2022 Israel Study Tour: Day #6

Exploring the Desert

It was a day of hiking and learning. 

First thing in the morning, the students traveled to Ein Avdat National Park to hike in the glorious canyon in central Negev Desert. Amid breathtaking views, we learned about the geological features of the site, the wildlife of the area, and the earliest human inhabitants to the region. The students hiked and climbed the rugged terrain while vultures flew overhead and ibexes walked far off in the distance. The scenery was stunning.

We then stopped off at the nearby memorial and gravesite for David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister and a founding father of the nation, to learn more about Ben Gurion's life and to reflect on all we've learned so far. 

After hearing about Ben Gurion's vision of making the desert bloom, the students visited a farm in the region attempting to make that vision a reality. Uri of Shvil Hasalat (the Salad Trail) showed the students the various products grown on the farm and allowed them to sample special varieties of kumquats, cucumbers, herbs, and tomatoes. 

We returned to the Mashabe Sade kibbutz, a time for relaxing, swimming, playing, and eating dinner. At sunset, the students were off for a nighttime hike in the Nahal Havarim, a chance to experience the desert terrain and desert sky in the stillness of night.  

Ben S.

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Eliot and Daniel's Summary

In the beginning of the day, we woke up bright and early to go on a hike where 

we ascended steep cliffs, climbed long ladders, gazed at spectacular views, 

and learned how water carved the canyon walls! Although it was a hard trip, we 

never gave up and made it to the end! Following a break after the hike, we went 

to “the Salad Trail” farm. We picked a variety of fruits and vegetables, including

berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a special fruit that was made by the owner.

Overall the farm was a tasty delight! At night we went for a hike. We went down 

below in a underground opening, continued hiking steeply up for two miles,

and returned home in one piece!

 

Eliot B. and Daniel S.

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