Jesus Trail » Jesus Trail Updates

Mark’s Jesus Trail Hints and Tips

David Landis — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:13:17 +0000

Mark has been a Jesus Trail volunteer for the 2012 spring season, and here are a collection of his hints and tips for walking the trail.

April 2012

Leaving Nazareth is a bit tricky because you will be walking in the city where the markings are harder to see. Once you get to the top of Nazareth (past all the stairs and big uphill) you will come to a roundabout, make sure that you take the second left, not the very first one. The marker on a stone on the inside of the roundabout is hard to see.
After the roundabout follow the road downhill until it turns into a dirt path, make sure to take the detour to the right around the construction, and head towards the traffic light marked on the map to the right at the bottom of the hill.
After Zippori the trail continues with other trails and is marked as an orange dot. All of the trails keep upwards heading to Mashad.
In Mashad the Jesus trail splits from the other trails at the mosque and heads left into the city. After it splits left, stay on the right hand side of the road and look carefully for the marker its faded to a yellow color and is harder to see, which indicates a right turn.
After the Catholic Wedding Church in Cana, the trail turns right, and the guesthouse is one minute further down the trail and is on the left hand side.
When you reach the Golani junction, there is a lot of construction, and you need to look closely for a building surrounded by a fence and on the fence is the trail marker. If you get lost just head to the road and walk north along it and cross the roads at the cross walk/ traffic light. To pick up the trail, head east along the side of the road (the side with the McDonalds) and you will pass a small gas station after that there is an underpass turn left (heading north) on the trail/ road from the underpass and you will be back on the trail.
After you descend from the Horns of Hatin, the trail will put you out onto a paved road. The official looking trail markings will tell you to head right, but follow the spray- painted arrows and dots pointing left that will take you to the entrance of Nebi Shu’eib. A few meters before the Nebi Shu’eib entrance, the trail will cut down the hill on the right, follow it down passed the ruined village and mosque. Continue on the road until you meet back up with the trail where you will want to make sure that you turn left to continue around the valley and on to Arbel.

Construction detour leaving Nazareth

David Landis — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 06:50:33 +0000

There’s new construction on the northern edge of Nazareth. Use this map to be sure to find your way!

Jesus Trail Shortcuts

David Landis — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:40:30 +0000

Here are some helpful shortcuts for the Jesus Trail in case you are unable to finish some of the stages, or wish to walk a shorter distance.

Hiking Day 1: Nazareth to Cana (13.4 km):
● Taxi from Nazareth to Zippori NP – ask Fauzi Azar staff for help (saves 7.8 km)
● Bus #28A or 343 to Tsipori Branching stop, walk paved road into park entrance (saves 4.5 km)

Hiking Day 2: Cana to Lavi (14.4km):
● Bus #28, 29, 30 and 431 from Cana to Tur’an entrance on highway 77, hike south up red trail to join Jesus Trail route (saves 4 km)
● Bus #28, 29, 30, 31 and 431 from Cana to Golani Junction (saves 10km)

Hiking Day 3: Lavi to Moshav Arbel (13.7 km)
● Taxi to from Lavi to Nebi Shu’eib (saves 6.1 km)
● Walk the paved road from Nebi Shu’eib to Moshav Arbel (saves 4km)
● Taxi from Nebi Shu’eib to Moshav Arbel (saves 9.6 km)

Hiking Day 4: Moshav Arbel to Capernaum
● Walk back down from Moshav Arbel to Nakhal Arbel (blue trail) to reach Wadi Hamam (green trail) instead of going up and over the cliffs (saves 1km & easier walk)
● Bus #841, 963, or 63 from Migdal entrance to Kfar Nakhum Junction (saves 6.9 km)

Calling a taxi:
● Days 1-2: Nazareth to Golani Junction, call Maazen @ 04-6574076
● Days 3-4: Golani Junction to Capernaum, call Chiki @ 050-7535661

*Note: Costs for these transfers are not included in the Jesus Trail Tours package.

Tony Blair’s visit to Nazareth: June 20th

Maoz Inon — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 07:44:34 +0000

I’m now sitting at home after the successful visit of Mr. Tony Blair to the Fauzi Azar Inn and Jesus Trail. Thinking about today’s excitement, stress and relief, I can describe this long anticipated visit as a tornado storm that hit the Fauzi whose long-term results are yet to be seen.

We were preparing for this visit for the last week, making the inn as beautiful as it can be and writing a program where everyone will know what to expect. I was getting ready and preparing the message I wanted to deliver. As the date came closer, I got more and more anxious and must confess that I didn’t get much sleep the night before.

Working six years transforming the Fauzi Azar Inn from a small seed and PowerPoint presentation to what it has become has been challenging with its ups and downs. Having Tony Blair, the former Prime Minster on the UK, visiting my creation, the inn, offered a rewarding reassurance to the time, energy and resources I have invested in the process.

The visit itself was like a storm. It started after a thirty-minute delay with Suraida and I waiting at the street entrance to the Fauzi. We received signs from the security person standing 10 meters ahead of us as Mr. Blair and his entourage were getting closer and closer.

Finally we saw crowds of photographers leading the way and Mr. Blair himself in flesh and blood smiling and coming to approach us.

We became part of the eye of the storm, loosing track of place and time while surrounded by dozens of photographers, Blair’s staff and personnel, people from the Nazareth municipality including the Mayor and his deputies, police staff, high-level security, Fauzi Azar Inn guests, volunteers and staff and special friends we invited for the event.

From the second we shook hands with Mr. Blair we were on the mission of staying in the storm’s eye while many others trying to get the same spot for themselves. Mr. Blair was acting naturally keeping both Suraida and myself next to him and at the same time interacting with the crowd – waving, smiling, shaking hands and exchanging a few words with some of them. The eye of the storm was moving up the stairs where Mr. Blair cut left to shake people’s hands, and I was trying to follow the rhythm by introducing him to our volunteers and guests.

The storm’s eye entered the Fauzi hall where we placed a board with Jesus Trail map (very wise idea!) and the Jesus Trail Guide book.

Suraida was pitching the Fauzi Azar story brilliantly with the storm swirling around and above.

Then it was my turn.

I had so much to say but was told by the great Stefan Szepesi (Thanks you Stefan!) that there is only one minute left, I heard voices from all over advising me what to say: “To encourage people to visit Nazareth”; “Ask for money”; “Support the Jesus Trail” and more that I can’t recall.

I remember saying that: “I was born in Israel and that after backpacking around the world for a year I learned that tourism can be a great force that bridges between people from different cultures, religions and nationalities and in the same time contributes significantly to local communities. Also, I have witnessed how it can support local businesses, change an area’s image and empower and raise the self-esteem of the local people.”

“Here at the Fauzi Azar Inn and the Jesus trail we are using existing infrastructure and local resources to encourage interaction between people and to create a shared interest between the different communities of the Galilee – Jewish, Christian & Muslims.”

I gave Mr. Blair the Jesus Trail guidebook and kept fighting to stay in the storm’s eye. I showed him on the Jesus Trail map how Jesus Trail, the first trail in Israel that targets international tourism is creating a share interest between the diverse community in the Galilee.

Then someone shoved me the Fauzi Azar guestbook and I asked Mr. Blair if he would be willing to sign it. While knowing that we had used all the time that we had and that the storm must go elsewhere, I called all Fauzi Azar staff and volunteers for a photo up. We got great photos!

And then in two seconds the storm was over. It was very powerful and energetic.

Afterwards, Fauzi Azar Inn staff celebrated Norhan’s 20th birthday, and we began in making the inn ready for today’s arrivals. My wife went home to take the kids and I returned later on by public transportation.

And yes, I also shared my vision for tourism with Mr. Blair –

In my vision, I’m booking our guests in Nazareth at their next accommodation in guesthouses in not only in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Amman but also in Beirut and Damascus.

Hallelujah!

Introducing the Galilee Hiking Club

Julian Bender — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 14:34:08 +0000

The Jesus Trail team is excited to announce the launching of the Galilee Hiking Club, a chance for virtually anyone to get a taste of trekking through northern Israel’s back country. Starting every Thursday and Sunday (and probably some Saturdays), groups will meet up at the Fauzi Azar Inn in Nazareth and head out on a day hike.

The hikes are led by a volunteer who knows the route, so even those without experience in navigation can join in the adventure. If you’re a visitor to the region, there’s no better way to get a feel for the land than to hike it. If you’re a pilgrim, hiking recalls ancient times when everyone from Abraham to Jesus got around on their feet. If you’re a local, you may learn about a new route, valley or mountaintop you never knew about. We hope the experience will foster friendships between local people and internationals.

Whoever you are, you’re welcome to join us on a hike – don’t worry about getting lost or figuring out logistics, and the only costs are for transportation to and from the hike (public bus and occasional taxi). The routes we’ll be hiking are some of the Jesus Trail team’s favorites, including many that aren’t in the Jesus Trail Guidebook – or in any guidebook.

A schedule is posted on http://hikingclub.jesustrail.com with the dates and meeting times for each hike and details about what to bring – keep checking the schedule for updates or changes.

If you want to join us on a hike, feel free to show up the day of, but it helps us plan if you RSVP to hikingclub@jesustrail.com (if you’ve got questions, use the same address). We hope we’ll see you soon for one of our upcoming hikes!

Specifics will be posted for each hike, but generally you’ll need to bring:

Adequate footwear (sneakers, hiking boots or sturdy hiking sandals).
At least 2 liters of water (some routes may require more).
A packed lunch and any snacks you would like.
Weather appropriate and modest clothing.
Enough money for transportation plus a little extra.

Happy New Year from the Jesus Trail Team! – 2010 Reflections and 2011 Goals

Anna Dintaman Landis — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:06:51 +0000

2010 has been a big year for the Jesus Trail! Thanks to all volunteers, friends and supporters of the trail who have helped to spread the word, come to hike the trail and offered words of encouragement. We stand amazed at the way the Jesus Trail has been able to grow and be a blessing to a wide variety of people.

Highlights of 2010

February: We began offering self-guided tours on the trail to provide support and logistics for hikers and generate revenue for continued trail development. Over 300 people from 17 countries walked the trail on a self-guided tour package in 2010, with an estimate of more than 1000 hikers using the trail in 2010.
March: The Jesus Trail Guidebook was published at the peak of the spring hiking season. We have received great reviews and are currently reprinting more books for 2011.
May: Jesus Trail cofounder David Landis and guidebook coauthor Anna Dintaman were married in Virgnia, USA
October: The new improved Jesus Trail website was launched, including new public information on GPS tracks for over 300km of trails, comprehensive bus schedules for the Galilee and more in depth practical and historical information on sites in the Galilee

2010 News articles

Trouw – Wandelen door het Nieuwe Testament – December 23, 2010
Linga – Jesus Trail- Walking in The Footsteps of Jesus – November 7, 2010
CBN’s 700 Club – Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus – August 29, 2010
Christian Science Monitor – Bringing foot traffic to Israel’s ‘Jesus Trail’ – July 3, 2010
Jerusalem Post – Jesus Trail – May 21, 2010
ynet news – Muslims, Jews, Christians do Bethlehem-Jerusalem run – April 29, 2010
Christianity Today – On the Jesus Trail: What we learned from Jews, Muslims, and Arab Christians as we traced the footsteps of Christ in Galilee – April 28, 2010
See full list at http://jesustrail.com/multimedia/in-the-press

Goals for 2011

Through tour packages and book sales, for Jesus Trail to become financially sustainable, with enough revenue to employ full-time staff and continue to invest in local communities on a larger scale.
To clean up garbage problems on the trail and promote environmental education and responsibility in local communities.
To welcome as many new hikers to the trail as possible; we anticipate that at least 2,000 will walk a section of the trail.
To partner with the global church and in maintaining and promoting the Jesus Trail.
To collaborate with university groups to use the Jesus Trail as an education tool.
To post weekly blogs on the Jesus Trail website on topics of interest in the region.
To build partnerships and connections to other trails in the region, and find ways to extend the Jesus Trail hiking network beyond the Galilee.

What about you? What are your New Year’s goals and resolutions?

Maybe 2011 could be your year of transformational travel! We hope to see you on the trail!

Nebi Shu’eib Construction Detour

David Landis — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 13:06:58 +0000

UPDATE (MARCH 24, 2011):

This section of trail has been re-blazed as of March 2011, connecting the old road to the lower, new road with a continually marked trail. The marked route then turns right on the new road paved entrance road to Nebi Shu’eib (lined with palm trees), then east downhill to the T on Road #7717, where it turns left to connect to a blue-blazed 4×4 road that passes on the north side of the mosque and around the Arbel Valley.

It is still possible to make the shortcut to the ruins of the mosque from the village of Hittin, but there may be cattle in the field and/or some fences to negotiate.

Due to the construction of a new access road to Nebi Shu’eib, a detour must be made from the marked Jesus Trail route on day 3. This detour also fixes the added distances of back-tracking along the old access road to Nebi Shu’eib, saving a distance of approximately 2 km.

The detour is clearly shown on the map on the JPG file attached to this post, or can be downloaded at http://jesustrail.com/downloads/NS_detour.jpg. Copies are also available at the Fauzi Azar Inn in Nazareth.

DETOUR DETAILS: After descending from the Horns of Hattin on the blue trail, turn right on the old road and then left downhill (leaving Jesus Trail blazes) before the first cactus to cut down to the new road. Follow faint footpaths through the olive grove to where the grade meets the level of the new road. Cross the divider and turn left and walk on the sidewalk. Enter Nebi Shu’eib through the new gate or cut down to the blue 4×4 trail near the new entrance gate where the fence along the sidewalk ends. Resume Jesus Trail blazes on the blue 4×4.

Click map to enlarge

Jesus Trail Guidebook Now Available for Purchase

David Landis — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:06:02 +0000

We are very pleased to announce that Walking the Jesus Trail and Other Biblical Walks in the Galilee is available for pre-order at www.jesustrailguide.com with a release date of April 1, 2010! Full of practical and historical information, expert advice on backpacking, over 50 full-color maps and over 200 photos and diagrams, this book is the essential resource for every Jesus Trail hiker.

You can order now for $29.95, and the book will be shipped to you hot off the press! As an incentive to order early, we’re offering FREE shipping from Israel to anywhere in the USA, Canada or Europe if you order before Easter (April 4, 2010)! Other countries will receive $5 shipping. We use Google Checkout for secure financial transactions, and ship via Air Mail from Israel. Your purchase directly supports the ongoing work of the trail.

Along with your order, we will send a FREE map of the Jesus Trail with handy quick references for accommodations, transportation and more!

If you’re coming to Nazareth soon, you can reserve a copy of the guide to pick up at the Jesus Trail office. If you live in a country with an unreliable postal service, this may be your best option.

Buy online at: http://www.jesustrailguide.com

Thank you for your interest in the Jesus Trail! We hope to see you on the trail soon!

Anna Dintaman and David Landis

Village to Village Press, Jesus Trail

info@villagetovillagepress.com

Press Release: New Jesus Trail Guidebook Makes Hiking the Galilee Accessible for International Visitors

David Landis — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:05:26 +0000

March 19, 2010— The first guidebook for the Jesus Trail, a 65-kilometer path connecting sites from the life of Jesus in the Galilee, will be released April 1, 2010. In the two years since the trail was launched, thousands of hikers have embarked on all or a portion of the marked trek, even with only the slim resources of a GPS track and Hebrew topographical maps available to guide them.

Hiking the Jesus Trail and Other Biblical Walks in the Galilee provides a welcome addition to Jesus Trail resources, including detailed full-color maps in English, expert advice on backpacking in Israel, thorough information about historical sites, along with hundreds of full-color photos and diagrams.

“I’ve been hiking in Israel for over five years, and almost all of the hiking resources are only available in Hebrew. We want to make hiking in the Galilee accessible for the international community to experience the rich history and warm people of the region in an authentic way,” commented coauthor David Landis.

Hiking the Jesus Trail coauthors Anna Dintaman and David Landis have been involved with trail development from the beginning of the Jesus Trail. Landis cofounded the trail along with Israeli entrepreneur Maoz Inon. Dintaman was involved in resource development and research. Both bring ample experience in international travel and trekking, and their book research included a seminary course on the first-century context of Jesus and walking the entire 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago in Spain. “We’ve tried to create a book that is not only an accurate practical guide but also paints a picture of the world of Jesus,” said coauthor Anna Dintaman.

“This is such a comprehensive guidebook–photos and sidebars and so much more beyond the regular text,” commented New Testament professor Reta Halteman Finger. Jesus Trail cofounder Maoz Inon billed the book as, “hands down the best hiking resource for Israel.”

The guide covers the classic Jesus Trail route and over 220 km of additional trails in the Galilee. The 256-page book is available for pre-order online at www.jesustrailguide.com and will shortly be available in select book stores in Israel.

Jesus Trail and Hiking in Israel Presentations at REI Stores in Philadelphia Area

David Landis — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:04:52 +0000

Hiking in Israel Event at REI Conshohocken, PA and Marlton, NJ, USA!

Come out to REI to discover outdoor adventure opportunities in Israel, a tiny country with a big history and a huge network of hiking and mountain biking trails! Israel offers a host of outdoor opportunities for the trekker, pilgrim and historian, including:

The Israel Trail, a 600-mile cross-country sojourn from desert to snow-capped peak
The Golan Trail, 80 solitary miles through lush and hotly-contested landscape=
The Jesus Trail, 40 miles of spiritual history in the Galilee region

About the Presenters:
David Landis and Anna Dintaman have been adventuring and trekking in the Middle East for over two years, working with responsible tourism and writing a guidebook to the Jesus Trail. They will bring insight into trekking tourism in Israel, anecdotes and stories from the trails, and reflection on the positive role adventure tourism can play in bridging relationships between diverse cultures and religions.

Dates:
February 4, 2010 at REI Marlton, 7pm
February 9, 2010 at REI Conshohocken, 7pm

Price:
FREE!

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=251206327790

Check out:
http://israeltrail.org
http://jesustrail.com