The Sea of Galilee, the headwaters of the Jordan, the largest karst spring in the Middle East sampled during study abroad in Israel.
– Dawn Lewis, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
Today marked our first full day by the Sea of Galilee. After looking at the bare sand and rock of the desert for the first week, it was refreshing to see all the green of the north! Our hostel is wonderful, with beautifully landscaped grounds and a little outdoor gym facing the Sea. I was worried about staying in shape on this trip, but these little things are everywhere!
Photo by Dawn Lewis.
We began by taking water samples of the Sea of Galilee and measuring the salinity, as we have done at every body of water we have visited. Then, after a quick breakfast, we boarded the bus for an hour drive north to Tel Dan. Along the way, our guide, Eli, pointed out areas of historical interest that are referenced in the Bible. I’m not particularly religious, but I found it fascinating.
Headwaters
Our first stop was Tel Dan Nature Reserve, where the headwaters of the Jordan river are found. Though it only covers a small area, .5 square km, this area is of immense ecological importance. It contains the largest karst spring in the Middle East, is the last place in Israel that the marsh fern can be found, and is the home of a genetically unique strain of fire salamander.
Photo by Dawn Lewis.
As we walked along the cool, shaded path beside the spring, we learned about how they have successfully dealt with and managed various invasive species, like the eucalyptus tree, and how the ecosystem has rebounded. Considering the problems we have in Florida with invasive species, it was interesting to hear a success story regarding them. We were shown some of the native flora and fauna, and learned how experiments and water testing led to a change in management that benefited the environment. Science in action!
Nature Preserve
The second stop was Cessaria Phillipi in the Hermon Nature Reserve, named after Julius Caesar by Herod Phillipus. The older portion of the site consists of a cave, known as the “Gates of Hell”, where sacrifices were made to the god Pan. Niches were carved into the cliff, reminiscent of Petra in Jordan, where idols were placed. Adjacent are the ruins of courtyards and temples built later by Muslims.
Lunch was a unique experience in a Druze village in the Golan Heights, where I had a dish called labana. Made on a large, flat pita bread, it consists of soft goat cheese, hyssop, and olive oil folded inside and heated on a flat grill. This village is the only place that serves this, and it’s delicious!
– Dawn Lewis, SPC Student, Israel Program, May 2019
Thank you for sharing Dawn!
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