The experience was incredible. I had a fantastic time, despite some trying moments along the way: The first day we came across an aquifer . Feeling adventurous a group of us decided to climb through the narrow opening into the mountain, wading through water with flashlights to see the source. Being afraid of water/drowning, this was not the best decision on my part. We got to a section where the ceiling of the cave was so low we had to crawl on our hands and knees with only our heads above water and inches between our heads and the cavernous roof. I had a little freak out and did not want to pass through this section - even though the ceiling got higher right after it. I wanted to head back...but they wouldn't let me. They wouldn't give me a flashlight. So there I was, having to decide between facing my fear or being left in a water-filled cave in the dark - alone. I don't know whether to call them encouraging, or just plain mean, but I got through and we eventually came to the source. Quiet, we could hear the water flow. As one of the Israelis exclaimed "that's the noise it makes right before it collapses." Thanks...a lot.
The third day, as my roommate calls it, was rock tobogganing. We were hiking cliffs, with a drop off on our right side, and a wall on our left, with about a 2 feet path in between. This "path" was composed of mostly boulders to climb/lunge up and down. Every once in a while we'd see a trail marker on some crazy high tower of boulders and just think "seriously?". One wrong step or slip could result in falling over a cliff. I found myself sliding down rocks on my butt to better navigate when foot holds were not evident. While I admit, I was scared at times - looking back on it now it was a lot of fun, like a puzzle. My last personal trial was on the fourth and final day. They had a surprise in store for us: repelling! I was really excited, thought it would be so much fun. They had us stand on the edge of a cliff, lean back and back, and then start walking down the side of the cliff. I hated the whole way down. Maybe it was the lack of practice or direction. They had us jump right in. Of course I'm glad I did it, otherwise I would just wonder. I would even consider trying it again. But it was probably one of the scariest extended moments of my life - and I don't really even know why.
These experiences are not what I am referring to when I say "survivor style." We were split up into 4 tribes. There was a challenge for all teams once a day, and then any team could challenge another team during the hike. Challenges included building the tallest structure using natural materials, who could pee the longest, trivia, crossing the "river", arm wrestling, wearing team hats and creating a team song. Some teams were competitive, some non-spirited, but it was a great idea, and I had a lot of fun with it. Go team Golani with red striped hats! We came across a couple interesting groups of people. One was the Druze. A religious group in Northern Israel. Not much is known about their religion, as they will not talk about it with others. A big secret. They were barbecuing skews of meat and they gave us one to share as we passed by. All I can say was that it was the best thing I have ever eaten. The other, we refer to as the tree people. However, they refer to themselves as "The Greater Spirit." We found them literally hugging and singing to trees. The worship trees and found this area to be particularly spiritual. We heard their singing into the night as we woke for our fire-watching shifts. Interesting.
I make the hike sound like this intense experience, but most of it was just hiking. Yes, up and down mountains and sometimes for 10 hours a day, but it was hiking. Outside, in nature, without technology, green, trees, natural springs, passing out on uncomfortable rocks during lunch breaks. A great way to relax and get to know new people and the country and culture of Israel. There was an amazing sense of accomplishment and pride as we made it to the top of the road for our first glimpse of the Sea of Galilee. The most amazing thing: I wasn't sore at all.
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