Masada and Ein Gedi

Today was most likely the hardest day of the trip physically, but it was certainly an incredible day! First thing this morning we drove to Masada on the tour bus. On the way, we saw a classic picture of camels walking in a group on the top of a ridge (I love being able to see those classic picturesque scenes in person). In the comparably low heat of 0815, we arrived and began our hike up the Roman seige ramp, which the Romans used to attack the fortress. Although the tour book we have to read said that it takes the physically fit 15 minutes to hike up this steep ramp, it took our awesome group no more than 8-10 minutes. At the top, we saw where the Romans broke through the fortress wall and heard the classic story of heroics where there was a mass suicide so that they didn't have to be shamed by being killed by the Romans (although now many believe this did not actually happen).

When we were by the largest cistern (which holds 1,000,000 cubic feet of water), our tour guide informed us ythat in a normal year, it will only rain a total of 2 inches, meaning that they would have to be very smart in how they use, conserve, and collect water. They used the topography of the land to pool the water and had slaves bring water up to the fortress to store in the cisterns.

After this we went to the Northern-most part of the fortress where there is a phenomenal view of both the Dead Sea than the Judean Desert, as well as the only place where there is a nice breeze. Since Herod built up this fortress, it certainly was a nice one, and it even had hot and cold pools, a sauna, and a country club. It was pretty hot up on the top of Masada, had very little breeze, and it was only 0900.

After walking around Masada for a little bit more, most of us branched off to take the Snake Trail down the mountain to the Welcome Center, while a few others took the cable car down. This was a fantastic hike, aside from the roughness of going down steep trails. Depending on our different speeds, it took us all between 25-40 minutes to make it back down. It certainly gave an appreciation for those who had to hike up and down this trail possibly multiple times in one day. There were constant steps and steep inclines, but it made for incredible views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding landscape. But one of the other biggest things I think we all noticed is that there is a big need for water in the desert. Thus, our trip to En Gedi was certainly a wonderful treat right after the hike down Masada!