Splashing in the Dead Sea
Trip Start
Oct 11, 2008
1
38
64
Trip End
Feb 20, 2009
Dead Sea Region,
Jordan
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
We reached this extravaganza after a trip driving from Dana via Karak and a bit of Dead Sea Highway. Some roadsigns were remarkable, for a few people. The landscape was largely agricultural to start with. The descent from the plateau into the Rift valley was dry and used an enormous gorge. Then, having arrived at the bottom, below sealevel, there was a number of greenhouses and fields. Never seen so many small trucks carrying tomatoes before. In places large red splashes showed that the drivers had not properly stacked the crates.
The visit to Dana (Nature Reserve and village) was relaxing. We could walk in the reserve and the hotel served OK food. Be aware that there is only one entrance open in winter, so most trails are closed during that time. This is to prevent tourists from being flushed down during flashfloods.
The day before, driving from Petra to Dana we passed Shobak Castle. On impulse we turned off the main road and onto the track leading to the visitor centre. Coffee had to do with that decision as well. This castle, built by Crusaders, is evidence for the long period that reli-fuelled clashes have been going on in this region. It is smaller than Karak Castle, but because it stands alone in an empty landscape, it looks very commanding.
Comments
Dead Sea
Hi Folks,
I stayed at the same hotel. That was a few years ago...the sea was retreating dramatically. How far away is the water from the hotel now?
Love, Arleen
Gezond 2009
Hoi Robert, Tanja, Jasper en Sander
Nog de aller beste wensen voor 2009. Met veel plezier volgen wij jullie reis met de bij behorende verhalen.
Groetjes,
Ben, Jacqueline, Bas, Timen Merel