The 4th Annual Ramon Crater Ride 7-8 November 2014 We wont leave you in suspense - those of you who didnt make it, feel free to cry over the missed opportunity - it was fantastic. Every year this event gets even better, seemingly unbelievable, as the first was incredible. On Thursday morning we packed up the vehicles and got into vacation mode, leaving in the afternoon and taking a detour via Yogev to collect Noa & Noam who promised to drive but somehow managed to avoid doing so, we dropped off a container of semen at Ariella Farm, a beautiful newly constructed farm, largely responsible for breeding some of the best endurance horses in Israel (sons of Al-Aid) and off we went. The journey was long and beautiful, daylight savings time is over so the sun set on us by 16:30 leaving just a small section of the road ahead dimly lit by our not-so-new Discovery… Noam got in the car and promptly fell into deep slumber; Noa is vastly more difficult to get to sleep so kept me company until Beer Sheva where we parted ways. Orly, my dear wife, managed to stay awake till Megido Junction where she too faded. At Sde Boker we collected Tamar Dvir, who despite my recommendation otherwise, managed to complete her kitchen duty at the boarding school before joining us. By 20:30 we reach the Alpaca Farm in Mitzpe Ramon – the place where it all happens from start to finish. We entered the Stone Hut, greeted by the sound of a delightful jam session (peripheral communities have culture) pizza (peripheral communities have food too) and herbal tea (found only in peripheral communities…) Ilan gave us a briefing for the two days ahead and we retired for the night. Getting orginized Friday morning we rose early and started preparing to leave. This is a complicated process which involves loading two vehicles: one to accompany horses and riders, and the other which will head straight to the campsite to await our arrival. Decisions need to be made about which food and equipment needs to go to which vehicle and riders need to be allocated their horse for the day. This is no mean feat as each horse has its preferred rider, each rider their preferred saddle and all these preferences are not necessarily compatible. Ilan and Sharon have a lot of experience with this type of dilemma and were left with the task of finding solutions for all while strictly adhering to the schedule: we needed to leave by 08:00 in order to get to the campsite by 16:00. They managed to bridge all differences of opinion and we left the farm gate for the group photo which traditionally marks the beginning of every Sovev Group photo Taking the photo is a whole procedure unto itself, but we got the shot, re-set our watches to 08:00 and were on our way. 15 horses and riders start the journey, some will complete the full 100km together, some will swap horses along the way and a few will ride on part of the trail. The ride started off at a relatively fast pace, taking into consideration the difficult ground and slower horses (except there werent any slow horses among us…) in some places we slow to a walk or even dismount but for most of the way we keep a steady trot or canter. We rode from the Alpaca farm to Ramon Ascent, where we descended into the crater (why we descend an ascent I still cant understand but well get to ascend an ascent too) we then rode west through the volcanic landscape of the crater till the spectacular view of Arod Ascent where we stopped lunch. Lunch at Arod Ascent The accompanying crew, headed by Russou, did a wonderful job and everything was ready for us when we arrived. After a short rest and a few rider exchanges we continued through Arod riverbed until we reached the Oded Wells. There at least two members of the Dvir family almost fell into a well but succeeded in drawing a small quantity of murky water and proceeded to drink it with unconvincing moans of delight. From there we passed through Nekarot riverbed, stopping to water the horses and then continued on our way. Moonrise was surprisingly early that evening but we eventually got to the campsite at Nahal Anaka. The campsite was a welcome surprise; we arrived to discover a fully erect tent, mattresses, lighting, and hitching posts all ready for the horses and best of all – fragrant hot soup. By the time wed fed, watered and taken care of the horses, fires were lit and a huge potje laid to simmer, giant pots of rice and lentils were ready, wine bottles opened and we were all munching away happily. We finished the meal with herbal tea and delicious cakes that could rival that of any bakery, told stories, laughed, sand songs, took the horses for one last drink of water and we retired for the night. The campsite – great food, wonderful appetites. The desert nights are chilly. Apparently a zipper is a vital addition to your sleeping bag. I didnt have one, but compared to Ilan, who covered himself with a mattress, I had it good. Some had it better: one king size mattress appeared out of a bag and with the help of an electric pump was fully inflated in no time. The night passed uneventfully, only one horse managed to get loose, but Ilan wasnt getting much sleep anyway and caught the horse and brought it back. Sunrise woke us for tea, coffee and breakfast for horses and riders. Ilan and Sharon worked their magic re-allocating horse-rider pairs and so we mounted for the second days riding, (departing, of course, at 08:00 sharp). We re-entered the crater through Nekarot Riverbed via Saharonim Pass stopping at Ein Saharonim for a quick snack and water break. From there we descend Dekalim Ascent to Ardon Riverbed. Riding through the winding pass, over soft red sand was wonderful and we continued up to Ramat Saharonim for lunch at Nahal Ramon. Nahal Ardon, winding, beautiful red sand – fun to gallop through. Again, the accompanying crew did a fantastic job, water for the horses was ready and waiting for our arrival. Once all the horses were hitched and fed, the younger crowd got a field kitchen going and put together an exceptional shakshuka, tahini, salad, labane etc. while us old folk dragged a pile of mattresses to the shade and collapsed. We woke as soon as the food was ready, ate our fill and promptly collapsed once more except this time our siesta was interrupted by Noa. While she was busy cooking, all was quiet and peaceful, but after lunch she had a monumental laughing fit which completely destroyed any possibility of sleep. We rose, packed up, bid the departing riders farewell and continued on the last leg of the journey through Ramon Riverbed and were surprised to find a few large puddles. We continued past the black ballast hill of the Carpentry, through the hills to Cypress Ascent where we started climbing, reaching the top by sunset before our short night ride back to the farm. Cypress ascent. Who gives a name to a goat path up a cliff face? This trail is very steep, rising straight up from the crater floor. When I say straight I mean at a 90 degree angle. I haven’t been so short of breath in years, two years to be exact, ever since the last time we took this path…On a few occasions I managed to lift my head and look around, and it must be said that the crater view at sunset is incredibly beautiful. We made it to the top, almost without mishap. Naomi had a small argument with her horse who pushed her over, turned round and started to climb down again. Initially she considered just letting him go but then ran down to catch him. They reconciled, and finished the climb together. Once wed caught our breath (did I mention that we walked up that cliff?) we remounted the horses and rode slowly back to the farm. The horses got some very well deserved food, water and grooming, we congregated in the studio for a luxurious supper of leftovers, before heading home. We were all happy to complete the ride without any problems – no pulled shoes, no punctures, one horse did slip and fall on flat rock but both horse and rider got up unscathed. Now that I think about it, in all, it was a wonderful achievement which we hope to repeat. The youngest rider to participate was Rotem Dvir, (aged 12) and the most senior Haim Glass (age undisclosed). Six riders completed ride start to finish while others rode between 20 – 80 km. Most of the horses finished the full trail, 4 foregoing only the last part. I must mention Lior Weizman who gambled on his marriage and left his wife – in labor! – to join us on Friday (The doctors at the hospital assured him she had at least an hour to go before the birth) On Saturday he was still undecided but in a sudden moment of clarity decided not push his luck and returned home. I called him on Sunday to ask how things were, he angrily told me that hed missed a day of riding for nothing as his baby wasnt yet born. I wish them the best of luck. It goes without saying that we owe greatest thanks to the Alpaca Farm, their dedicated staff and the Dvir Family for the effort, hospitality and for organizing the event. We also salute the incredible horses that all behaved impeccably and carried us safely with great spirit and joy. Were counting the days till the next one! Happy times! The Israeli Endurance Riding Club P.S. Noa drove all the way to Yogev on the way home…Well done. https://drive.google/drive/#folders/0B6DszYWONSAZZzNXVWxrYVlROWM
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 20:37:20 +0000
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