Hiking for a cause at Bentael Sat, Dec 17, 2022 كل فشخة بترسم بسمة with DALE CORAZON – LEBANON EXPLORERS

“We only have what we give” – Isabelle Allende

Dear Lebanon Explorers,

it’s the perfect time of the year to give and help drawing a smile on children faces.

So mark it on your calendar: this December 17, a charity event will take place and we will be hiking at Bentael – Mechhellene to support “Monks of the brothers and Nuns of the Sisters of Jesus crucified” in their mission.
“رهبان اخوة الصليب و راهبات أخوات يسوع المصلوب”
They are taking care of abandoned babies/new born found on their doors and every step, every backing will help them. They bear seeds of authentic faith, and live that faith through prayer and asceticism; they have led a committed community life of brotherly love deep rooted in individual prayers and work hard with their hands. 
All the proceeds will go to the convent.

Hiking through the forest with cultural heritage and archeological sites!!  

HIKE LOCATION                :  Kfarmashoun – Bentael /Jbeil / Mount Lebanon                       

============                    300 to 850 meters above sea level.

                                              8.5 km from Byblos.

WHEN                                 :  Saturday, December 17, 2022

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ENCOUNTER PLACE                 :  Saint Abda Church parking facing the New-bridge,

===============                     Jal El Dib @ 7:30 AM    

Driving directions to Saint Abda Church:       https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saint+Abda+Church+-+Jal+El+Dib

Or Martyrs Square at Al-Nahar Bldg., Beirut Downtown @ 7:10 AM

FEES:                            

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399,000 LL/person or 10 $ including transport, professional guides, 5 minutes of warming up, stretching, and pictures.

Optional transportation by your own vehicles. (300,000 LL per person).

There are 50.000 LL Extra Entrance fees to Bentael reserve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT:

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Bentael, in the Phoenician language means God’s home (Beit – EL). In fact, this village dates back to the Phoenician era. It stands royally on a harmonious set of hills at an average altitude of 500 meters over one of the most renowned and important historic capitals of culture the city of Byblos, this Phoenician city that bequeathed the alphabet to the world.

Foxes wander in its valleys and multicolored butterflies sip the delicious liquid of the flowers. Bentael is the first protected area which was developed by a non-government organization in 1981. The reserve is situated in the flight path of migratory hawks, eagles and other raptors and is enjoyed by bird enthusiasts, declared in 2008 as an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Will have the opportunity to get to know a great talented Lebanese artist JOSEPH TOUFIC MATAR. “His eyes embrace all, but he sees in depths beyond what his eyes see, perceiving what only the Spirit can perceive!”

You will visit his museum and studio during our hike.

HIKING LEVEL. 1 to 3 for easy, 4 to 6 for intermediate, 7 to 9 for strenuous

LEVEL 5 (Distance of 12 km – 4 Hrs approx. – Altitude is 450m to 850m) is a combination of uphill and downhill inclinations. You will start from Kfarmasoun village and walk until you reach Meshehlen village where two old historical churches, Mar Edna and Mar Semaan stand and tell about the area history. You will then head to the Reserve and pass though very tall trees glorifying God. You will also notice old hermitages carved in the rocks dating back for more than 1500 years “the St. John’s rock-cut” chapel. This 12th century dwelling is located at 8m above the ground and can be reached from the hiking trail. It is composed of three cavities. Researchers believe that the first one was used for habitation as a refuge in case of attack, the second shelter is the remains of St. John’s chapel, and the third is a water reservoir for approximately 2.5m deep and 2 m wide used to collect rain water. There are stone sculptures as well illustrating “the Sacrifice in the Phoenician Culture” from around 1500 B.C. You will visit the museum of Mr. Mattar and if we were lucky, we may meet him and talk to him about his artworks. Afterwards you will walk back to Kfarmashoun in a long amazing trail and you will have enough time to contemplate those incredible sceneries and take a lot of photos.

LEVEL 3 will take an easier track, after the visit to the old churches of Mar Edna and Mar Semaan, to reach the bird watching tower of the reserve, the attractive spot overlooking magnificent mountains views. You will have some rest, take as many photos as you wish and then continue the hike in the reserve of Bentael with level 5, admiring old hermitages, dense pine forests and great views. Lunch will be outside the reserve. Afterwards you will walk back to Kfarmashoun with level 5 and you will then go visit the studio of JOSEPH MATAR.

On our way back to Beirut, you will pass by Edde to visit Mar Geryes church and Roman ruins around it. It is a great place to end the hike.

Bentael’s hike is not just a hike in a very beautiful nature, along old sites, pine trees, and breathtaking views; It is a cultural tour as well.

Diversified.? Yes! You will encounter a lot of things in this hike!

Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions:

·         Distancing from each other is a must.

·         Cover your nose and mouth with your face masks. To keep it on, while we are in the bus

·         Clean your hands often by using hand gel or other.

WHAT TO TAKE:

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Healthy snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits, lunch, water, MEDICAL FACE MASKS, HAND GEL, cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes (A professional brand is recommended) and don’t forget to get a light jacket. DC members get a 20% discount on sports equipment in Sports 4 Ever branches.

==There will be a breakfast stop along the way==

FOR RESERVATION AND INFO:

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Please Call 00961-70-986118 / 00961-70-997062 and by sending an SMS, or WhatsApp mention your name, surname, and the event you wish to join us on.

NOTE:

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Thank you for not smoking during the trip and following all the ecotourism rules including safety regulations (hikers are advised to join our trips to their own responsibility). And occasionally, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the event may occur.

You can join our group on Facebook: Dale Corazon – Lebanon Explorers يلا يا قلب   (group) and https://www.facebook.com/dalecorazonleb   (Page)

Instagram: dale.corazon.leb.explorers

YouTube: Dale Corazon – Lebanon Explorers

Best Regards,

Dale Corazon – Lebanon Explorers

D.C. Think Eco-friendly before printing this message!