One of my favorites things to do is hiking along Israel.
It’s hard to explain the power and satisfaction you get when you march 10-15 kilometers a day with your own feet.
Because of the unique geographic-location of the State of Israel, the landscapes that can be explored are very diverse. It varies from mountains covered with green trees, through magnificent plains and beaches, and down to the southern deserts with some of the most beatiful nature phenomena in the world.
But if you give me the option of choosing only one place to hike, I have no doubt that I will choose the desert and especially during winter time.
The intensity of the dramatic mountains, the deep gorges, the flowers that appears during the winter season, and the unique water springs, worth the effort.
The journey through the desolate desert and the surprise you get when reaching the spectacular clear water-basin, is a mental peak that is hard to explain.
As a Google Local Guide, I am fortunate to share with tourists and local people the information on the water sources in the desert.
True, there are other apps and websites that can give updates regarding the state of the springs in the desert, but the accessibility, simplicity and globality of the information in Google Maps - wins the challenge!
Once a week I get the weekly summary email from google that tells me how many people have viewed my photos and have read the additional info I have posted on the site. Knowing that, fills me with pride and motivation to continue with that important task.
So the next time you are looking for a unique experience, look for it in the desert around the water sources, use Google Mpas and remember to share your experience online!
But don’t forget - Avoid the gorges when there is a danger of flooding, and respect the space around the water sources that serves mainly desert wildlife.
Enjoy Israel.
Micha
And another example of a hidden “Winter Lake” (not in the desert - but among the sand dunes of Nitsanim):