Day 9 – Sunday, January 12: Optional Sunrise Hike in Upper Galilee (“Hill 713”), Capernaum, Chorazin, Hippos
Today was our “reflection/recovery” day and it was meaningful in many ways. Unfortunately, a heavy fog prevented us to see any sunrise (from “Hill 713”). However, the sun appeared later in the morning, with sunny skies by the afternoon. We enjoyed perfect temps in the 60s. We only visited a few sites, with a slower pace. Following a late breakfast, we left the hotel at 9:30. We read from Mark 1:35f as we began (about Jesus praying in the early morning).
Optional Hike to “Hill 713” (Har Mitzpe ha-Yamim)
Well before sunrise, 18 of us left the hotel at 5:10 to drive north into the Upper Galilee. We enjoyed about a 30 minute hike to “Hill 713” (or Har Mitzpe ha-Yamim in Hebrew). This is a trail that leads to a stunning overlook! We made in plenty of time before the sunrise. Unfortunately, the fog prevented us from seeing even the Sea of Galilee. Some of us will return to this lookout later this afternoon. 🙂
Capernaum
Leaving the hotel at 9:30, we drove north to Capernaum. This was the “home base” for his ministry here in the Galilee. Sitting in the late 4th / early 5th century synagogue, we read from Mark 1, 2; Luke 7; and John 6. We also saw many 1st century house structure ruins dating to the time of Jesus. Before we left the site, we spent some time down on the shoreline of the lake where we read the tender passage recored in Mark 9. We remembered it was along the shoreline here where Jesus called His first disciples (Matthew 4). Later here at Capernaum He also called Matthew/Levi (Mark 2). In Hebrew, Jesus said “Come, follow me!” (Lech Acharai – (לֶךְ אַחֲרָי) – literally meaning, “Walk after me/imitate me.”
Chorazin
Closely by high on a hill above the NW corner of the lake is Chorazin. The visible ruins from this archaeological site are primarily from a 3rd century AD. We saw a wine press as well as the synagogue. During Covid, archaeologists excavated below the 3rd century level of the synagogue and exposed most likely the 1st century level. Chorazin was one of three cities condemned by Jesus because of their unbelief (Matthew 11). We also read from Matthew 23 about the Moses Seat found here about 75 years ago.
Hippos/Sussita
From here, we traveled around the north end of the lake, passing by again the two possible locations for Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1). The Feeding of the 5,000 took place in a remote area near this fishing village. We then turned south on the east side towards Hippos/Sussita. On the way we made a brief stop to see the cliffs mentioned in Mark 5. At Hippos (a Decapolis city), we saw many Roman ruins. During the Byzantine Period (4th-6th centuries AD), there were no less than a half a dozen churches were built here. Upon leaving the site, we read the transformational story of the demoniac from Mark 5.
“Day 9 of our trip was another great one. Once again, all was quiet here in Israel, with no issues of safety concerns whatsoever. It is a shame that no other groups are here. Once again, our focus on on Jesus today, retracing His footsteps around the lake!”

Optional Return to “Hill 713” (Har Mitzpe ha-Yamim)
In the mid-afternoon, we dropped most of our group back at the hotel, while the rest of us (eight) returned to “Hill 713” for another try in seeing the wonderful view. This time the visibility was a little better, but the haze was still limiting. On a clearer day (as pictured from a few years ago), one could see literally across the width of the country, from the the Golan Heights to the east to the Carmel Range and Haifa to the west (beyond which is the Med Sea!). Looking south we could see Mt. Tabor, Hill of Moreh, and Mt. Gilboa. It was a special optional experience despite the haze. The sunset was very nice too! We returned to the hotel for dinner and our last overnight here before driving to Jerusalem tomorrow.
Day 10 – Monday, January 13: Precipice of Nazareth, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem







