Thursday: I continued walking and made it first to another natural spring, so I was able to jump in and cool down (and wash off the sweat) then lay in the sun relaxing before the others arrived with their bloody dogs kicking sand over me and shaking their wet fur over me and barking continuously. But a couple of them had their instruments so it was a nice spot to chill for a couple of hours. Then it was a relatively short walk to camp. We were sat chilling when an ice cream truck showed up! I couldn't believe it, but of course I treated myself to an ice cream! Then I had an early night, couldn't face another meal of pasta (looking forward to being able to choose what and when I eat in the future).
Friday: fairly short day and not too strenuous, passing some ancient ruins on the way. At camp I treated myself to the trucks shower and read my book, before the Shabbat ritual and dinner! I woke in the night with the most horrendous stomach cramps, reminiscent of my Ugandan diarrhoea saga.
Saturday: sure enough I must have eaten something dodgy so spent the day making frequent trips to the bush. Several other people in the group had the same problem and a couple of the Israelis got picked up and went home to recover! I couldn't eat anything and felt totally lousy and a bit sorry for myself as I lay in my tent that turned into a sauna as the sun strengthened. One of the groups family visited and bought lots of nice, proper food which I couldn't eat. Lucky that today was a rest day, as I felt far too rough to walk. Although I forced myself to do some laundry- I'll spare you the details but I'm sure you can imagine. Lots of couples are forming now and unfortunately 3 of them decided to get jiggy with it in the tents around mine. Let me tell you that a tent offers no privacy! But maybe I'm just a tad disappointed no one is sniffing around my tent, but I guess that's what happens when you get to 30!
Sunday: I made a deal with myself that if I could eat breakfast then I would walk!! And thank god, I felt significantly better when I woke up and so could eat some porridge. It was 20km today- down, through and then up a crater. I cannot even begin to describe the scenery- you have to pinch yourself occasionally to remind yourself that you are really here and walking in this amazing place! Totally isolated from modern civilisation! I walked a lot today with a German girl, Miriam, who has hooked up with 3 different guys here so far! But she's very nice and interesting! (Not the pregnant German girl with the dog who everyone hates and is now shagging one of the Israelis). We walked an extra km to another spring, but there was not so much water and it looked grim. So we arrived first to camp. Lots of new people arriving for a week or so, including a French lady and a father and son and a couple of Israeli guys (with yet another dog). I pitched my tent a long way from everyone to escape the live porn.
Monday: guess what?? More walking! 20km today but much flatter than yesterday. We could see the Dead Sea from the hills! I walked alone all day and was at the front of the group so I slept for 2 hours in a bush to avoid getting to camp too early! But still I arrived by 1pm- before the truck! The German girl Miriam also arrived and we decided to hitchhike to Arad as it was early and we didn't want to have to set up camp again! A quiet road but we got picked up quickly and the guy dropped us directly at a supermarket! I didn't even really want anything, but treated myself to diet coke, strawberries and, you guessed it, chocolate!! Then we hitch hiked back- had to get one car to a junction then another to near the camp and walked the last bit. I was chatting to a new guy who is Israeli but pretty cool. Our last night in the desert!
Tuesday- wow, what a day!! Walked over 30km in what was a long and hot day! The first 24km were to Arad- a little climbing and we saw a huge snake which was trying to eat a bird it had caught! It was an impressive sight. Good views of the Dead Sea and plenty of camels! I walked with 2 French women and the retired heart surgeon. But one of the frenchies hitchiked the last 10km as she had blisters. We finally arrived in Arad and I enjoyed a nice cold drink and treated myself to a falafel pitta to eat for dinner. The other Frenchie decided to get a bus the next 8km to the camp and the heart surgeon was chilling in the town. But I met up with 2 of the other guys in the group and we walked to the camp, but got totally lost- last time I trust a couple of stoners! Luckily, their army training skills meant they could read a map and so we made it eventually! Some of the group took shortcuts and the rest had taken buses to the Dead Sea and spent time in restaurants, a quiet night in camp as many people slept in friends apartments in the town. Our camp is in a wooded area- back to greenery and civilisation. I am slightly warming to the Israelis now- today a second person offered for me to visit their home for the Shabbat and so I could sleep in a real bed and have a hot shower and good meal, as she leaves the walk soon and so will be at her house and even said she would pick me up. So that is very kind and thoughtful!
Wednesday: 18km today, beside an orchard then a couple of Bedouin villages finishing with a climb. I walked with the new Israeli guy, he's more on my wavelength than some of the others, and we arrived about 11.30. A lovely park area to camp in tonight, we sat chilling in the shade until the truck arrived and I showered! It's amazing how quickly you adapt to a simple life- you really can live with very little- a tent, sleeping bag, food, water and sun cream. It's nice sleeping in the nature and you don't really have a care in the world while you're walking! You soon get used to toileting in the bush and sitting on the floor and stinking! Some of them were teaching me more Hebrew words as we sat round the fire- it's a tough language with the rolled "r's", etc.
Thursday: 23km today!! Through woods mainly, then arriving at a town called Meitar. I walked with the French girl and heart surgeon- he tells you about every tree and plant and the bible stories relating to the places we visit. A hot day! We arrived about 2pm and me and Miriam walked to the town for a look around. It's like a posh, gated community place but it was a ghost town! We walked for ages then found a supermarket- I had to buy deodorant and green tea! Then we walked back and found the camp, must have added over 4km.
Blister update: only 2 in 3 weeks, both of which I drained and caused no further problems! But my feet are desperate for a break.
Tent update: still the most beautiful and still standing, although one of the poles has split- I used tape to try and hold it, it still does the job!
Wishing Maggie a quick recovery after her hip op!! And best wishes to all!