User:Orwell1/KTC

• 1 עין עבדת (Either reach the bottom entrance of the creek following the signs from the Ben Gurion College; or drive 15 minutes south of there on highway 40 to reach the top), ☏ +972 8 6555684, +972 8 6554418, fax: +972 8 6570536. Su-Th and Sa 8am-4pm, F 8am-5pm; during DST open for 1 additional hour. A creek in the cliff side where the mighty Zin stream, going west to east, descends from the highland and starts forming the deep Zin basin. This is the only section of the stream which flows all year long, thanks to the Avdat spring at its top. The water are brackish (that is, midway between salt and sweet water) and it is forbidden to enter the ponds (a regulation constantly enforced by the local rangers), but they do create a beautiful sight and attract a lot of animals, mainly ibexes, hyraxes and several bird species. Coming from the top entrance, you'll only be allowed to reach the viewpoint on the ridge, offering a great view of the creek and the basin, then you'll have to turn and go back. However, coming from the bottom, you can walk inside the creek itself, along the water, then either turn back or ascend the via ferrata steps out of the creek, to reach the top entrance. The walk is fit for children and should take a family around 30 minutes. However, in high season (mainly the Passover holiday in April) the place could be packed, and hiker "traffic jams" of are likely to occur. Adult 29₪, student 23₪, child / senior 15₪; combined tickets with Avdat are available. 
• 2 Ein Akev. A spring forming a small pool and a nice oasis in the Zin basin. The pool is about 4 meters in diameter and very deep even in summertime. To reach it by Jeep, drive on highway 40 between Sde Boker and the College, then turn south to a black-marked dirt road with a sign towards Ein Akev. After about 6 km, turn right to a blue road ; this one will end within 4 km, then walk the remaining 1 km of the blue trail by foot. If you don't have a 4×4 vehicle, the place can be reached in a 2 hour hike each way from the Ben-Gurion College. From near the tomb, go down to the basin following the signs towards Ein Avdat, then when you reach the bottom, turn left on a red dirt road . After about an hour you'll encounter the aforementioned blue road , where you have to turn right and walk for another 45 minutes or so, until you reach the oasis. The hike is fairly easy, only that on your way back you'll have to make the steep climb back up to the College. Please review the guidelines for hiking in Israel, and keep in mind that this is a nature reserve and access is only allowed during daytime.