Israel, Seattle Style!
PNWsters love the outdoors. Backpacking, kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing...if REI sells gear for it, we love it. Israelis are much the same way. Luckily, Israel has an amazing system of marked trails, with trail markers every hundred or so meters. Backpacking, or “Trekking,” as Israelis like to call it, is an amazing way to see the country, to see some incredible country side, natural springs (ein) and the biodiversity of Israel, and to meet amazing Israelis.
Yam l’Yam, or the Sea to Sea Trek from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee, is an incredible 80 kilometer trek that can take you through kibbutzim, the Druze village of Hurfeish, and even the sacred city of Tzfat. You can stop at your own 12th century Crusader castle along the way, view amazing fruit groves, flora, Druze shepards with their goats...and see a part of Israel that is difficult to access with big tour buses and large group travel. You can also be very ambitious and hike all of Israel on the Israel National Trail!
Of course there are many ways to hike in Israel. If overnight backpacking isn’t possible, day hikes through the upper Galilee are incredible. Be sure to stop by a hiking shop and pick up a good map of where you’re heading. For Yam l’Yam, you’ll need Map Number 2. In Jerusalem, check out L’metayel Camping Store, Yoel Solomon 5, City Center, 02-6233338.
Seattleites love to hike, and I think we’re on to something: hiking offers the “slice of life” encounter on the trail. You’ll be sure to have an amazing time far away from the tour buses and Birthright crowds.
^^ Have lunch at your own crusader castle --Montfort.
^^ Vistas in the upper Galilee