Jesus Trail, day 3

As we woke this morning, Wednesday, September 12, the aches of yesterday felt better. We got ready for the day and left the Galilee Cabins in Arabel this morning about 9 am.  We enjoyed their hospitality and the beauty of the place.

 Above, looking toward the hot tub building on the left, the pool building behind Russ. Below, a picture of our cabin

 The owner was so welcoming, said she was born here, it was a beautiful place!

As we walked out of Arabel, we walked through fields on the way to the Arabel Mountain National Park

 After the climb toward the park, I needed a rest!

 Looking back toward where we came from

 We reached the summit, steep cliffs are below us with a great view of the Sea of Galilee

 We got close enough to the edge to look over, not too close to fall off!  Russ wore the helmet cam for part of the hike

Looking down to the trail below

 The trail had switchbacks as we worked our way down the mountain

We literally followed a cow path down the mountain lined with rocks and weeds.

 Looking down toward Migdal where we will spend the night.  As the crow flies, it wasn't far but walking carefully back and forth down the mountain took awhile

 The Sea of Galilee was a beautiful backdrop as we hiked down the mountain

The cliffs were STEEP!

 We were careful not to fall, we would have been down the hill quickly and painfully if we lost our footing

 Looking back to where we came from

 

After the descent, we stopped for a welcome break under the shade of a tree.  We had a nice breeze most of the day

 Anytime we found shade, it was a welcome relief!  The temperature wasn't extreme, but with a backpack, the strenuous climb/descent and the added humidity, we felt the heat and were sweat soaked and tired by the end of the day.

Mount Arabel in the distance, we were on the TOP this morning!

 We walked into Migdal which is across from Mount Arabel on the Sea of Galilee.  The climb into the town was steep and we were looking for our guest house.  We found Breit Bracha, a prayer center on top of the hill.  Weary, worn and sweaty, we were grateful to find the place which we will call home for two nights.  After a shower and rest, we are relaxing in the lounge area overlooking the Sea of Galilee, the picture below is from my vantage point as I blog.

This experience is beyond words, really.  As we walk along, I think of Jesus and all the others who may have walked this way before me, seeing the beauty and wonder of the sights as we crest a hill.  Not only have we walked where Jesus walked, we've seen what Jesus saw.  Not the modern cities, roads, power lines, or vehicles; but the mountains, the Sea of Galilee, the beauty of our surroundings and the grandeur of God's creation. As we walked, I imagined Jesus thinking of the people in the cities in view around the Sea of Galilee and longing for all to know His saving grace.  What do we do with our knowledge of Jesus?  Keep it to ourselves, or spread His love and grace to others?  I think we all know the answer to that question.  Have a blessed day sharing His love, salvation and grace with others.

 

Until tomorrow,

Russ & Carol