Rachel and I had a day free. We choose to drive to the dead sea. The last time i was in Israel it was late fall and along the entire road it was rocks and gravel. Now it was spring and there was grass and greenery. Near Beer Sheba we started to see many shepherds tending their flocks of camels and goats.
Camel
The Dead Sea is really a unique experience in this world. The water is 26% solids so you float much higher than you do in salt or fresh water. I found that I was top heavy because I would pop out of the water and tip over. The water feels greasy and oily between your hands. The sand under the water is just sea salt. This salt makes a great loufa. Rachel locked legs and paddles out into the water. Returning to the shore I accidentally kicked up a little water into her face and Rachel could not see. I led her ashore to the showers and all was safe.
The water actually stings if you have any cuts or nicks. I had a little razor burn on my neck and it stung from the water. Also your privates can start to string from the water. We were trying to be modest around the public showers but then everyone around us started to lower their suits to remove the burning salt.
I had always heard that you could not get burned when you were at the dead sea. This is not true. Rachel and I both got sun burns.
After the dead sea Rachel and I went to lunch and then Masada. We caught the last Tram up the mountain and the last Tram down. We were only able to spend 45 minutes in the ruins. This was not enough time.
My suggestion for anyone spending a day at the dead sea.
1) See Masada in the morning. It closes at 5pm everyday and 4pm on Sabbath days.
2) Swim at Newe Zohar. There are public showers and a small kiosk. You can rent chairs for 5 NS and use the public restrooms for 2 NS.
3) Stay at Ein Gedi. There is a nature preserve 20 km North.
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