On the Road Again - Mount Hermon
By Sara Layah Shomron
Caravilla Site, Nitzan , Israel
3 Adar 5767 (February 21, 2007)
Today five buses carrying Neve Dekalim expellees now temporarily housed in Nitzan Caravillas traveled 5 hours up to Mount Hermon, Golan Heights to spend a few hours in its splendor. It was a day trip to take a break from the pressures of our collective State Disengagement sponsored status: homeless and jobless. It was an excursion of snow fun for both adult and child alike.
The unseasonably warm, sunny winter weather conspired to make a glorious day at the majestic Golan Heights . I last visited Mount Hermon as a teenager 30 years ago. My memory of the mountain range is a summery one yet the panoramic view remains unchanged regardless of season.
Winter sports offer much fun. Snow play attracts people from all walks of life regardless of age, ethnicity, political affiliation, religion... The snow was icy-crystal and hard; not the white fluffy sort or packing snow from my Wisconsin childhood. Slush is consistently slush regardless of locale.
Laughter was in the air as all ages threw snowballs. Snowballs don't discriminate. One unknown teenager found it fitting to target my ear and when I turned around she threw another snowball at me - the chilling wetness running down the front of my sweater. I knew I was being egged on into a snowball fight and so wanted to take the bait - but space relations prevent me from hitting a desired target so I moved on to enjoy the day with a smile. Small plastic sleds were available for rent. My two youngest daughters and I alternated turns as well as doubled up. It was a blast loosing control of the sled, bumping into people as well as an occasional unobstructed, smooth downhill run. We watched people downhill ski and I told my daughters how I enjoyed skiing in my youth on shorter, more manageable skis than what's normally used. How they wanted to give it a go. But time was limited and serious instruction needed – so I punted. A mountain track for bobsleighing was off in the distance. Binoculars are a must! We finished up with the ski-lift. I had forgotten how terrified I initially felt in my youth of the great height between the ski-lift and ground; the memory quickly came back as I embarked. I took a deep breath, hummed a little ditty and relaxed. The panoramic view was breathtaking and well worth it!
Clearly the day trip accomplished its goal. People were visibly relaxed and enjoyed the day. My daughters and I had a fantastic time – I mustn't let another 30 years pass 'till I get back up North again!
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