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Avir resting up at a camel ranch in the Negev
Avir has had a busy day. He set off early for a swim in the Dead Sea and we will see that picture in a couple of weeks. Now he taking the opportunity to relax in this beautiful desert setting. This camel ranch is very popular and visitors come from all over the world to see not only the beautiful camels but also to experience staying overnight in a simple hut in the middle of the desert—the air is so clean and the camel rides are definitely adventurous. So, after a 45 minute drive from the Dead Sea, the hammock looked a great place to unwind.
Next to him is a bronze sculpture called “The Lone Camel Rider”. The date palms pictured here climb high into the sky towering over Avir and offering him a little shade. These palm trees grow close to near desert springs and provide food, shelter and shade. They are even featured in the Bible as metaphors or poetry—one example being in Psalm 92:12 “the righteous himself will blossom forth as a palm tree does”.
This particular area is near the old Incense Trade Route which connected Arabia to the Mediterranean Sea, passing through this region in the Negev, in the south of Israel. This trade route led to the development of ancient towns, forts, many travelling caravans and various agricultural locations. The spices and incense such as frankincense and myrrh became a lucrative trade.
Camels have played an important role as ‘ships in the desert’ throughout the history of the Negev Desert, for they can walk more than 100 kilometres each day, and very soon Avir will experience a camel ride himself.