct terms. So out in the middle of nowhere, there appeared 4 or 5 "nomads" with their assorted wares-beads,tapestry bags, head scarves and belts. So funny. It was like they climbed out of some hidden cave or something. Among them was one with a camel. 
One of the ladies rode it all the way back down the hill. The rest of us who wanted to ride got on long enough to stand the camel up, walk about 20 feet, pose for a picture or two, walk back and lay back down. Just enough of a ride to get the experience and we didn't have to compete with other tourists. Just us at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. 
One of the ladies rode it all the way back down the hill. The rest of us who wanted to ride got on long enough to stand the camel up, walk about 20 feet, pose for a picture or two, walk back and lay back down. Just enough of a ride to get the experience and we didn't have to compete with other tourists. Just us at the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. 
Then on to Masada. It started sprinkling on us a little bit, but we just kept on trekking through. Masada was high up on a hill with a "Snake Path" to walk up or down, or cablecars to transport up. We all used the cablecars up and about 9 walked down. I chose to take the cablecar back down. Our guide was really trying to discourage us to walk down, so I followed his advice. Masada is another huge archeological dig with a lot of history that you can Google if you want to. Something about a winter palace and fortress that King Herod built and ended up being destroyed. Very Alamo-esk. More fabulous views. So it continued to rain a little and we could see waterfalls coming down the mountains of the desert. 
A little way down the road and we saw where those waterfalls had made it down to the road. In a couple of spots the water was flowing across the road carrying rock from the mountain. Our bus driver decided to plow through although he seemed pretty nervous about it. The guide told us that if we couldn't get through there, it was about a three hour detour to go the other way. It really wasn't very deep there, it was the rocks that made it a bit rough. Dan said that he had not seen water like that in the desert in 15 years. At one spot, another tour bus had pulled over and everyone had gotten out and was wading through the pool of water.
A little way down the road and we saw where those waterfalls had made it down to the road. In a couple of spots the water was flowing across the road carrying rock from the mountain. Our bus driver decided to plow through although he seemed pretty nervous about it. The guide told us that if we couldn't get through there, it was about a three hour detour to go the other way. It really wasn't very deep there, it was the rocks that made it a bit rough. Dan said that he had not seen water like that in the desert in 15 years. At one spot, another tour bus had pulled over and everyone had gotten out and was wading through the pool of water.The next stop was to swim in the Dead Sea. I wasn't sure that I wanted to get in because it was kinda cool, but I decided to go ahead and do it. We changed our clothes and made our way down. We were instructed to turn around and walk backward into the water so as to not get the salt water into our eyes and cause them to burn. So when you get deep enough, you just lean back to start floated. Sooo cool. Once I could manage to float upright, I would just kind of bob along like a cork. Out of the water, the mud pack was next. We all smeared black mud all over. So strange, but it really felt pretty nice. Had bits of salt that felt like an exfoliant. Silly group pictures and then we showered it all off and headed for the hot springs spa . That felt wonderful!! I think I could get used to that. Well, maybe minus the sulphur.
The last stop was to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. More archeological digs and artifacts are also at this site. There were scribes that lived in this area that were experts at copying the Old Testaments onto scrolls. They had to be perfect. If there was any kind of error, the entire scroll had to be destroyed. Shards of pottery was found with practice writings.
Today was a lot of walking and a lot of information. We have done a lot of walking all week, but today was a bit more strenuous. I am so glad that I have been able to keep up. Two of our ladies sat today out due to injuries earlier this week. I am disappointed for them in missing out such a good day, but at least they got to be together today.
Tomorrow we go to the City of David, the Temple Mount, and the Holocaust Museum. It's our last day in Israel. It's been a great week with a lot of information and sightseeing and worship, but I'm about ready to head home. Goodnight.
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