Oct 21-23 - Masada, Dead Sea and more of Tel Aviv

This tour was awesome, truly.  While it did waste time along the way going to the Elvis Cafe again and picking up people in Jerusalem, Masada was amazing.  History and geography at its finest.  From there to the Dead Sea and floating for the first time in my life (normally I can sit on the bottom of a pool), was quite an experience.  Feet and head right out of the thick water, it was somewhat difficult to control the floating, like I had balloons attached to my feet. Apparently people do drown, flipping face first into the water and not being able to get themselves turned over. 

After getting back we had dinner and arrived back at the apartment just before Bob Kassel, who is now occupying the second bedroom.  On the 22nd we went to the art museum together and then had dinner with the other North American cyclists doing this Israel ride  Today, the 23rd, we hit the Carmel Market, a combination of art, junk and food.  Now we're killing time before the ride which starts at 10pm tonight. Before that, at 8pm, we have registration and food close to the start.  I've tried unsuccessfully to snooze but at least it's quiet time.  I won't get another real chance to sleep until tomorrow night back at the Dead Sea, close to Masada.

It's been hot, hard to decide what to bring and what to put in the drop bag.  Bikes are parked here in the living room, mostly ready to go. Food is piled on the counter, my pockets will be overstuffed.

Sandy is also heading out a few hours later, 4am tomorrow with a pickup here around 3:30.  She's doing a 2-day into Jordan to Petra and overnighting in a Bedouin tent.  In some ways I'd like to be on her adventure !  It sounds like more fun.  4 days from now, one way or the other, at 4pm Saturday, this ride will be over.  I'm looking forward to that !

Onward !