Hiking

Yesterday we went for an amazing hike through the Golan Heights at 8 AM so that we could have some time out of the direct sun. We started way above sea level with an amazing view of the surrounding mountains and the creek beneath. Then we descended down into the valley and hiked through the woods and along the water. It was a very rocky hike so I had to keep remembering to stop and look at the scenery because I was so busy looking down making sure I didn't fall on my ass. The hike was led by a guide and we had to have a lifeguard and security guard with us the entire time. In order to stay alive we had to keep stopping every few minutes so that we could rehydrate and catch our breaths... because it is so easy to become dehydrated when hiking in the desert. There were all these little creeks and waterfalls that we went past as well which were amazing. We got to take breaks and go swimming in these throughout the hike as well which was very refreshing. At one point we had to climb down a ladder built into the cliff side into a creek several meters below (they told us that usually the ladder is much shorter, but that the water level has drastically decreased) into the water. We had to put all of our belongings inside plastic bags and put them on a raft to get them to the other side of the creek while we swam. It was really cool. The water was filled with fish and they kept nibbling on my legs which was really creepy... but the water still felt amazing. I'm about to head to the beach right now for some swimming and homework... so I'll finish later.