A Journey Through the Green Hills of Lachish

A Journey Through the Green Hills of Lachish

The drive through Ella Valley was like stepping into a painting. Everything was cloaked in vibrant green, the sky was crystal clear, and the crisp cold air added an invigorating edge. As I turned onto the winding road leading to Moshav Shekef, nature revealed its magic. Partridges scurried alongside the road, lines of golden sunlight streamed through the pine trees, and the glowing inflorescences of common reeds were glowing in the sunlight and danced in the breeze. The road meandered gently, each turn offering a fresh perspective on this breathtaking landscape.

In Moshav Shekef, we gathered—a group of 17, all part of Izitton. Giora and Tamar, our warm and knowledgeable friends, greeted us warmly before we set off on a journey that promised beauty and adventure. Cycling past fields and greenhouses, we soon arrived at Giora's own greenhouse, where he proudly introduced us to his flourishing celery plants. It was a moment that connected us to the land in a tangible way.

From there, we ascended into the green hills, where nature painted one of its finest masterpieces. The ride through Amatzya Forest was enchanting, culminating in a visit to a Sheikh's grave. From this vantage point, the view was stunning—rolling hills and endless green stretching into the horizon. After taking a group photo, we began our descent, immersed once again in the verdant embrace of the landscape, which was punctuated by encounters with grazing cows.

One of the highlights was our stop at the prisoners' cave, an awe-inspiring bell cave hidden beneath the earth. Carefully descending its slippery stairs, we were met with its magnificent, hollowed-out beauty. Giora, unfortunately, discovered that his coffee set, left there the day before, was missing, leaving only cakes behind. As he shared the history of the cave—a rest stop for prisoners being transferred between Jerusalem and Jaffa—our imaginations took us back in time. We emerged from the cave to enjoy Tamar's delightful cakes, surrounded by the delicate beauty of the place with a red anemone flower wide open—the first blooms of it's kind in the area.

Our journey continued to the Adoraim Tower Observatory, offering another spectacular view of the surrounding greenery. The downhill ride that followed was pure joy, and in the distance, a herd of deer passed and disappeared quickly. Each turn seemed to reveal a new shade of green, a vibrant testament to the season's abundance. Every turn seemed to unveil a new shade of green, a vibrant testament to the season's abundance.

A Journey Through the Green Hills of Lachish

As we neared the end of our adventure, we arrived at Um Shekef, an abandoned village where time had turned the ruins into a harmonious part of the landscape. The blend of history and nature was captivating—a quiet reminder of the lives that once filled these spaces.

Back at Tamar and Giora’s home, we were welcomed with a feast fit for royalty. It was a celebration—not just of Izi's birthday but of the land, the journey, and the camaraderie we shared.

The day was more than just a ride; it was a soulful experience, a connection to the past and present, and a vivid reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Here is the video I filmed: