Hiking Shehorit Canyon

By Anice Stark – Toronto, Canada
Tuesday, January 15

Our first hike of the 2008 season and as Neil described the hike – “off the road”! We went to the Shehorit Canyon, not far from our hotel. We were bundled in layers, as it is still cold weather. Not everyone came on the hike, those that didn’t go were taken to the Hai Bar Nature Reserve to wait for us. We drove along a dirt road where we were let off to begin our hike. As usual, it was rocky, but level. After a while we reached the first barrier, a low stone wall. With the help – we were able to leap, ok climb over, the wall. More easy walking and in the company of other groups from Birthright, who cheered us on! However, we did need their help at the second stone wall! This one was a little harder, but again with help we were able to do it. The younger crowd over took us and we said good-bye to our new friends. Needless to say, they were impressed with our guts. For me personally, the hardest part was the long walk uphill. The sights were spectacular – colorful rock formations against the blue, blue sky! In the distance, we could see Eilat,