Jerusalem Day 18 (Thursday, 19th)

This morning I woke early and headed over to the Reception area to be there to catch the sun rise - which I managed to do and as the photo below shows.

Our Pilgrimage today took us to the source of the Jordan River and the ancient city of Dan. We followed the river along until we found a pool where we renewed our Baptismal promises was one of those special moments.

From there we continued until we found the ancient city with all its excavations. It was the 'alternate' Temple for the Northern Kingdom and so the building was substantial.

After Dan we travelled to a National Park where there is a waterfall which forms part of the second source of the Jordan.

The journey continued to Banyas and the ancient Temple of Pan. 

The other reason for visiting the place was that here was the third of the three sources of the Jordan which at this time was just a minor stream. Part of the stream flowed through the Lebanese Restaurant where we had lunch - another lovely meal, the only downside of the meal was that I ended up wearing some of it.

The next stops on our journey were the Golan Heights. First stop was near a Druze village and we were able to see how the people have managed to create an agricultural area out of what is essentially hilly country using terraces.

From there we continued towards the Syria-Israel border and viewed the area near the UN monitoring station and the wall which acts as the border control.

Then it was back to Pilgerhaus to get ready for Mass. Originally I was scheduled to celebrate Mass tomorrow morning but it has been decided to complete today with the Mass and have a slightly slower start tomorrow morning. We are going to Dalmanutha, one of the places mentioned as Jesus walked the shores of the Lake of Kinneret.