Ein Gedi Nature Reserve

Drove up the shores of the Dead Sea to the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. Walked up the valley and saw the water that was used to supply (Fed from underground spring) used by the city of Masada 17 Km away and later used by the Romans when they laid siege to the city, before capturing it.

Cable car to breakfast.

After climbing up to the top of Masada - so many steep steps along the snake path, we caught the cable car back down (Despite Jo’s fears of height!) so we would be in time for breakfast!

Snake path up Masada clearly visible behind Jo with the cable car station on the left.

Floors and Walls

Few surviving mosaic floors in Finer buildings of Masada.

Remnants of the painted internal walls. Amazing the anything survives after 2000 years.

Ruins of the city of Masada

Ruins of the city on top of Masada. Palace ruins below.

Remains of the dwellings of Masada

Palace in the foreground and the Dead Sea in the distance.

Masada sunrise

Got up at 5.30am to climb the snake trail to the top of Masada. Arrived at the top in time for the sunrise.

Masada

Staying at Masada tonight so we can do an early climb up the “Snake trail” to the fort on top of the hill in time for sunrise tomorrow. This fort was built by Herold  in 31BC and captured by the Jews in 66AD. The Romans laid seize to fort and when they finally captured the fort, the 960 remaining Jewish defenders had committed suicide.

Our hotel st the base of Masada.

View of the Dead Sea from the hotel.

Dead sea

Drove down the western shores of the Dead Sea to the Hamei Zohar Resort where they have a public beach on the Dead Sea so we could go swimming.

Jo swimming in the Dead Sea. Now she has swam in the Med Sea, the Red Sea and the Dead Sea!