Done But Not Done

 

I've been scheming and dreaming of hiking the Israel National Trail since 2012. Finally, I've done it. And, oh! what an adventure it was.

As with all my hikes, I had a ton of help along the way. Especially from Tom and Meg and all my good friends at Moosejaw Mountaineering. I buy all my gear at Moosejaw.com and you should, too!

For guidance, planning and being excellent hosts, I need to thank Noam Gal and Orna Lipkin, Shakhaf Avital, Jacob Saar and John and Judy Pex at the Shelter Hostel in Eilat. Thanks also to Richard Smith and Michael Lindsey at Israeltrail.net for all the great info. 

Ahhh... my friend and my teacher 'Nightmare' Sammy Glenn and all his friends and family here in Israel especially Davi Haberman, Dr. Spielman and his wonderful family and Sammy's Uncle Lenny Glenn and his family in B'nei B'rak. Irad Fenichel, his amazing parents and his brother's whole family for letting me celebrate Passover with them. Good times hiking with Nightmare. I learned a lot from him. 

A big shout out to Benjamin, Luke and everyone at Trayvax wallets for making a great product right here in the USA.

And, of course, to the lovely Manuela Petzold for all the encouragement and support - can't wait to see you soon!

Special thanks to Becky and Jerry Patterson. Two of the finest people I've ever met. And to Nancy Smith who has been helping me hike since the AT '15. 

I was very sad to hear that Hilary Taylor passed away shortly after I arrived here and so I dedicated every step of this hike to her memory and to her daughter Louise for being such an amazing caregiver to her mom. Hilary will be missed. 

So, I'm done with the Israel National Trail but I'm not done hiking. Now I need to make my way over to Mt. Hermon and begin a southbound hike of the Golan Heights Trail. Stay tuned for pictures and updates from that trail!

Thanks everybody!