View of Nazareth, Mount Carmel, Jordan River, On the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee as it looked from our hotel room when we got up early the morning of May 24.

We had a delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel before we boarded the bus for our day of sightseeing. Still couldn't believe we were actually in Israel!!

Our first stop took us to the Arbel Cliff for a fantastic overview of the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding area.

We listened as Michael Wilcox (on the far right)  gave us a lecture and then we took some pictures from that vantage point.

 We walked to another spot and looked at another overview.

Looking down on the city of Nazareth.

Michael gave another lecture about the things that happened in this area.

View of the Jezreel Valley.

Mount Tabor.

We drove about an hour in the direction of the Mediterranean Sea where we entered the Carmelite Monastery.

Michael guided us to a gathering area where he gave another lecture. It was on top of Mount Carmel where Elijah had his historic confrontation with the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven. They failed. Then Elijah, as a prophet of god, called down fire and slayed the false prophets of Baal.

A stone statue of Elijah with his sword raised to heaven as he slaughters a Baal prophet.

We stopped for lunch at a place that served falafel--a deep-fried ball made out of ground chickpeas. The falafel is inside the pita pocket and then the veggies are supposed to be stuffed down inside the pita as well. Glen chose the deep-fried chicken option, but I gave the real thing a try.

Patricia opted for an ice cream bar and I don't know what's going on with Steven. I bet he's probably saying he wishes he had ordered a real falafel as well.

This is where Gideon chose his three hundred men--the ones who lapped up the water like a dog from the stream.

The baptismal site in honor of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan.

One area is sectioned off for baptisms. Anyone can be baptized, but must be wearing white baptismal robes to do so.

Once back at the hotel, we ate our dinner and then our Fun For Less group went out on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.

Out in the middle of the water, the motor was turned off so Michael could give us another lecture. We heard the story about Jesus walking on the water and stilling the storm.

It was a great way to end our day. Final step count was 10,661 which is 5.38 miles.