Shabbas morning a couple guys from the trip got word that there was going to a hike up the mountain directly adjacent to our hostel on the Kineret. It was a significant climb and would provide a considerable amount of adventure. After grabbing some supplies we crossed the street and headed in the direction of the peak. All the hiking I have previously done in Israel has been with tour groups at major parks. I was excited by the spontaneity, which is probably why I didn’t realize that this was probably against trip security.
There wasn’t more then 10 of us and I was only familiar with about half the fellowship. The leader of the group was David, a med student slash PHD candidate for something related to biology and/or engineering. David was a tall fellow and spoke sparingly, until you asked him some science related question which would prompt a speech highlighted with scholarship and detailed analysis. David was quickly assigned the title John Locke, a reference to the knowledgeable survival character from the hit TV show LOST. It’s hot, you should watch it. That comment spurred a whole conversation regarding what characters we were most like from the show. Mike quickly laid claim to Sawyer, which was a little far fetched but given our group, I wasn’t going to question it. As for me, I was assigned the role of Charlie as I struggled to keep up with David in the front of the group.
The hike was strenuous from the beginning. The terrain was odd as there were numerous peaks and troughs to navigate. Looking back at our bungalow shacks on the after and then again as our destination, it oddly enough felt we were in an episode of LOST. No one knew where we were, no one knew where we were going and no one could say why we left in the first place. No one had any answers, just like in the show.
There wasn’t more then 10 of us and I was only familiar with about half the fellowship. The leader of the group was David, a med student slash PHD candidate for something related to biology and/or engineering. David was a tall fellow and spoke sparingly, until you asked him some science related question which would prompt a speech highlighted with scholarship and detailed analysis. David was quickly assigned the title John Locke, a reference to the knowledgeable survival character from the hit TV show LOST. It’s hot, you should watch it. That comment spurred a whole conversation regarding what characters we were most like from the show. Mike quickly laid claim to Sawyer, which was a little far fetched but given our group, I wasn’t going to question it. As for me, I was assigned the role of Charlie as I struggled to keep up with David in the front of the group.
The hike was strenuous from the beginning. The terrain was odd as there were numerous peaks and troughs to navigate. Looking back at our bungalow shacks on the after and then again as our destination, it oddly enough felt we were in an episode of LOST. No one knew where we were, no one knew where we were going and no one could say why we left in the first place. No one had any answers, just like in the show.
The farther we walked, the more we could make out the features at the top of the mountain. There was what appeared to be a building of some sorts and wiring in the distance. For all we knew this was a military post as much as a hotel. Thankfully we didn’t stop to consider these options. As long as we stayed clear from mine field signs we felt safe. Eventually we started stopping more and more frequently, until it dawned on half the group that we were in fact really doing this and sooner or later there would be no turning back. We were getting cut and caught by spiky plants and the sun was approaching high noon. It was at that point when a portion on the group realized this wasn’t happening and took off back down the mountain. The rest of us split up into two groups. Those going all the way up and those going after a cliff like peak to the right. I chose the peak. John was just too fast for me. Sawyer followed him.
As the rest of us headed for the peak, the scenery got seriously beautiful. There were some awesome trees and bushes in addition to the shimmering rock structure that jetted out above the mountain. Jason ran for the top, getting there way before the rest of us. It took me and the rest of the group to gain ground as the rocks got steeper and steeper. The top was beautiful complete with a miniature version of the familiar delicate arches that were made famous in Utah’s park. It was quit cool under the arch and the rock floor provided a nice little massage surface for your back. We hung out on the top on the structure and practiced yodeling skills ask Locke’s group slowly but surely approached the top.
As the rest of us headed for the peak, the scenery got seriously beautiful. There were some awesome trees and bushes in addition to the shimmering rock structure that jetted out above the mountain. Jason ran for the top, getting there way before the rest of us. It took me and the rest of the group to gain ground as the rocks got steeper and steeper. The top was beautiful complete with a miniature version of the familiar delicate arches that were made famous in Utah’s park. It was quit cool under the arch and the rock floor provided a nice little massage surface for your back. We hung out on the top on the structure and practiced yodeling skills ask Locke’s group slowly but surely approached the top.
Jason yodeling at us from the summit
As we descended the rock, we could hear the faint sound of running water. I was ready to head back but Jason had the brilliant idea of going to search for it. I, on the other hand had the brilliant idea of going back to eat a meal of food. Later that day, I was greeted by photos of Jason’s brilliant ravine and a large cow skull which Locke decided to take back to the hostel for further study.
1 comment:
Your hiking epic was great. It made me even sorrier to miss it.
JH
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