Shabbat morning dawned with the promise of adventure as we prepared for our ride from Latrun. The partly cloudy sky provided the perfect backdrop for our journey. As we set off, the landscape unfurled before us with a striking field of sunflowers visible in the distance. The vibrant yellow of the flowers was a beacon of color among the green fields and almond groves.
Pedaling along the path, we were suddenly accompanied by a chorus of dararas (ring-necked parakeets) rising from an almond tree, their calls piercing the tranquil morning. It was a reminder of the natural beauty and vibrancy of the area.
Arriving at the sunflower field, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. Diligent bees flew vigorously among the flowers. The tall sunflowers stood tall under the intermittent sun. The scene felt like stepping into a beautifully crafted painting. We couldn't resist placing our bikes on the ground to pose for pictures, capturing memories of those stunning moments.
Our journey continued to the HaMeginim Forest. After a brief rest, we resumed our ride through orchards and vineyards. The path was lined with red peaches hanging like ornaments on the trees and small, burgeoning grapes peeking through the vines. Each turn of the path revealed more of nature's bounty, making our ride even more enchanting.
We soon reached the pathway leading to Bet Huldah, flanked by tall palm trees that stood like sentinels guiding us towards Beit Herzl in the Huldah Forest. This forest, planted in 1907 in memory of Binyamin Ze'ev Herzl, the Visionary of the State, held a profound sense of history and reverence.
After a leisurely lunch break, we pedaled through the forest, accompanied by a short drizzle. The paths offered breathtaking views of fields, vineyards, and golden wheat fields. From a distance, our fellow riders appeared to sail across a sea of gold, the sun caressing with a warm glow the landscape. Some of the oat stalks bent under the weight of their heads, a testament to the abundance of the season.
Crossing the Nachshon intersection, we entered Kibbutz Harel. The kibbutz marked the final leg of our journey, leading us to an old building nestled among the vineyards of Latrun Monastery. As we arrived back at our starting point, we took a moment to enjoy each other’s company over a well-deserved dessert and Shachar's fine coffee.
This Shabbat ride from Latrun through sunflowers and golden wheat fields was not just a physical journey but a soulful experience. It reminded us of the beauty and abundance that nature offers, especially when explored on a quiet, reflective Shabbat morning.
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