Oct 7 – Makhtesh Ramon

Today’s excursion is into the Makhtesh Ramon.  These geological formation areas are extremely rare and occur only in Israel and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. They occur when softer rock, like sandstone, is covered with harder rock, like limestone.  Over millions of years the softer stone is gradually eroded and is washed out from under the harder stone.  Eventually the hard stone collapses, leaving steep cliffs around what is now a valley. 

We were met at our hotel by our driver in his 4-wheel drive and we headed down the paved highway until we were almost at the bottom.  Then he pulled off and we headed out through the valley.

The first stop was close to some rock formations that had a lot of beautiful colors caused by the various minerals in the rock striations.

Then on for much more bumping around down the road.  We hit a high hill with spectacular views and a few small side valleys.

He listed a long list of larger animals that can be found in the desert.  They included gazelles, ibex, wolves, jackals, donkeys, porcupines and many reptiles and birds.  We only saw some gazelles at a very far distance. 

And about a half hour in the jeep broke down.  After being unable to restart the jeep he called the boss for help.  

While we waited we got a tutorial about some of the plant and animal life in the valley and how they survive with so little water.  He pointed out the desert broom bush that has a high oil content and burns easily.  Some think it is the burning bush in the Bible.

We stopped to see a very large acacia tree.  He said it was very well placed near a dry river so that it has more access to moisture. 

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More Makhtesh Ramon
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We had a very late lunch at the hotel and opted to skip the very expensive dinner.  The afternoon was spent working on travel, photos, the blog and relaxing.