Akko, Rosh Hanikra and Monforte Hike - January 29,2019

Another great day!  We arrived at the JNF Visitor's Center located, in an 100 year old building,  at the entrance to the famous, historic Akko market.  

This  new tourist information center to provide visitors with information on where to go, what to do and where to stay in the Western Galilee.  Its intent is increase tourism in the Western Galilee area.  Beautifully displayed information.  Neil, our guide,  explained the history of this amazing place. 

We walked through the colorful shuk, passing the fresh fish, aromatic spices and fresh fruits a vegetables.  The strawberries were amazing.  Neil has us   taste some of the local sweets! 

ROSH HANIKRA

On to beautiful Grottoes in Rosh Hanikra on the border with Lebanon.  The large crevices, clefts, and tunnels have been carved by the waves pounding the soft limestone cliff.  There is also a train tunnel located at the site that was built by the British ANZAC forces Australia New Zealand Armoured Corps during World Was II to for transporting supplies and people from Turkey to Egypt. 

We took a cable car to the top and meandered through the path with the breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea's waves splashing against the rocks.  Before leaving we all walked up to the border for a view.  All very peaceful.  

Montforte Fortress 

Today began with Crusader sites and ended with one of the most spectacular - Montforte.  






We arrived in JNF's Goren Park,  a natural oak forest, which is very rare to find in Israel.  Park has many hiking and walking trails, picnic areas and even an amphitheater for summer concerts. 


As we made our way through the trails we discover many colorful spring flowers hidden among the rocks.  Spring is in the air here!  


We continued our walk until we came to the observation area which overlooks a small river  and the most beautiful view was that of Montforte.  This large Crusader fort was built at the beginning of the 12th century.  We wondered how they got the materials there!  In recent excavations, they have found a ballroom.  Great place for the Crusaders to hang out! 

What a fantastic CAARI Day!

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