I had this post drafted and forgot to post it. These are sights that we went to see when staying in Galilee. This is a Canaanite City conquered by Joshua on what is called the Northern Campaign. It has a really cool Canaanite Temple with Standing Stones.
These are the Standing Stones. They have hands carved on them that are uplifted to heaven, interesting.
We now go to Tel Dan. It is an ancient city in the center of an extensive and beautiful nature reserve called Banyas. Lots of springs and water run through out this area and it is one of the headstreams of the River Jordan.
The kids and students climb a giant pistachio tree.
The Excavation area around Tel Dan.
Genesis 14 tells the story of Abraham rescuing his nephew Lot from a group of kings who had captured him and others. Abraham pursued them to Dan and beyond, and so some think that he may have passed through this mud brick gate, which is as old as Abraham.
This is near a Solomonic gate from the later Israelite city at Dan, including part of the remains of the throne area. It was a social place where people would pass into the city and tell the news or gossip of the day. The city gates like this were places of contracting and decision making, as described in the Book of Ruth.
From the top of a hill at Banias you can see into Lebanon.
An old chain and military equipment used in war.
They call this the Winnie the Pooh tree. It is hallow and you can crawl around inside and poke out of the holes.
I love the old, worn remnants of ancient worlds. If they weren't so heavy and big I would be tempted to bring some home to my yard!
Seth found a bright green chameleon lizard. By the time he let him go he had changed colors several times!
The T-Man doing his monkey thing.
Nimrods Castle was an impressive fort. I am amazed that they could build such giant structures on such high remote places.
This is the inside view soldiers would have had looking out to guard the fortress. The right wall is at an acute angle so they can get in close to look since the walls are 3-4 feet deep.
Down, down down. This shaft was dark but the flash on the camera lite it right up. Water dripped from the ceiling and ran down the walls and stairs.
Out of the darkness and into the Sun! Notice the massive stones used to build the walls.
Beautiful views.
No that is not green grass at the bottom. It is a moss covered pool of water. The boys enjoyed through rocks in and seeing them swallowed up by the green.
Our last stop for the day is Har Bental. A modern military out post that is now a tourist sight. We are on top of the much disputed Golan Heights.
The maze of bunkers ran along the hill side.
The beautiful and rich farm land looking down into Syria. The picture doesn't do it justice, it is lovely. Mother earth seems to heal herself from the ravages of man.
Silly boys! It is surreal to think that not long ago this was not a friendly place to be. Seeing the soldiers carrying guns around everywhere still seems a little like dress up. We are so sheltered in America.
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