FRIDAY:

From our hotel in Galilee, we went to the Yardenit baptismal site at the mouth of the Jordan river.  There, Brad baptized several members of our group.  It was a special moment for everyone on the trip.

From the baptismal site, we went to Beit-Shean, which was significant throughout history.  It was the place King Saul and his sons were defeated and their bodies hung on the city walls.  It has always been a major junction for those traveling through the region.  Throughout history, it has been a city under the control of the major powers of the region including Egypt and Rome. 

From there, we followed the road south into the region politically known as the West Bank.  We began to see more soldiers, roadblocks and fences.  While passing Jericho, we could the entire exits blocked by concrete blocks.   The terrain changed from the lush green we saw in the north to brown rocky ranges.  Despite this, the view is beautiful driving through the valley.

We drove to the south end of the Dead Sea.  Far from looking "dead" the Dead Sea is quite beautiful, full of deep shades and colors -- presumably from the rich mineral content.  Arriving at the hotel, we went down to the beach for a quick "float" in the Dead Sea.  We laid on the water bobbing in the water like a couple of fishing corks.  I slipped on rocks and whacked my knee on the rocks.  (Hopefully this won't be a big problem in the walks of the coming days.)

After our dip in the Dead Sea, we went to the hotel Spa, where we treated ourselves to pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas.  After all the activity, walking and climbing of the week, this was a welcome treat!