Day 4 – Sunday, August 7: Gamla, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Mt. Hermon, Dan, Misgav Am, Upper Galilee / “Hill 713”
Today was our first full day, and a long yet great one. We hiked at four sites and enjoyed the cooler temperatures on there Golan Heights. Highs were around 90 in the north, with full sun. We left the hotel following breakfast at 7:35.
Gamla
Our first first was Gamla. We drove around to the northeast side of the lake (passing Capernuam and Bethsaida) and ascended into the Golan Heights to this 1st century Jewish city destroyed by the Romans in 67 AD. Gamla was the first major city that fell in the First Revolt. The entire group hiked down to the site from the top overlook to see the 1st century synagogue. Even though Gamla is not mentioned in the Bible, there’s a high likelihood that Jesus taught here (Mathew 4 and 9). We hiked back up to the bus, refilled our water bottles, and boarded the bus for the next site.
Syrian Border
Driving north we stopped at a place where we could overlook the border with Syria. The battles of 1867 and 1973 were both fought in this area. We could see the Syrian city of Quneitra (also Kuneitra) across the border.
Mt. Hermon
We drove through a few Druze villages to get to the base of the ski resort of Mt. Hermon. We took the gondola to the top and enjoyed a steep hike back to the bottom. The trail was quite rocky with boulder fields. The views of Lebanon to the north and the Huleh Valley to the south was incredible. Mt. Hermon is mentioned in the Bible (Psalm 42, 89, 133).
Dan
The nature preserve and archaeology site of Dan was next. Located off the slopes of there Golan, we first hiked along the impressive spring waters. This led us to the cultic area of the OT site of Dan. Here we saw the sacrificial altar and high place established by Jeroboam (1 Kings 18, who followed in the pattern set by there Danites (Judges 18). We also saw the priestly chamber, the Middle Bronze mud-brick gate, and the gate complex of the Israelite (Iron Age) city.
“The Adventure Tour began with a bang. We hiked at four different locations, encountering the land of the Bible in a very unique way. At the day Dr. John took us to ‘Hill 713’ where we could see the entire width of Israel here in the north. While the day was long, it was incredible!”
Misgav Am
Misgav Am is the most northern kibbutz in Israel. It’s located high on the hills of Naphtali over looking the Lebanon border. The view into Lebanon was excellent. The border has been quiet for 16 years now, but the presence of Hezbollah presents an ongoing challenge for Israel.
Upper Galilee / “Hill 713”
Our last stop was “Hill 713” (as called by Dr. John’s former historical geography professor). This was an extra hike in the Upper Galilee inserted into the day’s program. The 25 minute walk to an spectacular view of the entire width of Israel was well worth it. We could see the Golan Heights and Sea of Galilee to the east, and the Carmel Range to the west, and everything in-between (e.g. Tiberias, Arbel, Horns of Hattin, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Gilboa, Nazareth Ridge, etc…).
We returned to the hotel for a late dinner (7:45). We enjoyed the great food and especially the ice cream for desert! 🙂
Day 5 – Monday, August 8: Arbel, Yardenit, Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
