Louis The Scooterer: Banias = caves and waterfalls and streams and..

There are 2 main roads to the only Ski Site in Israel way up north..on top of Mount Hermon.
 
The more popular route, takes you past the foot of Mt. Hermon where the source of Hermon Stream flows...at a mysterious place called BANIAS.

I had visited Banias several times by scooter and in a rented car, and because I knew I couldn't walk much, I usually stood at entrance gate to this awesome place, received brochures and map with walking routes..

and stared in wonderment what was directly in front of me.

The gigantic arched entrances into the mountain caves, waterfalls, running water, ancient workings and remnants of buildings, and knowing that much walking is required. But my old knee wouldnt allow..so I sat on the saddle or in the rentcar for a few minutes, took a picture or two, and then moved along to elsewhere.

Well..this is my story about a proper visit, a couple of years later after receiving a TKR (Total Knee Replacement).

Now at this time, I am able to walk some distances, painfree (perhaps with some stiffness), and started doing what I hadn't done for so many years.
 
I climbed up steps and walked on broken rocks and on beautiful grass lawns and next to the flowing waters in many areas in this incredible place, walking along the fast flowing very narrow streams and up and down rock steps

and on muddy sand over little bridges through narrow tunnels..this was a new experience for a 70 year old scooterer..this trip was on my scooter..
 
One of the excellent sites on internet is http://www.jafi.org.il/education/noar/sites/banias.htm

It was marvellous seeing many groups of children visiting this place, as well as many tour buses arriving with tourists from everywhere in the world. There are also places with many tables and benches under trees for picnicking, or taking a rest.

There are several different routes to follow, and I chose what looked like the easiest and shortest (purple route)..(not to kid myself)..this was a long and most interesting winding route which comes upon a long disused hydro-electric plant, and cellars and ancient flour mills 

and other buildings that need time to explore, and crosses a Roman Bridge...

and need to know where to make the left-turn at the correct spot...to follow the purple arrows.

I even came across a tiny kiosk run by an old Druze man

And I jumped back in time at least 100 years seeing this spot..and "chatting" with this "picturesque chap"..and eating what he makes..a thin bread filled with goat cheese, with a cool drink, or his special blend of tea.
 
The streams flow non stop, and in wonderment I stand at many spots and take my hat off to those who designed these places for hikers and children and even older ones like me. I passed through underground tunnels to archaeological diggings, found plaques with English translations about what stands at a particular spot...and always found a place to sit in the shade.

Later I met with tourists from USA and another group from Nigeria. Many groups of Christians  travel in buses with their church leaders and guides..and my take on that, is unfortunately the time spent at this magic place, is far too short to really explore.

I casually joined one of these groups and listened to a well informed guide telling about some of the spots where they stop..take pics..listen to a quick story..and move along.

After taking a coffee at the kiosk, and being very satisfied with my (new knee) achievement..and pleasantly tired..I chatted with tourists and staff, and listened to their stories.
 
I then scooted along a couple of kms..down the road.. to the BANIAS FALLS..

and stood at the viewsite, and with my binoculars I could see many hikers of all ages, climbing up the pathways to eventually arrive at the Roman Bridge (where I was earlier).

I learned that at the spot where I was standing, there are 100 steps to the bottom to see the falls... and my decision was "those 100 steps down and up again ??.will be for another time".

A couple of hours is simply not enough time at this incredible place..and my suggestion is to plan to spend more than half a day..get there early and take a slow journey on different routes, and wear good walking shoes and not to forget your cameras.
 
There is also a restaurant  waiting to serve you a lunch..later.

SO..dear reader spend a few minutes (google Banias) and start planning your visit.

Feel free to email me louisdrinkingt@013.net