Crossing the Sea of galilee - צליחת הכנרת

The Sea of Galilee (Ha-Kinneret)

Many historical events happened in these holy waters... And yesterday another one was added:

I woke up at 5:30am on a Saturday morning, drove up north, and swam across this great sea! (its actually just a small lake - more on this in a future post).

Apparently (thousands of) people do this every year (almost since the birth of Israel). (last time I did so was at the age of 13)

It seems to me like this is (unfortunately) the only time during the year that people from the Silicon Vadi (Israel's Valley) visit this part of the country  - and the area is filled up with leased cars (high tech workers are known to be great swimmers when they don't ride mountain bikes)

It turned out to be a great 3.5km swim, surrounded by beautiful yellow colored hills. It resembles the landscape in southern France.

But the best part was the finish: Every participant receives a bread roll and bag of Shoko (chocolate Drink - in a small bag - ...unique Israeli invention) - This is something that hasn't changed at all since this event was formed... and I doubt will ever change. The Shoko bag and roll combination has become part of an Israeli's DNA...

Tags: Sea Galilee, swim, Israel, 2006

Comments

[Yuval Drori]

Once a fish always a fish...

[tali aben]

There is nothing that compares to choco... I put mine in the freezer, until it's almost frozen... beats a frappacino anyday!

[Sagi Rubin]

That's one thing I havn't tried till today! Come to think about it, given the huge success of "Frozen Coffe" in Israeli bars - this could be a marketing hit for next summer

[Stuart]

Please someone tell me, by email, when this cross kinneret swim will be in 2007
Toda Raba in advance
[email protected]

[Steven Munatones]

Is there a website for this event?

[Steven Munatones]

This swim is now ranked in the World's Top 100 Open Water Swims at www.10Kswimmer.com