Keeping with 2017’s theme of doing shit that brings me joy, I went on a group hike again, this time to Nahal Tse’Elim, in the Negev. I love the outdoors. I love hiking. And I love the sense of self-sufficiency that I’m gaining the more I explore the world around me.
This hike was short (7km out and back) and non-technical. No pressure to go faster or get back by sunset, with plenty of breaks to take pictures and drink water. It was fun and leisurely and exactly what I needed to restore confidence in my judgement after last month’s harrowing disaster adventure.
We caravanned to the trail head, then split up into groups—fast, medium, and slow. I joined the slow group out of an abundance of caution and I’m glad I did.
The medium group had an amazing hike and decent into the wadi. We stayed high above the wadi, which gave us some gorgeous views out to the Dead Sea (as you can barely see in the panoramic photo below).
It was lovely. The Negev is beautiful, and one of my few regrets about my time here in Jerusalem is that I didn’t begin hiking there earlier.
Ahhh looks so beautiful! I love hikes. I would also probably go with the slow group…:)
This looks absolutely stunning! I am hoping to get to Israel in the next year or so, I will have to put this on my list of things to see.
That panoramic shot at the end is stunning! A 7 KM hike sounds relatively manageable – I’d probably go with the slow group too!
Oh yes, I’m always with the slow group too! I prefer to take my time, and enjoy the views along the way! I’d really like to visit Jerusalem, it looks beautiful!
I love hiking. I would also prefer going with the slow group.
Amazing shots!
Hiking isn’t something that immediately comes to mind when I think of trips to Israel. The photos are beautiful though! What was the weather like for the hike?
Lovely! What tremendous scenery. I got to see the Dead Sea from the Jordanian side just a few months ago and found it to be incredible. Hope the weather was bearable on your hike, it was definitely warm on our trip!
These shots are so beautiful! I like to think I love hiking but my stamina is so low I always give up towards the end. Had so much fun reading about your experience :)
Your photos look beautiful. I love blog posts that use plenty of photos so you can feel like you can experience the place more. Thank you for sharing :)
The landscape looks impressive! I had no idea hiking in Israel would be such a cool experience. Would you say hiking solo is safe or it would be better to join a group?
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I really liked Negev when I visited Israel years ago. Its really beautiful and you are lucky to have a chance to hike there. Amazing pictures, thanks for sharing!
My hubby loves to hike but I always tend to hold him back because I am over cautious and a tad bit scared of heights (That would be an understatement). The views here are gorgeous and I have always wanted to see the Dead sea. I never knew that there was hiking nearby. Was the hike easy?
I am glad that this time it went better, Theresa! I absolutely loved hiking the Negev and hope to get back there one day! The desert is just absolutely mesmerizing… and your photos show it!
I wait for more hikes around Israel from you! :)
Ioanna (A Woman Afoot)
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The photos are nice! The rocky terrain though… I wish we had a close up pic of dead sea.nice post!
It looks like a great hike to restore confidence. I’d love to find my confidence again after my failed hiking adventure but it seems to get worst and worst. Glad you got you mojo back!
Loved reading this because I love hiking and this gave me a new destination to look into!
What an unusual example of nature’s innovative topography! To be honest, I have never heard of this area earlier. Jerusalem is suddenly rising in importance as a travel destination…
I think it’s so important to do what you like and you showed a great example of that. It looks like a great trek. Thanks for sharing.
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Negev hike sure seems like something. I love the pictures of the rocky terrains and it sure is something of my interest.
WOW! I think Israel is a nice place for next destination. Thanks for sharing your travel adventure Theresa.