Stairs and more stairs

May 26th - Masada - 10:10AM

Strenuous 5am hike up the Snake Path that ascends the mountain fortress of Masada. Thinking ourselves young and invincible we started up at a brisk pace, only to be winded within 5 minutes. As we sat, after many curses and drinks of water we spied a troupe of 50-something Germans threatening to overtake us. Not to be outdone by the ageing krauts, this evolved into a 40 minute tortoise and hare style battle where, to the joy of our young egos, we did finish first. Masada was more impressive in its ambition than its current physical state, but a trek to Herrod's Palace on the cliff face made the trip memorable, if only for the pity we shared with the countless ancient laborers who had to ascend and descend the edifice daily. On returning, after a breakfast of neon orange drink and boiled eggs, I inquired at the desk how to get to the dead sea from here.

MT: How far is it to walk to the Dead Sea from here?
Receptionist: You must go 15km up or down the road to get in.
MT: No, I mean right here at Masada.
R: Oh, no, it is forbidden to swim here. It is very dangerous, you can drown here. You may even drown before you reach the sea.

Steven and I have been a bit concerned about the apparent mid-land drownings. We will go south now, to Eilat, with a vigilant eye on the Sea's shore, in case it should try to overtake us.