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<\/a><\/p>\nWe got an early start for our “Judean Desert off-road Adventure.” \u00a0The jeeps were waiting for us and we hopped on and took off down the highway.<\/p>\n
We were quickly off-road and our caravan bumped along the rocky road through no-man’s-land.<\/p>\n Driving through the Judean Desert was so much fun! \u00a0The only things missing were camels coming over the horizon. \u00a0The scenery was spectacular!!!<\/p>\n We bumped along on a well worn trail following the jeep ahead of us. \u00a0Much of the land looked like pictures on the surface of the moon. \u00a0It was unbelievable!<\/p>\n The jeeps stopped to give us a break and the leader explained the geography of the region and how the hills and mountains were formed.<\/p>\n After a while, the jeeps climbed to the top of a hill and parked. We looked out over the desert and across the Dead Sea salt and mineral collection areas, to Jordan on the other side. \u00a0Incredible views!!<\/p>\n At about mid-day, the jeeps drove the group to a nature preserve and the leader spoke about conservation. We had an outdoor picnic in the preserve.<\/p>\n After we returned to the hotel, we met Rafi and walked down to the shore of the Dead Sea. \u00a0Rafi brought packets of Dead Sea mud and explained to us neophytes how to schmear mud on ourselves. \u00a0(Ugh! \u00a0Is all I could say!) \u00a0There are supposed to be health benefits and healing properties.<\/p>\n Then we went into the very salty water to “wash off” the mud. \u00a0It didn’t come off that easily. \u00a0The most surprising aspect of the Dead Sea water was that it felt slimy. \u00a0The added floating ability made getting upright more difficult because my feet wanted to float. \u00a0It just took a little practice. \u00a0I think I’ll stick with pools and the ocean.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n