Day 2: Hiking and Kayaking down the Jordan River | Shorashim - Israel with Israelis

Day 2: Hiking and Kayaking down the Jordan River

Day 2

Today we had another fabulous day in the Golan Heights. We started our day off with breakfast at Kibbutz Afik, and then loaded onto the bus and drove to Mount Arbel for a hike. At a beautiful lookout point we learned some Israeli history and how mountain rappelling was invented. Then we scaled down part of a mountain and hiked down the rest. It was really hot!

After a quick group activity, we got back on the bus and drove to the holy city of Tzfat. It was amazing - it was full of tan stone with blue balconies and doorways, as well as bushes, flowers, and small stores. After having lunch in Tzfat, we walked through more of this breathtaking ancient city, stopping to visit an Ashkenazi synagouge and an interesting candle shop. We had a little time to shop around, getting the chance to buy fresh-squeezed juices, jewelry, candles, or kippahs.

Then we walked through the city a little more and drove to the Kfar Blum Kayaks on the Jordan River. After we splashed and drifted along, we got out, dried off, and we are now headed back to the Kibbutz for dinner and group activities.

It was very interesting being in a city, on a mountain, and on the Jordan River all in the same day. Tzfat was different from any city any of us have ever been to before, and the mountain had beautiful panoramic views. We are so excited for the rest of our Birthright trip!

- Rachel Davis