Leaving Tiberias

When we left Tiberias and the beautiful verdant area surrounding the Sea of Galilee, we noticed a definite change in the terrain.

Here is a drier climate we passed on our journey.

In this photo, you can see a fence with a tiny stream of the Jordan River flowing in front of it.  That fence serves as a boundary for the country of Jordan.

This image allows for a better view of the Jordan River.

I think we were told that it is in this general portion of the Jordan where it is thought that John baptized Jesus.

This image is of a military base.

This image, I believe, was of a checkpoint into the West Bank, so that gives an idea of where we were, on the Israel border closest to Jordan. 

These birds are storks and Dan said it was an unusual time of year for them to be gathered in this area.

As we journeyed south, we could see Jericho in the distance, but this as close as we were able to get.

Here is an image of the Palistinian military base there.

And this image gives an idea of what the wilderness may have looked like when we read of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness.  Since the part of the Jordan that is traditionally thought to be where John baptized Jesus was near this area, it may have been that part of this wilderness area where Jesus went to be tempted.

Another picture of the city of Jericho where the walls came a tumblin' down.  :)

While we surveyed the more arid conditions, two shepherd boys and their flock came by.

It was perfect! 

One rode a donkey

And the other walked alongside herding the sheep.

After hearing so much in Scripture about sheep and shepherds, it was wonderful to experience it in reality.

Our first stop on our journey to Jerusalem was Qum'ran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered!

We'll venture there next!