The Dead Sea is very much alive. Health spas and hot springs dot its western
bank, and luxury hotels have sprung up in the last few years to meet the
tourist boom.
People from all over the world come for therapeutic treatment to this
place (see ``Health Resorts''), because the water contains unique
health-promoting salts.
A swim in the Dead Sea is tantamount to a full cosmetic treatment. But
bathers should beware not to go for a dip if they have any cuts, and not to
splash around, as a mere drop of this salt water in any wound or in the eyes
stings sharply. Freshwater showers are necessary after a swim to wash off the
sticky salt.
The Dead Sea is 55 km. long and varies between 18 km. and 3 km. in
width. It has a maximum depth of 430 m. it is fed by the Jordan River and a
number of rivers and springs that bring flood waters after the infrequent rains
of the Judaean Desert.
The Dead Sea dates back some 100 million years, but geologists reckon
that the shallow southern tip was formed a mere few thousand years ago, which
coincides with the cataclysmic Sodom and Gomorrah story in the Bible.
The road leading right from the junction leads to Sedom, 9 km. away.
Here are situated huge plants (of the Dead Sea Works) to extract minerals from
the frothy water.
On your right is the Mountain of Sedom, gouged with many caves. The
chalk-white Flour Cave is midway between Sedom and the junction on the upper
plateau of Mishor Amiaz it takes its name from the fine white dust carpeting
its interior. Nothing remains of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, but a wind-carved
sculpture on the mountains is pointed out as Lot's wife, who was turned to a
pillar of salt after looking back on the ruined cities (Genesis 19:26).
(If you continue along the road south of Sedom for 14 km. to another
junction you will link up with Route No. 23 to Elat.)
Turn left at the junction for the resort area of Neve Zohar. There is a
gas station, camping site, and restaurant. The Hamei Zohar hot springs have
modern installations. The Bet Hayotzer Museum here displays a variety of
exhibits connected with the Dead Sea region. Pass the Moriah Hotel and arrive
at En Boqeq, with the Tongue jutting out across the Dead Sea just to the north.
Lying at the Delta of Nahal Boqeq, this resort has hotels and restaurant and
beach facilities. (See ``Health Resorts'') Close by are the ruins of Metzad
Boqeq, a Roman fortress. Drive on parallel to the Dead Sea until you come to
the Massada turn-off 15 km. later.