Length: 1 hour - a full day
Mode of Transport: Baby carrier (not stroller friendly)
Why Go? A lil' slice of Switzerland right here in Israel + the baller pool
Toilets? Behind a tree...
What to Bring: Snacks/finjan/lunch, bathing suite/towel, water, map
Entrance Fee: Free
My brother-in-law posted some incredible pictures on our family WhatsApp from his Saturday outing. I was blown away by the pink almond trees, green pastures and serene backdrop that reminded me of Switzerland. I had to go to there. He shared his cryptic directions of how to get there, and I recruited my friend Eli, who is always up for an adventure - bless your sweet soul, Eli.
And here, my loves, is our trip to Nachal Kfira, adjacent to Mevo Heron, inside Park Canada. Park here, along Road 3 - you can see in the picture below, it's an unmarked space off the side of the road. Park where I drew the circle, and then you can cross the street to the other side.
Cross the street where the orchards are and continue straight until you hit a big pond. Turn right at the pond and you will have lovely almond trees escorting you. We were there in early March, as the trees were in blossom, and we ate ripe almonds off the branches. They were insanely good. Be aware there are dairy cows in free range in this area. There are not dangerous (as long as you don't want to pet a calf next to it's mama), but their loud moo's may make the hairs on your neck stand at some point.
After the pool, you will see the entrance to the hiking area. There are many trails you can take, and feel free to come up with your own cocktail. We went to the House of the Arches pool, or in Hebrew בית הקשתות - Beit Hakshatot. There are signs that mark the way. The pool is a 3rd century Roman structure, recently renovated - kudos to KKL - nicely executed. The water was calling, so Eli jumped right in. He is my hero. It's fresh water, with a shallow pool in the front and about four feet deep behind the arches, as Eli boldly demonstrates. This was a pretty good winter as far as rain goes, so the pool was cold, fresh, and deep.
What was this place? Baptismal site? Day spa? Romantic getaway? Mikvah? I'm going with the getaway. It's not your typical Roman bath, it's not connected to a church/pre-dates legal Christianity, and there are no steps going up or down to denote a ritual bath. So let's chalk it up to the Romans just wanting to have a damn good time.
We wandered around from there and climbed up to a cave where I'm pretty sure Moses, Elijah and Jesus all hung out. Call my bluff, but it could make a great story to go along with the great view.
I would say, go enjoy the season, but this trip was two weeks pre-Corona-ness. Once we all emerge healthy and happy from our humble abodes, this will make for a wonderful excursion. And if not this year, check it out next spring when almonds are in bloom.
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