SATURDAY:

Today, we began another highlight day with several significant stops along the area of the Dead Sea.  Qumran Caves, En Gedi and Masada.  We started the day with another buffet style breakfast of vegetable dishes, cereals, fruits, eggs and breads.  Strong coffee is also the preference here -- which is quickly appreciated given our hectic and active days.  A stiff pick me up is a welcome thing in mornings!  We left our hotel sadly, wishing we had another day at the relaxing spas of the Dead Sea.

Our first stop of the day was at Masada, the natural rock fortress on the edge of the Dead Sea.  Thankfully, there was a cable car to transport us to the top of the mountain.  Given my sore knee, I don't think I could have made the long climb on foot!  The views at the top were magnificent.  Amazingly, we were at sea level at the top of Masada.  This was hard to fathom as we would gaze far below at the Dead Sea (some 300 feet below sea level).  It's strange to be high on top of a mountain next to the lowest place on earth.  On Masada itself, we saw a few remains of the ancient Roman structures, most there during the famous siege of around 70 AD.

From Masada we followed the road north up the Dead Sea to En Gedi, made famous as the place David hid from Saul.  We climbed down into one area containing a fresh water spring.  There were no signs of significant caves.  These were likely destroyed over time by earthquakes.

Our last stop of the day before heading to Jerusalem was Qumran.  This is where the famous Dead Sea scrolls were found.   There we found a camel to pose with (Brad got on the camel ).  We lost the rest group, so I only had time to stand beside the camel before leaving.  At the cave site, we saw the ruins of the Essines, as well as a fairly close look at the famous "cave #4" were some of the best scrolls were found.

As the end of the day approached, we headed up to Jerusalem.  Again we passed Jericho, as well as a few Bedouin camp sites -- which appeared more as small semi-permanent shanty towns.  In Jerusalem, we headed to our hotel for a dinner with the group. 

Once again, Brad and I split off in search of adventure.  After dinner, we grabbed a cab and went off to find an Internet Cafe.  We ended up in old Jerusalem at the Jaffa Gate.  After a short time there, we headed back to the hotel to end another adventure filled day.  Tomorrow begins our "official tour" of the old city!