Masada & Desert 5.4.09

Blow Dryer Winds at Masada.
God gave us the full-on desert experience by sending HOT wind. I have a new respect for Moses, Joshua, and all the Israelites.

This is after floating at the Dead Sea and hiking Ein Gedi...what a day!

Masada from the freeway.

You can see it a little better there.

The diversity of Israel is absolutely amazing.

We didn't have time to go up on Masada, but we took the opportunity for a photoshoot.

What are we standing on, you ask...A HUGE palm tree that's fallen.

On the drive back, we stopped off for more pictures. If you click the picture, you might be able to see it larger. There are a few cars down there that obviously didn't plan to be.

I wonder who lived here. History is so cool!

Daddy-daughter shot, yet again...get used to it =)

GQ asked for this shot.

Ta Da!

With the wind, it felt like a photshoot...

I really like being on tall places. The Dead Sea is in the background, but there was so much dust in the air, you can't really see it.

Arabesque for Abby and Emma.

Rental Cars...the only cars that can go anywhere.

Horse sighting on the side of the road.

This gas station was a joke. You're super bummed if your tank is on the wrong side, like us...haha! We finally filled the tank after quite a few jokes were cracked and more laughs were had.

The end of our FIRST day in Israel...Hani Surfboards, Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, Masada, and Desert drive home...thank you Jesus for this opportunity!!!

Ein Gedi 5.4.09

Ein Gedi, spelled En Gedi in our Bibles.
Where David came to rest and refresh in I Samuel 23 and 24.

Dad points out where we are. Maps are so helpful. Where am I? Right here (in the egg area - Brain Regan, anyone?)

We came just after the celebration of Israel's Independence Day, so the flag was everywhere. It was pretty cool to see.

Cute little desert animals...forget their names.

More caves...maybe David cut Saul's robe in THAT one.

One of the many waterfalls. It's crazy that this exists in the middle of straight up DESERTlands.

So special to be here with my Dad.

These are called rock badgers - they were so cute.

Kendra and I are teaching Atlas a few things.

Waterfalls are my favorite waterform!

Daddy and I at the big waterfall.

I don't know why, but I just always put one foot up...as you can see, I can't stand pictures.

Wow!

We couldn't swim in this particular pool, but the others were open for swimming.

Group shot...thanks again Kendra for being our tour guide.

God created this in the middle of the desert. He is always looking out for His kids.

We almost went swimming, but one of the guides came and told us that the park was closing due to high winds and falling rocks. I actually got pelted by a falling rock...didn't feel good. Next time we will swim! =)

Can you see him?

They are very used to annoying tourists snapping pictures.

Look, see...I'm really that close to them =)

The Big Dog.
Bye Ein Gedi...it's been real and fun, real fun.

Dead Sea 5.4.09

Craziest feeling!
Liquid salt that makes you feel like you're sitting on a raft or pool noodle. My Dad and I had so much fun floating. I could have stayed in there for hours...

Another crazy thought is that we are below sea level.

Don't drink or get in your eyes...absolutely NO SPLASHING!

Practicing for Free Willy 15...

Have no idea who that guy is, but don't WE look cute? Hehe!

Kendra & I rehearse our synchronized swimming routine.

This is called the "sitting duck" move. Looks easy, doesn't it? It actually takes great, refined skill.

This guy was enjoying all the medicinal properties of the mud - I think he sat there for at least 30 minutes baking.

This was hilarious! The black guy on the left came over to this other guy and wanted a picture with him. He was so proud to share his roots!

The mud pit. My Dad stepped in and sunk in up to his knees.

Nice wetsuit Dad. What do they call it? Psycho 3?

We look like beasts of some sort...gooey beasts...that probably leave a trail. =)

Should I do it?

YES!

Secret handshake.

We look like an oil spill.

Washing off the mud with salt...hmmm...

My Dad gave this lifeguard an LA County Lifeguard shirt.

He was stoked! Yes, we made him pose for us.

LA County represented at the Dead Sea, Israel.

We taught him how to shaka. We had so much fun, and this was just the middle part of the day...more to come =). I hope you are enjoying these. --Linz