ESRA Trip to the Lower Galilee and Jezreel Valley

A hazy panoramic view from Mt. Gilboa

This was the third in ESRA's series of Here and There Around Israel tours, that provide newcomers to Israel and even old-timers, a wonderful opportunity to familiarize themselves with every corner of our beautiful and history-rich country. This one focused on the Lower Galilee and Jezreel Valley.

After boarding our bus at the Herzliya train station, we headed north to the Megiddo Junction where we met our guide, Doron Kehila, and had breakfast. We then drove to the lush and fertile Jezreel Valley. As we ascended Mount Gilboa's winding road, every bend gave us a new and spectacular view of the valley below.

Our destination was the Kibbutz Maale Gilboa Wind Farm and Visitors Center, located on the mountain's peak. A member of the kibbutz told us the story behind the wind farm's initiative, and how wind is actually converted into energy. We were amazed that the energy produced here supplies electricity to the surrounding kibbutzim, moshavim, and towns. As we exited the Center, a brisk breeze whipped around us and we understood why this spot was chosen and how it could produce so much energy. A nice touch was the engraved poems about wind that adorned the base of each turbine.

The Visitors Center also featured a circular glass wall affording a panoramic view of the area, with plaques explaining its ancient and recent history and special landmarks.

From Mount Gilboa we drove through forest scenery to the Maayan Harod Park, where we ate our picnic lunch overlooking the Lower Galilee's springtime hues of green, rust and yellow. Next, Doron entertained us with stories of the area's history, both biblical and recent. Our final destination was the Park's lovely lake. With eyes sparkling from the day's beautiful scenery, we returned home invigorated by a special day out.