Wadi Musa / Kerak March 8, 2024 🇯🇴
From Wadi Musa / Petra, we continue on to Kerak, where we’re staying at a horse farm. The route is very spectacular but, aside from a turtle we almost ran over, uneventful. But days like this happen too, and we enjoy a little more time with a leisurely drive, some shopping, and washing Joey. Tomorrow we’ll head to Kerak Castle, a famous Crusader castle.
Kerak Castle / Dead Sea March 9, 2024 🇯🇴
The historic ruins of the Crusader castle of Kerak stand on a rocky outcrop about 1,000 meters above sea level. It was built in 1140 by the Crusaders above the Dead Sea, served as an important center of power under Baldwin I, and was used as his most important fortress. Subsequently, the Crusaders conquered large parts of the highlands and established a defensive line consisting of several castles, each located a day’s journey apart. With their help, they now controlled and dominated the Bedouins as well as the important caravan routes and trade routes between Egypt and Syria.
After our visit to Kerak Castle, we’ll continue on to the Dead Sea. Even the first glimpse of the Dead Sea is impressive, and we take advantage of the magnificent scenery for a lunch stop at about -350 meters! For our campsite, we head up to 170 meters above sea level and enjoy an incredible view of the Dead Sea, the West Bank / Palestine, Jericho, and Jerusalem in the distance.
Dead Sea 03/10/2024 🇯🇴
“Swimming” in the Dead Sea at an elevation of -430 meters is truly something special. Well, you can’t actually swim, but lying on your back and enjoying the sun is quite doable.
We go through the whole routine, including slathering ourselves with mud. The salinity averages about 28% (compared to 3.8% in the Mediterranean); you shouldn’t have any open wounds, and getting water in your eyes is a bad idea. But otherwise, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your skin feels really oily, though this changes relatively quickly after getting out of the water. A fair amount of salt sticks to your skin, and just taking a shower won’t do the trick. Plenty of water and some skin cream, and we’re as good as new. Afterward, it’s time to relax and enjoy the view.
Leave a Reply