Day 5: October 16, Arbel to Tabgha (18.4 K)

Anita going down Mt Arbel cliff face

View of Sea of Galilee

We started the day at the Arbel Guesthouse. Breakfast this morning was even better, if that could be possible, than dinner last night.   We started with fresh mango juice from the  garden, then hot tea with fresh mint. This was followed by yogurt, granola and honey, a baked egg over tomatoes and cheese, a cheese plate, a veg plate, a fruit plate, fresh bread, avocado, hot fig compote, olives, sweets and coffee. They also gave us a small bag of fruit from the garden for our walk. Too bad it is so far away because we would become regulars here if we could.

We soon found ourselves on the summit of Mt. Arbel. We managed some tricky steep descents down the cliff face with re-bar hand and foot holds. It was actually very safe; we were in a popular National Park. However, could be a bit much for the vertically challenged. Once down the mountain we walked through citrus, banana, mango, and of course, olive groves, to the Sea of Galilee. There is not a lot of beach. A tall grass, that looks a lot like bamboo, grows into the water in many places. We walked for a bit with a young couple from Edmonton who have also been doing the Jesus Trail.

Tonight we are at the Pilgerhaus Tabgha, a German Catholic retreat and hotel at the Biblical location of the loaves and fishes story.  We have a lovely, immaculate, hotel room overlooking the sea. We forgo the buffet to have dinner on the outdoor patio surrounded by flowering shrubs and palm tress. The only internet is in the lobby with more Hebrew on our blog than usual.

Tomorrow, to technically finish our walk, we will go to Capernaum (3 K away) and then take the bus to Tiberius. Capernaum is one of several holy sites on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the site of an ancient fishing village referred to in the Bible as a place where Jesus lived and performed many miracles. The weather is very warm for us, 25 to 30, very sunny, and don't worry Mom, we are drinking lots of water. The Israelis find it cool as winter is coming.

Note: For a trail that generally descends to the Sea of Galilee we have done an awful lot of uphill walking!