Winter break in the Golan Heights

A rainy day and a napping husband makes for a great day to blog about our latest adventure. I’ll get right to the point. We found out we were going to have a short break at the mid way point of the season, which was this past week. Thomas and I had already decided that with our two days off we would go to the North in hopes to see some snow. 

We hadn’t really experienced cold weather here in Meggido as it’s consistently been in the 60s for the past two months; which lead us to somehow be inspired to travel north where the weather was said to be in the 30s- TRUE!

We did some quick research, and reserved a cozy Colorado style cabin at the foot of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights of Northern Israel. Our quite cabin had a small living area, a kitchenette, one bedroom, a lovely bathroom with a Jacuzzi, and a pleasant porch (for summertime only). The cabin overlooked the snow capped Hermon Mountain which also lies on the Syrian Border. The best thing about our cabin was the relaxing and peaceful Jacuzzi. 

Our first evening, we choose to stay around the Resort and tour locally. We drove about 5 miles to the top of a neighboring mountain that led us to Israel’s highest coffee shop in elevation. The coffee shop might have been our favorite stop! It had a lovely lodge feel with delicious apple cider, real hot chocolate, and beautiful views of the surrounding countries that took your breath away at sunset.

From this mountain you can see Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon on a clear day. The mountain severed as a defense spot for the Israeli’s in the Yom Kippur war in 1967 when the Syrians attacked a 55 mile stretch along the Israeli boarder. The war lasted 19 days, killing thousands of Syrian and Israeli soldiers. 

After a long coffee break we headed back to our cabin to relax and wait on the hunger pains. The resort had it’s own steak house which we quickly fell in love with and ate at both nights. I can’t explain the feeling of this place; I can only show pictures and let your imagination take you there. 

Our first morning in the Golan region we drove about 15 miles North to the peak of Mt. Hermon.  This is the furthest North you can go in Israel, before crossing an international border.  Its surrounding countries are Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, these countries are currently in dangerous political situations, and we were advised not to cross over the border. Mount Hermon Is Israel’s lone ski resort, only because it’s the only place in the country that gets snow.  At over 10,000 ft in elevation it actually gets quite chilly! There was not enough snow on the mountain for the slopes to be open, but we did take a 15 minute ski-lift ride to the peak of the mountain.  Wind blowing, snow flurries and ice packed on the mountain below; we sure got enough winter experience for the year on that afternoon! So Cold!

On the journey home we made several detours along our way. We stopped at one of Israel’s most famous family owned winery’s, watched a very informative, but heartbreaking video on the Yom Kippur war in a nearby village, and toured a fabulous chocolate factory!!!  

Living here in Israel, I have found myself so eager to learn more, to study more, and to really understand this country. I have never been so interested in wars, battles, and history itself until now. I thank the Lord for this and for the wisdom and knowledge he has given me thus far. I also, thank my husband for be an encourager and supporter as I desire to learn more. He helps to answer my questions and encourages me to continue to read and learn more with this incredible opportunity that God has given us to be living here!