Our trip to Ein Mabua

On the advice of our neighbor ('Old Man' Guttman) who is a tour guide, we decided to head to Ein Mabua, which is actually closer to us than Einot Tzukim. Abba took Elazar, Noam and Tzuriel Guttman along

Unlike Einot Tzukim where you need membership or pay an entrance fee, Ein Mabua is open to the public, so it is a little more crowded any less family friendly. But, Ein Mabua is also kept nice and clean all the same.

In addition, you have the added dimension of a water hike down the stream, instead of just a wading pool, whereas the hike at Einot Tzukim is a nature reserve without water and more instruction about the wildlife. Here the stream is perfect for Elazar and Noam, as the depth of the water is generally up to the knee, and only sometimes coming up to my chest, so the kids are fine managing on their own.  There are tons of fish throughout the stream which the kids love "trying to catch". 

The stream is deep down in the ravine, well shaded and with a lot of trees and greenery. It is actually quite amazing that such a place even exists, and you would never think it, traveling through the desert to get there.

The trail inside and alongside the stream is the right level of challenge for the kids, and they stay wet and cool the entire time.

There are great places to stop along the way to rest, play, take pictures

Tali's first trip to Einot Tzukim

It was one of those hot summer days and Ima wanted everyone out of the house so Abba said, "Let's go to Einot Tzukim". Elisheva was babysitting so there was an extra space in the car, so we decided to take Tali as well.

Tali didn't want to really go in the pool, maybe the water was to cold, maybe she was scared, but there is a place where Tali can sit and the water streams by, and Tali liked it there.

We brought a special baby tube for Tali, but Elazar ended up using it, after Tali decided she didn't like it

Which was good because this way Ezra and Elazar didn't have to fight over the other tube.

Noam can stand everywhere in the pool, but for some reason spends much of his time out of the water, playing with all the beach toys, and coming to Abba often for snacks.