Day 14: Salt & Scrolls

Today was an early start and on the bus through the Judean desert to Ein Gedi nature reserve. A nice early morning walk to waterfall and swim in the waterholes. We then went to an ancient synagogue which was recently discovered dating from the 3rd Century.

We then got back on the bus and drive to the dead sea. This amazing place is the lowest land place on earth at -400m below sea level. It is also one of the hottest. We went for a float which was an amazing experience. The bouyacy is due to the water density being 35% salt. The ocean is around 3.5%. This picturesque lake is deceiving with it's clear warm water, but it is very toxic, and to consume any can be fatal. If you have any cuts or nicks on your body - you'll soon know about them in the Dead Sea!

After the Dead Sea we continued on to Qumran which is the location of the Dead Sea scrolls, found by a Bedouin shepherd boy in 1947. This is also the site of the ancient 1st century Essean community, of which John the Baptist may have been a part of, prior to his ministry in the Jordan River area.

After a long hot day, we returned for a brief siesta and dinner at the local Austian Hospice.