The past few weeks have been difficult due to the security situation, with many Israelis opting to cancel trips.
By MEITAL SHARABIAdults and children alike cool off in one of the many pools in Gan Hashlosha, or as it is popularly known, Sakhne.(photo credit: Courtesy)
The past few weeks have been difficult due to the security situation, with many Israelis opting to cancel trips and vacations they’d planned throughout the country.Yet despite the escalation of rockets, we must remember we are in the middle of kids’ summer vacations. And since they’re home, we need to find them something to do before they begin climbing the walls – and drive us out of our minds.In crazy times like these, there is no place more pleasant to run off to than the Gilboa region, the year-round home to dozens of pools and streams with running water.When temperatures are high like they have been recently, there’s nothing more enjoyable than jumping from one pool to another and discovering new springs. The most important thing is that the children stay in motion, we don’t exhaust ourselves and we all don’t get too far from our starting point off Route 669.The best-known water source in the region is, of course, Gan Hashlosha – or as it is popularly known, Sakhne. One of the rivers that runs through Sakhne is the Asi, whose water is consistently 28 degrees and fills natural pools bustling with visitors all year-round.The grounds at Sakhne were renovated last year, so visiting the newly designed park is even more of a must. If you’re trying to avoid the crowds, it’s best to come early in the day or on nights when the park is open after sunset.Sakhne is not the only nature reserve in the Gilboa where you can cool off and splash around in the water, and where temperatures are comfortable. There are a number of rivers that flow down from the Gilboa mountains, such as Nahal Hakibbutzim and Nahal Eitan, connecting a number of springs.Nahal Hakibbutzim was given its name due to its proximity to the kibbutzim it flows alongside. The walk from the parking lot to the river is quite short, so you can frolic around in the “Officer’s Pool” in no time at all. If you have the energy, though, I recommend skipping this concrete pool, continuing along the path and going straight down to the river; you can always stop at the pool on your way back up.From there you can continue on to the springs that flow into the river.Located right underneath the Springs Park and only recently opened to the public, the springs are an incredible natural oasis. No motor vehicles are allowed inside the gates, but there are plenty of bicycles and electric carts you can rent to explore the grounds. Entrance is free.Young and old can enjoy countless attractions at Springs Park, but Ein Homa and Ein Migdal leading to Nahal Hakibbutzim attract the most visitors. The names of these springs were picked to perpetuate the memory of the first community built in the region, Nir David, in which a tower and stockade date back to the British Mandate period, which adhered to the Ottoman law stating that any illegal building with a roof could not be destroyed.In addition to being a popular tourist attraction, Ein Homa is a source of drinking water for local residents, animals and surrounding vegetation.Because half its water is pumped out, only half of the water is left when the river joins with Nahal Hakibbutzim.Just south of Nahal Hakibbutzim lies Tel Socho, where a number of serious battles have taken place. At the top of the site stands a three-story tower from which you can look out over the entire region. The tower was built there in 1939, in memory of three kibbutz teens killed on the spot in an ambush.When you’re done taking in the view, I recommend taking a dip in the refreshing water of Ein Moda, which sits in the shade of an enormous eucalyptus tree. There is a convenient Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund parking area nearby, and the walk down to the spring is easy.Water from Ein Moda fills a 40-meter-long, 50-cm.-deep pool. There is an absolutely fantastic view, and plenty of private little niches as well as benches and shade, surrounding the pool.In addition to all the people who’ve come to enjoy the water, there are lots of little minnows in the pool that love tickling your legs as you wade in the water. Most people actually find this feeling quite playful. Think of it this way: You’re getting a free pedicure out of your visit!Location: Emek Hama’ayanotType of outing: Full dayLength: Easy trails with convenient access routesSeason: All year longDirections: Take Route 669 and follow signs forGan Hashlosha National Park.
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