Serenity at Its Finest

Last shabbat Gary and I decided to get away for a few hours before our busy week started. Since we had rented a car to pick up Hunter from the airport a couple of days before and couldn't take it back due to Shavuot (Feast of Pentecost) and Shabbat, we said, "Hey, let's go to the Dead Sea!" The drive was about 1 hour and 15 minutes and was wonderful. We stopped at a public beach across the road from En-Gedi. This Dead Sea area was a refuge for King David. I can really understand why he loved it. The cave at En-Gedi is where David cut the corner of Saul's robe off. (I Sam. 24)
Notice how the mountain slopes down to the sea on the right. The picture below is a continuation of this mountain where En-Gedi is located.

The cave is hidden back in this mountain. It's a nice hike up there and a beautiful waterfall at the mouth of the cave.

We sat on a bench and read our books in silence. The Dead Sea is a picture of serenity to me. There is not an outlet for the sea, therefore there is no current, no ripples, and no waves. The salt content is 34% and it is 1240 ft. deep. The water is heavy and sooo blue. This was actually one of the world's first health resorts (Herod the Great)! The mountains of Jordan (Moab) on the east bank reflect off the water.

I absolutely love this place. We'll definitely be going back whenever we get the chance....