Written by hana on September 29th, 2009
To commemorate World Tourism Day, Pascale Abdallah (Responsible mobilities), organized a ‘Green’ ascent to the summit of Mt. Hermon (AKA Jabal El Sheikh). At 2814 m it is the second highest peak in Lebanon and has an exceptional view of three countries: Lebanon, Syria and Occupied Palestine). We got up at daybreak and commenced our hike in the town of Chebaa, famous among other things, for it’s 7 watermills. It owes it’s existence to the water and snows of Mt. Hermon. A tough hike by most standards: 2000 m of elevation gain that is virtually all uphill, it took us about 7hrs. to get to the summit.
Apple break
Most of our supplies (tents, water and food) were packed up by mules.
Bitter cold and stong winds were the price to pay for our 1st class seats to an amazing sunrise. We all agreed it was worth it.
Sunrise From The Peak
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Written by hana on August 17th, 2009
On Saturday August 8th, I took part in a protest against the attempt to construct a private residence in close proximity to the Kfardebiane natural bridge. An extremely rare natural occurance, this land bridge (a product of hundreds of thousands of years of unique geological conditions) is massive in scale (52m long and 58m in height) and a breathtaking sight. It lies, unfortunately close to a private plot of land. Environmental groups and NGO’s have fought for its preservation for the past 15 years. Despite decrees by the government declaring it a national preserve the landowner continuously attempts to bypass and contest these laws. The planned construction would definitely threaten the structural integrity of the bridge.
The Kfardebiane natural bridge seen from the west
If you look right above the bridge and to the left you can make out the stone wall that the owner has already built.
Protestors' banner reads: DON'T TOUCH THE NATURAL STONE BRIDGE
It was heartening to see such a strong turnout: celebrities (including Maxime Chaaya, the first Lebanese to climb Everest), politicians, environmental groups, youth organizations, eco-tour operators and substantial media coverage. The bridge is one of the prominent landmarks on the LMT.
For more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hagopkazazian/2270312312/
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Written by hana on August 2nd, 2009
Looking up the street towards Mr.Hourani's house in Marjeyoun
Our last day of the hike seemed like a blur of reporters and town officials. It was quite emotional for us (The core team) as the reality of having hiked 440 km sank in suddenly. What I do remember clearly is that I promised myself I would come back to Marjeyoun. I’m so glad I did. We took a leisurely walk in the town center, starting at the municipality. It was nice to revisit the streets lined with numerous old Lebanese style houses, that I had only glimpsed fleetingly from the bus.
Abandoned houses in Marjeyoun
Some were renovated, some abandoned and all were uniquely beautiful. While strolling past a charming renovated home, I paused to admire the craftsmanship of the large entrance door. Like many village homes in Lebanon, the door was ajar. The owner came out and insisted that we all come in for coffee and cold drinks. As it turns out Mr. Adnan Hourani (President of Jdeidet Marjeyoun Club) remembered me from the press conference on April 30th (not that it had anything to do with his warm hospitality). It is wonderful that one can feel so welcome with people they have just met.
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Written by hana on July 21st, 2009
On the Eastern side of the Qaroun dam we met a family of gypsies who come every spring for the sheep shearing season. The older siblings were busy grouping the sheep in the pen. Fortunately, their striking older sister Samar wasn’t camera shy, much to Norbert’s delight( Photo to be featured in the book).
Photo taken by Maurizio Paoli
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Written by hana on May 26th, 2009
There have been many efforts to reforest the cedars all over Lebanon. The most poignant being a hillside in the Chouf Cedar Reserve where a cedar was planted in the name of each soldier who lost his life in the Nahr El Bared conflict.
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Written by hana on May 17th, 2009
On the trail from Baskinta to Zaarour, we spotted a rather rare species of VW camper that had somehow strayed from its usual habitat. This particular specimen is indigenous to Lebanon as evidenced by its red and white markings.
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Written by hana on May 14th, 2009
It has been a long-standing tradition in Lebanon for residents of the coastal cities and towns of lower elevation to escape the summer heat by going up to the mountains for the summer. This is called estivation. We encountered this goat herder with his herd, dogs and mule on the way to their summer residence in the highlands (seriously). By the way, the guy in the hat is Padre, not the goat herder.
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Written by hana on May 8th, 2009
I am happy to have shared a glimpse of this wonderful adventure with all of you. In the coming months I hope to revisit many of the villages and sites that I didn’t have as much time in as I would have liked. There are so many interesting people I would like to talk to more.
So I will continue to update the blog with new pictures taken by different people who joined us, and my trips back into the mountains. Be sure to come back weekly and check for new stories from our adventure. As for Norbert’s photos; you’ll just have to wait for the book : ). Thank you all for your feedback and comments. I apologize for not responding immediately. It was all I could do to just get the blog post out every day.
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Written by hana on May 4th, 2009
Day 29
Members of the youth organization SOIL (Save Our Inherited Land) gave us a very warm welcome last night in Hasbaya. They manage the LMT guest house here, and do it with great enthusiasm and energy.
A brief walk through the streets of Hasbaya lead us out into the fields and terraced olive groves. We skirted the heavily wooded oak forest of Hasbaya through shoulder high grass, flowers and thistle. There was an abundance of thick trunked olive trees. Many over 1000 yrs. old.
In the town of Ibl El Saqi we met a contingent of French UNIFIL forces.
They were very interested in what we were doing and asked many questions about the LMT. Just outside of town we passed by the ruins of a caravanserai that used to be on the ancient trade routes.
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Written by hana on April 30th, 2009
Day 28
Both we left this morning, our host took us upon his terrace to look at Rashaya from above. It is a very picturesque town with red roofs and cobblestone roads.
The trek today was through the foothills of Mt. Hermon.
We hiked through many orchards and olive groves. We encountered farmers tending to their plots. Many times it would be an elderly couple working together.
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Posted in Photography, Places We Stayed, Sections of the LMT | 5 Responses »
