We’ve had such a wonderful day yesterday, I am thrilled about sharing some pictures here today.
It being the Purim holiday, we decided to skip the busy town centers and parades and head out to a nice nature reserve. For a nice mix of history and gorgeous views, we went to the Arbel Mt. near the Sea of Galille.
It was a gorgeous day, by our standards. Cloudy, no direct sunshine, not cold, but just cool enough to make the climb up the mountain enjoyable. Flowers everywhere, cows along the trails, ancient caves at the top, and the highlight: a climb up the nearly vertical cliff to reach the summit. Here are some pictures.
A lovely stream rolling at the bottom of the mountain, where we started our little trek:
Starting the long climb up the mountain:
On the way up:
Resting en route to the caves (you can see them in the background). I wasn’t clear at all at this point how are we going to cross over this huge cliff and get to the top.
Up at the top, we took the path that climbed into the caves, where you can enter them and get a feel of what it was like living in those fortified caves hundreds and possibly thousands of years ago.
IsraeliDad facing one of the peaceful cows that we saw on the way. They were kind enough to get off the path when we got very close. The kids still managed to get all excited over our encounters with “raging bulls”…
The highlight of the climb: rock climbing using metal handles attached to the rock surface. Yes, it was scary, at least for me. Worst part was seeing the kids hop along like mountain goats on tiny rock shelves, turning back and shouting “Are you alright, Mom?”
It was well worth the climb. Simply gorgeous views from the top of the mountain!
The kids were so proud of themselves, and they had good reason to! It was just wonderful. Nothing like a good climb to boost your spirits! And now, it was time to just stop and enjoy the flowers – wonderful carpet of blossoming spring flowers at the top of the mountain.
Still, the real highlight of the trip, according to the kids was the ice cream truck at the visitors center at the top, where I waited with them for IsraeliDad to go back down and get the car to the parking lot at the top.
