Dead Man Swimming
Trip Start
May 13, 2006
1
17
25
Trip End
Jun 13, 2006
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Dead Sea,
Israel
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
We climb up to Masada and it was hot 99 degrees on the top. Spend a while looking at the fortress before we climbed down the other side - whoa 1300 feet straight down. There were two choices a cable car and a small path - I chose the path - it was very steep, rocky and hot. I was VERY sweaty at the bottom. I paid three dollars for a drink at the bottom - it was the best three dollars I spent all day.
From there we were off to Ein Gedi for lunch by the Dead Sea. Lunch: pita and tuna - seriously. Then a dip in the Dead Sea - no need to wait 30 minutes after eating, you don't sink in this water - the salt content is 30% - a strange feeling - it is like floating with a life preserver on. The water is SALTY and my friend Donny warned me that it is not comfortable for some parts of your body (I'll leave that to your imagination). I did swim over to find some famous Dead Sea Mud (note the picture). Soft, supple skin - too bad it doesn't make you thinner. Chick's dig big guys with mud. Don't worry I told them I already had my hot babe - too bad for them.
After our swim we hiked up to David's Falls which was reminiscent of some waterfalls in Jamaica. It was nice - I wish my hot babe Kristen was with me.
Next we went to Qumran where it was 104 degrees. Qumran is where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. We hiked up to Cave 11 (noted Q11 in the scholarly books). It smelled like someone's bathroom - stinky. It is a one hour ride back to Jerusalem where we will stay two nights.
Today was a hot and sweaty day - even the Dead Sea was warm. A few of us went out for Thai food and then back to the hotel for some wine and music on the deck. It was a fitting - and relaxing - end to another very long day.
Comments
Masada and the Dead Sea
Mike, I admit I took the cable car up to Masada. But it was so high! And floating in the dead sea was a childhood dream of mine...I didn't believe it when Aimee told me I couldn't sink. How is your tan coming along? Oh how I would love to be over there with you!!
Mike K.
Who are those ladies with daddy?
When the girlies saw your mud stud picture - Sarah said- 'Hey that guy belongs to my mom!!!! David's falls sounds amazing. I sure wish I could've been there with you. From now on I think we should do all overseas travel together. :) Hey did you see any conconuts nearby David's falls?
Feel the Burn
Mike, I told ya...the Dead Sea is more weird than fun. My hat's off to you, I took the cable car up and down Masada. I'm weak.
Three bucks for water; isn't capitalism great?