My Pilgrimage: June 8

Today was an early day: Mass at the Primacy of Peter at 8:00.  This is a site, next door to Tabgha, where the Resurrected Jesus appeared to the Apostles as they were fishing, and three times asks Peter if he loves Him.  It’s a nice location, right on the Sea of Galilee, though I’m still not used to Mass outdoors.  After a quick stay, we packed in the cars and headed north, about as north as you can get in Israel.

Our first stop was Tel Dan.  This was an unusual stop because we went not for the ancient ruins but to get a sense of the nature.  It was quite unexpected.  The Dan River (which flows into the Jordan) runs through this area and creates a lush forest, almost jungle-like.  I have to say this was the most beautiful (natural) place we have been in Israel.  Again it was supposed to be a quick stop, but on the map I saw something I had to seek out: “Pooh Bear’s Tree.”  So while the other were enjoying a wading pool, I detoured to find this tree.  Along the way, I briefly stopped at an overlook and saw a trench system used by the Israeli forces in 1967.  Then I found it: a large tree with a sign in front of it of Winnie the Pooh.  The tree itself was neat, but not necessarily worth the extra hike.  Oh well.  On the way back, I got caught in a large tourist group with Southern accents.  I asked where they were from: Virginia.  After some good-natured ribbing about our SEC schools (Tennessee fans) I pushed my way through them and made it back to the rest of our group.  On to the next stop!

Pooh Bear's Tree (notice the sign)

Even further north and east was Banias and Caesarea Philippi.  Banias was the site of an ancient temple to the god Pan, where water used to gush out of the cliff and formed another tributary for the Jordan.  It is also mentioned in the Gospel when Jesus asks “who do you say that I am?”  The context brings fuller meaning, as you stand below a cliff face full of monuments to pagan gods.

This was also the site of Caesarea Philippi, a city built up by Herod Agrippa with a substantial palace.  We could have hiked up another trail to see the Crusader fortress of Nimrod, but did not due to a) the heat and b) my other Crusaders partner is still sick at the hotel.  So we settled for another picnic lunch.  We thought about stopping off for a dip in the Jordan River on the way back, but decided against it for today because a) the heat and b) this afternoon three Jewish families have agreed to host us (in three groups) for dinner and to see what their lives are like.  It should be a good experience.

Agrippa's Palace

Well, I’m back.  I was wrong, it wasn’t for dinner, but it was simply supposed to be a two hour visit (4:00-6:00) with maybe some appetizers.  Our family was a bit out of the city, so it took about 20 minutes to get there.  The lady who was there was very nice, and had a lot of food for us.  She had no idea about time, so we were there well past 6:00.  We actually left some time after 7:00, and she decided to take the scenic route back (with a nice view for a picture), so we got back around 8:00.  Again, they were very nice, and we talked about life here as well as the big question of why would someone want to be a priest?  They also made a very good tea with fresh herbs crushed in it.  I think the only reason why we eventually left is that she saw some of us were getting tired.  Speaking of which, I think I need to get to bed soon.  The heat (and driving) really takes it out of you.

Oh, one more thing.  At our last stop, I slipped on the trail and slightly rolled my ankle.  It hurt a little bit, but the pain basically went away as we walked and even as I drove back (my right ankle, so driving foot).  After I got back, did some laundry, and showered, I sat down on the bed to write the blog.  When I got up to go down for our meeting, it started to hurt.  I’m hoping it’s nothing big, but I have some ice on it and I took some ibuprofen.  Praying I’ll be good to go tomorrow.