Trip 8: From Kibutz Sha'alavm to Latrun

Trip 8:  From Kibutz Sha'alavm to Latrun - April 18, 2019

Present:  Esther & Yechiel Erez (my parents!); Danielle, Anaelle and Odelia Singer; Netanel, Cheftzi, Bruria, Israel and Leora Davids

Distance 5 km (+ 2 more to get to the trail)

This trip happened a day before Passover of this year.  My parents had arrived for the holiday, just the day before and we realized that we had a golden opportunity to include them in part of the trail in a way that would be not too difficult or out of their way.

As they were staying with my sister, Danielle Singer, at her home in Kibbutz Shaalvim, we went to visit them there and we started the walk on foot from their home through the nature reserve next to it and onto the path.  The sky was blue with fluffy white clouds, the weather was beautiful, not too hot and not too cold and the terrain was familiar, as my son Israel, had hiked it before in his army service.

It was great family time and my parents managed the trip very well.

Here are some pictures:

Pictures of

this special Day

Trip 9: From Tel Aviv Reading Station to Banana beach 5 km

August 19, 2019

Present:  Shula Diena, Tsvi, Bruria, Cheftzi-va and Netanel Davids

After a whole summer of being out of the country, we have returned to the Shvil!  Although we prefer the cooler weather, we were looking for a short hike as our niece, Shula Diena, who was visiting for a few days from Toronto, wanted to go on a not too difficult hike. It was an opportunity to include another family member on our journey and she was eager to be a part of it.

We decided to tackle the first section along the sea shore of the Mediterranean.  We figured that the wind off of the beach, coupled with embarking at 4:00 pm when the heat of the day had passed would cushion the summer's heat.   As well, the knowledge that we could dip in the water whenever we liked was also very reassuring. 

It turned out to be just the perfect plan!  "מתחם רידינג",  "Reading station"is a lovely center on the beach with shops, restaurants and boardwalk, as well as a lovely park for families.  

We weren't sure if the entire segment which we planned to do was on the tayelet (the boardwalk) or if parts were on the sand.  It turned out that the beginning kilometers and the very end were on the boardwalk, but a segment of 1.5 km in the middle were on the sand.  If not, one could pick up the green rental bikes at the beginning and give them back at the very end, as there were stations at both ends.  Maybe one day, the boardwalk will extend from one point to the other.   There were multiple places to fill water bottles along the way with cold water.

Duchifat - Israel's national Bird

This segment was mainly flat and would have been perfect for our parents.  I plan to do the next 5 km from Banana beach (מחלף גלילות) in the North direction with my parents and / or my in laws when they come to Israel.  I will see if biking can be done, because I see the boardwalk continues North... the question is just how far.

Banana beach is an organized beach with bathrooms and restaurants and a lifeguard.  There is parking too.  There is also ample grassy area for picnic and Frisbee playing.