It’s a magical world, Hobbes ol’ buddy. Let’s go exploring!
Calvin & Hobbes
After our stay in Mitzpeh Ramon, we descended down the switchbacked road into the makhtesh (see last time for more information), following highway 40 south towards the Red Sea. What strange sights would we see in this giant, geological, dinosaur footprint-shaped crater?
First, we stopped at the “Carpentry”. Ascending a wooden walkway, we gazed at the unique hill, made of strangely shaped pieces of rock. Given their shape and color, they look like sawed-off logs, giving the place its name.
Next, a short hike or drive to the south, we made a short stop at a collection of colored sands that have been gathered from around the area. Curiously, there was a small pool of water with submerged signs. I’m guessing that water isn’t there year round in this desert.
Finally, driving five minutes further south, we pulled off for a short hike to the “Ammonite wall”. Not to be confused with the ancient nation in the Bible with the same name, ammonites were ancient nautilus-like sea creatures. Dozens of fossils can be seen in a rock face on this trail.
With smiles on our faces, we drove out of the makhtesh. God has certainly filled this dry depression with terrific treasures!