The morning began very early for some with a knock on the door at 1:15 AM. Shortly thereafter the self-chosen 13 gathered in the courtyard to prepare for our journey up Mt Sinai. For those who went, the memory of this journey will last a lifetime. 
The walk up to the Camel stop was fairly steep and rugged, although nothing like what was coming in the top 750 steps. During that time—we relied on our flashlights and the expert guidance of our guide Saleem who was really wonderful. We were only a small part of a pilgrimage of perhaps 1,000 tourists like ourselves, and guides who climbed the mountain that day. Of our group, 4 and later 2 more made the wise decision to make use of the numerous camels that were available for transport. From the Camel Stop, 9 of us made the last 750 steps which were to say the least steep and irregular. By sharing loads, helping each other and frequent rest stops we made it to the last coffee shop, then all but one proceeded to the very top to experience the sunrise from the top. 
Those who remained at either the camel stop or the last coffee shop also had a wonderful view of the sunrise as it crested the top of the surrounding mountains and revealed the amazing landscape stretched out below us. We had time for a few pictures, then the descent down the mountain. 
I
t was then that we gained a real appreciation of the journey we had taken. 
The route was steep and the edges even steeper. The pictures will give a clear indication of the steepness of the journey.
When we returned to the Monastery we were fed a nutritious breakfast, then took a tour of St Catherine’s Monastery,
saw the burning bush and the monk’s skulls. Time to clean-up, pack-up and then we were off to Taba to the Movenpick Resort. The accommodations are wonderful, and within an hour there was a whole collection of folk at the pool deck. During supper we learned the wonderful news that we were not being picked up by our bus until 1:30, so Jan organized a Yoga session on her deck and plans were made for some pool and relaxation time in the morning.
The walk up to the Camel stop was fairly steep and rugged, although nothing like what was coming in the top 750 steps. During that time—we relied on our flashlights and the expert guidance of our guide Saleem who was really wonderful. We were only a small part of a pilgrimage of perhaps 1,000 tourists like ourselves, and guides who climbed the mountain that day. Of our group, 4 and later 2 more made the wise decision to make use of the numerous camels that were available for transport. From the Camel Stop, 9 of us made the last 750 steps which were to say the least steep and irregular. By sharing loads, helping each other and frequent rest stops we made it to the last coffee shop, then all but one proceeded to the very top to experience the sunrise from the top. 
Those who remained at either the camel stop or the last coffee shop also had a wonderful view of the sunrise as it crested the top of the surrounding mountains and revealed the amazing landscape stretched out below us. We had time for a few pictures, then the descent down the mountain. 
I
t was then that we gained a real appreciation of the journey we had taken. 
The route was steep and the edges even steeper. The pictures will give a clear indication of the steepness of the journey.When we returned to the Monastery we were fed a nutritious breakfast, then took a tour of St Catherine’s Monastery,
saw the burning bush and the monk’s skulls. Time to clean-up, pack-up and then we were off to Taba to the Movenpick Resort. The accommodations are wonderful, and within an hour there was a whole collection of folk at the pool deck. During supper we learned the wonderful news that we were not being picked up by our bus until 1:30, so Jan organized a Yoga session on her deck and plans were made for some pool and relaxation time in the morning. 
1 comment:
Barb and Harry
What wonderful sights you are experiencing it does seems as if you are being kept busy. It is amazing to think that so much history is wrapped in the small area of the middle east. Or for that matter so much influence on life comes from a desert region. Imagine the influence of Mount Sinai. I hope your whole group is remaining healthy. Peace Bill Booth
Post a Comment