Trip 6 - Tel Socho to Ramat Bet Shemsh (Road 10 Junction with Road 375)

Present:  Netanel and I (it was an after-school trip for Netanel, and Cheftzi didn't want to leave school early...)

It was the second non-rainy day in a row in the magical month of February.  February is when the Lupines bloom on Tel Socho, just 10 minutes from Ramat Bet Shemesh, where we live.  "One who hasn't seen the Lupines bloom at  Tel Socho, hasn't seen purple-wild-flowering beauty in all his days."  Seriously, we go every year and every year it continues to amaze and delight us.  I had planned to do this section, only 6.7 km long, at precisely this time, and I'm so glad that we did.  The climb to the top of "Givat Haturmusim," Lupine hill, is gradual and not too difficult, especially when you have just set out on your walk.   It is the only serious climb in this section and we did it with much ease.  There were many school children and tour buses there at the time, and I did note several seniors doing the climb.  For those who cannot climb, I would suggest walking alongside the East side of the hill, on that side, you get a view of the beautiful Lupines which cover the mount.   

The climb is well worth it, for the views, for the archaeology, and for the breathtaking flowers.  After descending Tel Socho we travelled for another km or two towards Tsomet Etziona.  At a certain point, we crossed back over the 375 into a beautiful forested area overlooking wheat fields.  This area was simply carpeted with red poppies, pink cyclamen, tiny, white Narcissus flowers and yellow mustard flowers and daisies.  The scarlet red flowers against the lush green, just take your breath away and the shaded and peaceful walk was simply restorative. 

The 6.7 km took us 3 hours at a leisurely pace and I would highly recommend this walk to residents of Ramat Bet Shemesh who want to get out into nature but not schlepp too far from home.  We did this walk between 1 pm and 4 pm.  I actually felt sorry for all the family members who weren't with us because this was such a memorable walk, and it was right at our doorstep.   Here are some pictures from the day.  Bear in mind, that the pictures do not nearly capture the ethereal nature of the beauty of that day.

Here is an album of pictures from that day.    

My plan is to reach Jerusalem by the end of this spring.   This Friday the kids will carry on the path from Rd. 10  towards Nachal Mata.