We headed east, back through the Wilderness of Judea, where we saw lots more sheep and shepherds.

Lots more sheep and shepherds. Still a little green on the hillsides, it will soon be gone.

Down below sea level once again, past Jericho, the City of Palms.

We crossed the border into Jordan at the Allenby Bridge and met our new guide, Sami, plus our security officer (who was with us the whole time in Jordan), and our driver, Mohamed.

Soon we were climbing up the arid desert mountainside.

Heading towards Mt. Nebo.

From Mt. Nebo we can look out over the Jordan River Valley, just as Moses looked towards the Promised Land. They say if the air is extremely clear, you can see Jerusalem from here.

Another view from Mt. Nebo.

The church at Mt. Nebo has beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, recently restored.

Nearby, another shepherd and his sheep.

Lots of sheep and goats.

We stopped at a mosaic store, but mostly to access their internet so we could take care of our COVID protocols.

Some areas area still green.

Our third stop for the day was Machaerus, Herod’s fortress palace overlooking the Dead Sea.

John the Baptist was imprisoned here, and beheaded.

Those of us who made it to the top of Machaerus managed to keep our heads on straight.

On the walk back to the bus, a silent sentinel.

Lots of miles along the desert highway on this day.

At the end of the day, dinner in a desert tent.

And a good night’s rest in our tent.