On our way to our hotel, we made a quick stop at En Gedi, the largest oasis on the western coast of the Dead Sea. It boasts fresh water springs and lush vegetation and because of this has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years. The oldest remains found are of a temple located there about 4000 B.C. The area of En Gedi was alloted to the tribe of Judah and was quite famous during the reign of Solomon. En Gedi is mentioned in the Song of Solomon, Ezekiel, and Ecclesiastes, but is probably most famous for being one of the main places where David hid and sought refuge from King Saul.
En Gedi is translated literally as "the spring of the kid (goat)" and there is evidence that Ibex have frequented this area from the beginning. Our family was excited to see an Ibex up close that had wandered into the courtyard. Later they witnessed it bounding up the mountain in all its glory.
I missed all the scenery and the Ibex encounter as I stayed on the air conditioned bus with John Luke. He was recovering from a difficult nose bleed. The arid climate, the low altitude, and the hot temperatures were wreaking havoc on our nasal passages.
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