Sam Price and I climbed up Masada today. It was not a bad hike, just about an hour, but a big elevation gain and the heat (over 100 degrees) and lack of shade made it more difficult than normal. The others rode up in a cable car. It was interesting to see the ruins of a Roman palace on top of the mountain. Sam and I walked down into a huge Roman cistern that was carved out of stone. After Masada, we drove to a beach at the Dead Sea and floated in the water. It's impossible to sink due to the high salinity. We smeared mud from the beach all over our bodies. The mud is supposed to have healing qualities. I think the photo of Amy and me and the kids with mud all over us will probably be our holiday photo this year! Then we drove to the Ahava Dead Sea products visitor center. This is where they make body creams and lotions with minerals from the Sea that are sold in many stores and malls across the world. We also stopped at Qumran and saw the caves where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. On the way home to Jerusalem, we stopped by the side of the road and Amy, Allison, and Emily rode a camel!
View of Masada
Roman ruins on top of Masada
The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth!
Emily, Amy, and Allison with mud on their faces (and bodies) at the Dead Sea
Amy and a soldier friend at a security checkpoint
Elisse with a camel on the way back to Jerusalem!
Panoramic view from top of Masada to the west (Judean desert)
View of Snake Path hiking trail from close to top of Masada, cable car, and Dead Sea in the background
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