8:00 in the morning and where is the Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon? That's right, climbing down the Arbel Cliffs. Amazing trek, amazing views, and for those of us who don't really like heights, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Really, we've done it once and now we're good.
Our stop there was followed by one at the Beit Alfa (Alpha) Synagogue famous for its zodiac mosaic.
Mosaic in Beit Alfa (Alpha)
Volunteers taking photos at Beit Alfa (Alpha)
What an amazing tour we've had. Today's last stop was Megiddo where a number of our volunteers, accompanied by members of the Leon Levy Expedition staff, stuck around to excavate for another week.
The remainder of our volunteers are heading home today and are already in Tel Aviv awaiting their flights, a process being overseen by our co-director.
The remainder of the staff is in Jerusalem doing, you guessed it, book work. We'll be here a few days and then we'll see what's next.
On behalf of the entire Leon Levy Expedition to Ashkelon staff, I'd like to thank and commend the volunteers and staff for all their hard work and willingness to get into the dirt, their positive attitudes and calmness during a busy, challenging week and, above all, for being part of a truly memorable season. From 604 B.C. and Islamic period workshops to the Snake Tower and tumbled medieval fortifications, it was an informative, productive, and surprising season.
We'll still be blogging as long as we are here though with less frequency -- check back for more updates.
I leave everyone with this really fabulous picture from the staff bus ride to Jerusalem.
Tired staff members after a three day tour...