EN AVDAT

In English it translates into ``Spring of Avdat'' but it is far more than that. The pools lie between giant cracks in the earth and walking to them from the parking lot puts man back into his proper perspective.

There is not a sound to be heard here, except the noises of the fleet-footed gazelles and ibex that you may see near the entrance. Walk along the pebbled, dry river bed between massive walls of the canyon. Nature has carved huge caverns in the walls and they are made even more attractive by the lavender-coloured caparis flowers that cling to the rock surfaces.To get to the top of the first pool (En Mor) walk several hundred metres and then cross to the right, following the beaten path, up 60 stone steps. Walk a little further and you arrive at the top of the waterfall for a vision of stark and grand scenery that will leave you momentarily stunned.

However, more awaits you further on. Follow the path alongside four-metre-high bamboo growing in profusion. Round the curved walls and you are soon at the second pool.

En Avdat is fed by a spring and the floodwaters that rage through the blistering Negev after a few minutes of rainfall. The soil is too dry to absorb the waters and they very soon churn up everything lying in their raging path. When the floods have spent themselves, a residue of water remains and that is why vegetation and animal and plant life flourish in this sector.

Note: Swimming and hunting are prohibited at En Avdat. Entrance fee for the park.

When you return to the main road, No. 40, turn left to Elat, drive on for about 8 km. and then turn left at the En Avdat signpost. The National Parks Authority has installed iron balconies and a staircase at the observation post and you can get a look at this pool from about 100 m. up.

While you're here you may like to see how sounds carry by shouting a few words. You will be amazed at the reverberations of the echo. Back on the main road (No. 40) you can see part of the ruins of ancient Avdat clinging to the hill ahead. There is a kosher restaurant and gas station at the entrance to this next National Parks site.