After seeing the outrageous prices quoted for a tour to the Dead Sea and Masada, we decided to try and rent a car and get there ourselves . After a little research, we found it would shave around $100 off the trip and, as it turns out, it was so easy! Israel is a small country and there is only one main highway that leads you directly down the coast of the Dead Sea and straight to Masada- a bit over 1 hour. So we packed a lunch, grabbed our swimsuits and set off....with Derek at the wheel, of course! After a few wrong turns, we made it to Masada. At Masada you can either take a tram to the top or hike for an hour. We, in our money saving mindsets, figured we would make the hike. It was an extremely hot that day and with Ashley not so used to the dryness/heat, we had to take it slowly. But, we made it to the top and enjoyed the panoramic views of the Dead Sea and surrounding desert (only for a few minutes at a time, because then we needed shade!) After hiking down, we made our way to the Dead Sea, had a picnic lunch, and then carefully waded into the water. It was a pretty amazing experience...you won't sink even if you try! But don't stay in too long....any tiny cuts or scrapes begin burning like crazy after a few minutes. We drove back to Jerusalem just in time for rush hour, but returned the car with 5 minutes to spare! All in all, a wonderful day.
We made it to the top...much to Ashley's relief! Derek seems to be fine......
Dead Sea in the distance and Roman sauna
Beautifully preserved mosaic floor
Wildlife! Notice the baby
Dead Sea
Just relaxing....
And flying......
More relaxing......
And more flying....
Dead Sea in the distance and Roman sauna
All the pictures are great. That is so cool seeing you float in the Dead Sea (with no effort); looks like you're reclining in a chair! And Derek looks like he's having a blast. I hate that it was so hot, but seems like you both made it just fine. Love you, hugs & kisses.... Mom
ReplyDeleteI love all the pictures Ashley! We were actually talking about the Dead Sea in my Science class today and I was so excited to share with my students about your travels. They could not believe that it was true what "they heard"....that you can float with no effort...in the Dead Sea, they saw through your pictures that indeed this was the truth. I just had to show them the pictures! Stay safe and I am so happy you are on this fun life changing journey;-)
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