NEGEV TOURING Day 2 - February 17 - From Ramat HaNegev to the Zin Valley

Perfect day – sunny, blue sky and temperatures in high 60’s! Some took an early morning walk along the rim of the crater and saw the ibex – which were already eating their breakfast!  First stop of the day was the amazing Ramat Hanegev Desert Research Center.  We were all so impressed with the work that they do for the farmers and for research!  As Brina says – who knew that JNF did so much?  Now we know!

After a wonderful movie describing the farmers and how they benefit from the KKL research center, we visited a tomato hothouse and learned the new techniques in increasing yield and production.  Next – experimental work on grapes where they now can have 2 growing seasons! 

Next stop was Golda Park where we met a JNF forester who described the park – how it is used and yes – it is named after Prime Minister, Golda Meir. 

Lunch was in the very small commecial center of Sde Boker Medrasha Desert Research Institutes!   Always good to support the locals!  After lunch we were to hike the Zin Valley.  As we pulled up to the entrance we were told that the paths were closed due to flash flooding!  Huh!!!  Plan B – off to the overview of the Zin Valley and the final resting places of David and Paula Ben Gurion over looking the Zin Valley.  Not to miss some hiking, Neil took us to the place we would end the hike for a breathtaking view! Now, back at the hotel for rest and dinner.  Tomorrow is another Negev Day.  Love to all,

CAARI Staff

Traveling to Mtizpe Ramon - Feb. 16 by CAARI 1st Negev Touring Day

We said our goodbyes to Tel Aviv and the marvelous staff at the Prima City Hotel and began our journey through the Negev to our evening destination - Mitzpe Ramon. This was truly the first day that it was windy, cloudy with cooler temperatures.  But, all of us were prepared with many layers!   It was a day of meeting people who work and live in the Negev and seeing sites to understand the importance of this area.

Our first stop was the JNF Forest Station at Plugot Junction where we met with the foresters Boris and David Shriki who demonstrated fir fighting techniques on one of the new fire trucks - which happened to be donated from Toronto!  Impressive vehicle and nice to meet the dedicated foresters!

Back on the bus to our next stop - a view of Gaza Strip and explanation from the Nebi Meri Lookout Over Gaza City - a JNF overlook dedicated to a Druse Officer who fell in 1996.
Oh - and we stopped by Nir AM  - a JNF reservoir!
Our next stop was the Bedouin Village of Lakia one of the recognized towns on Bedowin in the Negev where we met a most impressive person, Naama who has organized a workshop and organization for th advancement for Bedouin women.  She discussed how she got started and what she is doing to change the educational status of women in both the recognized and unrecognized villages. - from a mobile library, weaving workshops, young leadership groups and a store to sell the beautiful merchandise.  Truly an impressive person!

Lunch time in Beersheva followed by a tour of the JNF Nahal Beersheva Park a five mile JNf project.  For some of us who visit the area yearly, we were so impressed with what we saw and the development of the area.  Shahar Hermalin, JNF (USA) Tourism Director, gave us a guided tour and took us to the new amphitheater - with a press of his phone we were in the area and on stage!  What a site!  Beersheva certainly looks a lot different than it did a few years ago.   From there we went to the new Beer Sheva Visitors Center for a movie and tour of Abraham's Well. On to the Canada JNF' Plotnick's project along the river and over the Pipe's Bridge - back on the bus and off to Mitzpe Ramon for dinner and overnight! BRRRR - quite cold in the desert in the evening!
Love to all,
CAARI