Day 8

This morning we headed out of Jerusalem toward the Dead Sea. Once again we got temporary lost trying to navigate through the busy morning traffic in Jerusalem. But eventually we got our bearings and were soon on highway 90 and in the desert. As we descended into the Dead Sea basin, there were altitude markers along the highway showing how far below sea level we had come. The Dead Sea is approximately 1380 feet below sea level - the lowest surface point on the planet.

Once we were traveling alongside the Dead Sea toward our hotel destination in Ein Bokek, we saw numerous Bedouin encampments and camels at various way points along the road. There is nothing "wilderness" about the Judean wilderness. It's just plain desert! We passed Ein Gedi (Going to Ein Geti tomorrow) and we passed Masada on our way to the hotel. We arrived at The Crown Plaza hotel at about 10:30AM. Check in time wasn't until 3PM and there was no indication they were going to be ready for us soon. So I left my Cell number with the receptionist and our luggage in the baggage room and we headed back to Masada!

We were probably crazy for beginning at Masada around noon, given that the temperature was hovering at around 108F. But it was amazing. Patty got some beautiful pictures of the ruins. Because of the heat and the time of day, the Park authority would not permit hiking up to it and I have to admit I was relieved! Instead, we rode a cable car up the side of the mountain. But there was still plenty of hiking to get around the fortress ruins. Masada is a fortress built by King Herod. It was used as a last stronghold by Jewish rebels who were trying to break the grip of Roman occupation. Following the destruction of the Temple in 70m AD, Roman legions cornered the Jewish rebels, who had taken refuge on Masada, and laid siege to it. Eventually the Romans built a siege ramp to the top and breached the fortress. But not until all of the 900+ rebels and their families committed suicide rather then face capture by the Romans. Masada has become a powerful symbol in the modern Israeli national psyche regarding those who would seek their destruction and is sort of the Israeli version of "Remember the Alamo."

After a hot sweaty trip to Masada, we returned to our hotel where we tested the therapeutic properties of the Dead Sea. I took a picture of Patty floating in it. It was extremely warm. It has attracted visitors for thousands of years, seeking its healing properties. It has a salinity 8.6 times that of the ocean, which has the effect of making you bob like a cork in it. It will also seriously burn your eyes or any cuts, scrapes or recent shaved areas! Following our dip in the Sea, we showered off and went for a dip in the seaside pool. Then to our room for a real shower and dinner. Tomorrow Ein Geti and maybe a spa. Stay tuned for another installment of Patty's Corner!