We were so very happy to welcome my brother and family for a too short visit to our home in Israel! The cousins had such a great time together and we especially enjoyed taking this day trip to visit Rosh HaNikra, a stunning and historic coastal site on the Northernmost tip of the Israeli coast, about 1 1/2 hours drive from my home.
The name Rosh HaNikra means “head of the cave, as there are numerous impressive sea caves at the foot of the cliff, which may be
reached by cable car.
The stunning white chalk cliffs apparently look similar to the cliffs of Dover, and the caves were formed by the work of the sea water.
Throughout history these same cliffs were a problem for travel and trade. Alexander of Macedonea (Alexander
the Great) is credited for having hewed the first tunnel in 323 BC to create
a passageway for his army after besieging Tyre!
Later this road was used by the armies of the Seleucids and the Ptolemies.
In 1099 AD it was used by the Crusaders.
In World War I the British Army built the first road, which had accessible to
motor vehicles.
The latest and most impressive traffic route through the cliff was the
Haifa-Beirut-Tripoli railway, which was built by the British during World War
II.
Looking South down the coast of Israel from the top of the cliffs. Ahhhh the sea!
The view from the top, and the tram, which wasn’t working on that day, so no visit to the grottos for us. Another time!
Here it is, the actual border between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon is right through that gate! Israel is a relatively tiny country with a long border running from North to South, but this Northern border point is much more accessible and dramatic.
Here’s an interesting concrete wall sign showing the distance to Beirut to the north (120 kilometers)and to Jerusalem to the south (whoops cut off the distance but I think it’s about 200 kilometers.) The funny thing is that Beirut sounds so very Middle Eastern to me! Then I realize that I too live in the middle east, go figure!
Here’s a tall army radar tower of some sort (always loved those industrial towers for some reason!) and some wild flowers that my nephew stuck under the windshield wiper.
The beautiful white cliffs and the railroad tunnel built in WWII.
Another look at the cliffs and the beach, on a winter day! The kids had so much fun just walking in the sand and being near the water, that is until it started to pour!
But they did manage to collect some rocks and shells before we had to head home! Oh and I should mention the huge pile of rocks that we just couldn’t gather up and take home with us in the pouring rain, but a wonderful time was had by all, and we look forward to seeing the ocean again soon.
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