And I would walk 400 km...

Well, well... It has now been 18 days of hiking, trekking, and walking through the forests, over the mountains, in the valleys, down the coast and finally just about halfway to Kibbutz Tzuba ("home-sweet-home") where I reached my 400th kilometer! It was really a big deal for me to walk up the Ksalon valley and arrive at the familiar/familial gates of Tzuba. I got here a lot faster than I thought and it was a welcome break.
So, I neither have the time right now nor the peace of time to give an in-depth detailed account of everywhere I've been, everything I've seen or felt the past 18 days, so I'll just say that it has been the hardest thing I've done in my life (physically and emotionally), and the most rewarding. Walking from the Kibbutz Dan in the North and seeing the wonderful landscapes of the Gallil, the placid stillness of the Kinneret, and the picturesque inviting sands of the Mediterranean coast have been among the highlights. Among the greatest challenges has been struggling to schlepp my pack from point to point. the days that I have been fortunate enough to have someone transport my pack for me have been no less than miraculous, and I feel like flying. Before I set out for another of those days (from Tzuba to Matta - where I plan to take full advantage of Amy and Gadi's new crib) I'll just a few words of thanks.

I am eternally grateful to all those who have supported and assisted me along the way so far. Namely, Mara for everything, Nir from Hod HaSharon for the first Shabbat where I could barely walk and enlightening me to the great notion of the Malach Shvil - the 'Angels of the Trail', D Lizzo for some great company, Shira and Dani, Baruch and Ilana for incredible hospitality, Eran, Amy for pack transport and iruach, Yael for an unbelievable meal along the way, Sarah, Ayala and the Hendins for company, transport and moral support, the Zelberman family of Kibbutz Yagur, a few friendly folks along the way and of Ribi and Reuven keeping it real at Tzuba. I'm off to encounter the highs and lows of the Judean hills on my way to Matta. It has been kind of a relief trekking through civilization, and I fear that is now coming to a gradual end as I begin to head south to the Negev. Doubtful that I'll reach Eilat [by foot], but wherever I end up, I end up, and I'll feel good about it. Whatever happens I promise to keep posting. L'hitraot...

josh