Day 9

Today we got up early, ate breakfast in the hotel and head out to Ein Gedi National Park. We arrived at the park about 9AM before the heat really set in. There is little indication at the entrance you are any where near an oasis. But as we hiked along the trail leading back into a narrow gorge, gradual signs of green life began to appear. There are several paths hikers can take through the Park. We chose to take the one that leads to David's Falls and the caves, where David and his men hid from King Saul. (1 Samuel 23)

The path becomes increasing difficult to navigate the further along you go. But you are rewarded with cool clear pools of water and small falls feeding each one with greater intensity as you move up the gorge. You find yourself strangely surrounded by more and more lush green growth as you continue as well. After several smaller falls and pools, you finally reach David's Fall as it roars through the rock and poor into the pool below. Next to it hidden in the green foliage along the rock wall is a cave. Is this the cave David and his men took refuge in?

The Park is full of wild life, including the Ibex, which is a wild mountain goat with long spiraling horns and the Coney, which is a clumsy rabbit like critter. They are very cute to watch. The Bible mentions these little guys. They climb up in the trees and sunbath on the rocks. They have no tail, but back legs like a rabbit. They appear to be much less coordinated then a rabbit though. Patty was able to get pictures of both. We may go back tomorrow to hike up one of the other trails.

We came back to the resort area for lunch and then Patty took in a massage. After dinner, we will try another dip in the chemical soup, I mean the Dead Sea! : )