Salute to CAARI Participants - Happy 35th Anniversary - Red Sea Dinner Cruise

Salute to CAARI Participants! Thank you to all those who came on the first CAARI Program in 1983 through today - 35 years later!  You are to be admired for you dedication to Israel, your energy, enthusiasm  and commitment to help others - kuddos!  

How do we celebrate?  A Red Sea Dinner Cruise on the Merilou! 

It was a perfect afternoon and evening with blue, clear skies, stunning sunset,  warm temperatures, perfect sailing conditions and terrific crew. 

Standing at the bow of the ship, hair blowing in the gentle breeze, and looking over the calm blue waters viewing the Eilat Mountains and the ports of Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia  - just breathtaking.

Refreshments, grilled delicious dinner, a little music, dancing and sharing a lovely evening with a great group of people - what could be better?  

The Dolphin Reef - amazing place

Today, we did not swim with the dolphins, but we learned a lot about the them at this relaxing refuge for dolphins ad people.  The Dolphin Reef in Eilat, on the shores of the Red Sea offered CAARI a unique way to observe some of nature’s most magnificent sea creatures.  And, even some peacocks!

The Reef, established over 20 years ago,  is home to a colorful array of tropical fish, beautiful coral and, most significantly, a school of bottle-nosed dolphins including babies born on the site.It brings humans closer to animals in a sensitive and respectful way.  The dolphins are not kept captive! They live in their natural habitat and have free access to the open sea should they choose to leave.  Amazing.  A must see!  Way to go CAARI another exciting site to visit!  

TImna Park - a geological wonder!

Aaron Greener, an archaeologist, gave us a talk on Timna Park while we were in Tel Aviv.  His presentation showed pictures of the area but the truth is - you have to be there in person to truly see the beauty of the area.  

The Park covers an area of 60 square kilometers with many trails for hikers, cyclists and backpackers and a lake, which is where we had lunch.    We were in awe with the majestic rock formations, archaeological sites, dating back centuries, and  the history of the area including the ancient cooper mines.  

Yes, in the CAARI tradition, many of decided to walk up Solomon’s Pillars which are  towering sandstone columns. Perfectly formed by Nature! 

We climbed up and up over rocks, assisted by fellow CAARITES, we made it to the top.  And, what a view including the hieroglyphics. 

As Pearl described the day  - it was exhilarating!  Ask Esther!  

Eilat - Bird Center, Red Mountain Therapeutic Riding Center (Feb. 19)

We are up with the birds!  

Yes, early - even before breakfast.  Some of us are saying, "why are we here", but after a few words from our passionate guide,  Noam Weiss, whose love for the birds and environment have given us new meaning to being a bird watcher.  We arrived early to see the ringing that the staff does and some of us got GENTLY handle the birds after the ringing.  

According the Israeli Bird Ringing Center, Israel lies at the heart of one of the world's largest migration routes and twice a year, hundreds of millions of birds pass through the region on their way to and from their Eurasian breeding grounds. 

CAARI visited the Center at the beginning of the Spring Migration - birds flying from Africa to Europe and Scandinavia.  Most of these birds only stop for a brief refueling session and continue the journey, others remain to winter.

The importance of Israel's few remaining natural habitats is crucial to the survival of millions of birds. The Center has a special meaning to the CAARI group.  About 15 years ago CAARI dug and planted over 200 trees.  The trees are now quite large and provide a wonderful environment to all types of birds.  We viewed the birds in the pond and Noam identified each of them! Lots of pictures! 

Back to the hotel for breakfast - hmmmm - where does one begin in the buffet?  Rested and feed, we are back on the road to the Red Mountain Riding Center located at Kibbutz Grofit.  

The  Riding Center provides weekly horseback riding therapy for nearly 200 children and adults with physical and mental disabilities as well as emotional and behavioral issues.  Over the years, CAARI has visited this impressive Center and seen it expand to meet the needs of the neighboring communities.   .  It is associated with JNF and provides a great service to the area.