Day 7 (June 2, '08): We headed to the desert today, to the area around the Dead Sea. The landscape looks similar to the Northern Arizona/Grand Canyon area, and the temperature was just as hot...100+ degrees and very dry. We first visited Masada, a fortress built by King Herod, that is located high on a desert cliff. It is possible to hike up (only 2 in our group did), but since I was wearing flip flops, I decided to take the cable car instead. The story of Masada is fascinating, and it is amazing that it was able to be built at all, given the lack of technology available 2000 years ago. I have never seen the Peter O'Toole movie "Masada," but I need to make it a point to rent it. Next on the agenda was Ein Gedi, the place where David hid from Saul. There is a beautiful view of both the desert cliffs and the Dead Sea below, and there is also a waterfall, whose source is a natural spring. Then we went to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The scrolls were found by Bedouin shepherds in a cave, stored in clay jars. These are considered to be one of the most important archeological finds of the 20th century. Finally, as a fantastic end to the day, we went to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth, and has a higher sodium concentration than table salt. The lake water and mud is known for its therapeutic properties, and there are several spas and cosmetic companies in the area that utilize the benefits (I bought a bunch of Ahava products). At the lake, the first step was for us to cover our bodies in lake mud, then sit in the sun to "bake." When the mud was dry, we re-entered the water to wash off. Swimming in the lake was a crazy experience -- it is nearly impossible to swim normally, due to buoyancy. The best way to get around in the water is on your back, in a chair position, swimming with modified backstroke. In deep water, there is virtually no need to tread water, because your head always stays above the surface. It was a ton of fun, and well worth the trip into the desert.