Journal:

Bus ride back to the parking lot of Pundak Ne'ot Smadar store that had the goat yogurt yesterday. Tareq used the bus's microphone to tell us the story about some research that was done a few years ago to determine why there were so many dead acacia trees in Israel and none in Jordan. (fill this story in later)

First few miles of the bike ride were uncomfortable and it was the first time I felt tired and not fully up to riding. Took it easy, didn't push myself and got to the first rest stop, a shady area where a group of horses (maybe donkeys?) had clearly been there recently. Curious to know if they had been there with people or without. No one seemed to know. Felt a bit better after finding the tent-covered porta-potty and after eating some snacks.

Made it easily to the Red Rock Canyon rest stop where lunch was served under a big tent. Surrounding landscape is still so bare, rocky and beautiful.

Affinity group pictures were taken. Stepped into the 70+ age group (I'm only a couple of months away) and the women's group.

Rode to the crest of the steep downhill into Eilat. Stayed near the back, so not many would pass me. I was so cautious in my descent that the slowest riders in the group that came after me caught up to me in the flats of the city of Eilat. Rode to the end with all of them and one of their leaders.

Found my bike box and immediately began to disassemble my bike. To keep me going and focused, I snacked on electrolyte water and a few dates and almonds that I had saved from previous rest stops.

Changed out of bike clothes and into street clothes in time to find David and Benji at the beachside party patio that the Israel Ride staff had rented for the afternoon. Had a small beer and some snacks. Had my picture taken with David and Benji at the edge of the Red Sea.

Took the bus back to Kibbutz Ketura to stay the night.

Dinner and closing ceremonies. Lots of thanks from and for the co-organizers, Howie Rodenstein and David Eisenberg, and all the other volunteers and staff, especially the alumni of the Arava Institute. So much went on behind the scenes. They were all absolutely amazing!

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