CAARI Desert Jeep Tour

Adam and his team gave us a fabulous jeeptour of the Makhtesh.  He explained how this was all formed millions of years ago. The geological formations are outstanding.  Great day!

The blooming desert!

The combination of winter rains and sunshine have made the desert a carpet of color wildflowers and plants.  While on our jeep ride today we enjoyed the colors of the Makhtash.

The Makhtesh! Mitzpa Ramon

Boker Tov Mitzpe Ramon!

You are asking - did we spell this right? Makhtesh?  What is it?


People may be more familiar with calling it the Ramon Crater.  Makhtesh Ramon is a beautiful nature reserve in the heart of the Negev Desert.  Our first activity, after breakfast,  was  a 3 mile hike through a part of the Makhtesh.

Some of us did the 3 miles and others, only the first part.  We saw archaeological ruins from the Nabatean times, colorful springs flowers, and walked along, sometimes in the springs,  surrounded by amazing rock formations and blue, blue skies.  The contrast was magnificent.  We definitely took the time to enjoy the natural nature of Israel.

Off to lunch at the Commercial Center, the 'downtown'area of Mitzpe Ramon.
 - many of us had a taste for ice cream!

On to the Visitors Center for a very moving film on Ilan Ramon and an an explanation of how the Makhtest was formed.  Our day is not over - maybe Stargazing tonight!  This all depends on the weather! Well, today, so far, was beautiful.  Our leaders will think of Plan B, if if the weather does no cooperate!

Wine tasting with Yair

Shalom CAARI Friends and Family,

It is hard to believe that in a few days we will complete with our 4 weeks of community service work in Tel Aviv.  It was a wonderful experience!  The children were terrific and so adorable, the dogs were loving, and the Botanical Garden is just in the beginning of displaying the colorful spring flowers.   This coming week we will  tour in the Negev and conclude the CAARI Program in Jerusalem. 



Today, Feb 13 we a had special afternoon with Yair .  Most tours visit wineries, but CAARI went a step further, we had a sommelier explain Israeli wines and the history and growth of the  wine industry in Israel.   This way,  we were able to taste a variety of wines from Vineyards throughout the country.  L'chaim to  CAARI!