Ehden to Wadi Qannoubine – Easy to Moderate – 9.8 km (6 m) with a total uphill of 370m (1,213 ft)
Today is a our first day resembling an easy day, and, after yesterday, I think we (at least I) need one. Tomorrow, we also get a much needed break. A news crew from LBC followed us for part of the day today for a piece they are doing on the thru-walk. The spunky, energetic twins, Lutfallah and Karamallah, are always one step ahead of us. Be sure to watch for their bios!
The steep downhill into Wadi Qozhaya leads us past an old water mill and gushing waterfall. The first of 6 we passed today. There are more olive trees now and new species of flowers blooming in the spring. There is something about this trek that makes me appreciate the changes in landscape that I never really got when I hiked it in smaller sections. I’ve gotten a much deeper understanding of the different climate zones in Lebanon and the transitions between them. It reminds me of Kilimanjaro a little bit. When you climb Kili, you go from a rain forest to a glacial artic zone in just a few days. On the way down, we went through 4 zones all in one day!
Some awesome pictures after the break.
The steep mountain face is speckled with caves, some of which were occupied by hermits. The ancient monastry of Mar Mtanious Qozhaya houses the oldest Syrian printing press. We stopped to chat with Father Micheal of the Monastry
Today’s hike ends in the Qadisha valley, a world heritage site.
We started in Horseh Ehden
And stopped in Wadi Qannoubine
Bravo Hana!
Glade to see you’re back on the trail and to see the team progress. I already miss hiking with you guys! Keep going and enjoy the thru hike. Take Care.
Marie.