They told us that this would be a very challenging day, and this was no exaggeration. We set out at 8 a.m. from the parking lot of the Nabatean city of Avdat. We hiked to the upper Ein Akev and the lower Ein Akev, where some hikers took quick dips in the fresh water of the Akev spring.

We had several tough climbs and descents, but the dramatic views of the desert canyons and mountains were ample compensation. We were filled with a sense of awe and wonder (and occasional terror!) as we hiked together along the cliff sides. Reaching the end of the hike–and the waiting bus–felt like a real shehecheyanu moment. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s hike to Machtesh Gadol.

Layla tov from Southern Israel,
Lisa Gordis and Sheila Yossem