What a fantastic first day of biking! Our riders choose from among three routes based upon mileage and climbing elevation, and we all enjoyed the extraordinary scenery of the hills in the Western Galil.
From the hotel in Akko we rode north to Nahariyah, and two of the three groups climbed the steep hills through Arab and Druze villages to the area of the Montfort Castle. Winding along quiet and scenic back roads, we descended back toward the coast with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and then headed north to the Lebanese border at Rosh Hanikra.
Throughout the ride, our excellent guides enlightened us regarding the local areas and we arrived back to our hotel in time for afternoon swims and visits to the spa. Spirits are high as we begin to prepare for tomorrow’s ride along the Lebanese border toward the northernmost part of the Galil.
Among our riders is soon-to-be rabbi Sarah Shulman, incoming director of our newest Ramah camp in Northern California. Her Ironman triathlete experience has prepared her well! Our riders and hikers, ages 16-82, reunited late this afternoon and many new friendships have already formed. We look forward to the coming days’ adventures and the continued formation of this unique adult Ramah community here in Israel.
Layla tov from Akko!
Rabbi Mitchell Cohen, National Ramah Director