Unfortunately, due to conflicting schedules, between work, vacation schedules, camp, trips, etc. it looks like we will not be having our annual excursion "LaTzafon" this year. Instead we will do day trips on the days most family members are available, even if just half day trips.

Yesterday was the first half day trip of the summer vacation.

We decided to do an oldie but goodie. We always enjoy going to see the turtles at the Nahal Alexander nature reserve. We havent been there in a while, and the smallest of our kids haven't seen them, so it seemed like a good afternoon trip.

Nahal Alexander is a river right off of the Mediterranean, situated between Netanya and Hadera, right next to the villages of Kfar Vitkin, Hofit and Beit Yannai.

While the river isn't really swim-able, as it looks pretty dirty and murky, it is great for a visit as the soft shell turtles live within. If you go there, it is a bit hard to find. Head over to Kfar Vitkin, and drive through the Industrial Zone of KV, and you will see the Nature Reserve right alongside the river. They could use some better signage along the roads. Or actually, any signage at all would be a help.

You can go right up to the banks of the river and throw pieces of bread in. The turtles swim right up to you and eat the bread.



Last time we went, the river was swarming with catfish alongside the turtles. This time we didn't see any catfish (can they just disappear?), but there were these otter there. Or are they river rats?



After enjoying disturbing the turtles and otter for a while, we ate a late lunch on the boardwalk.

We left and headed out to what must be one of the most beautiful beaches in Israel. The beach of Beit Yannai.

One of the best things about Beit Yannai Beach is that it is practically empty, compared to most of the beaches around Israel. The beach is beautiful, yet it is mostly empty. I suspect the reason is because it costs money to go to, while most people prefer to flock to the free beaches. For a family outing, it is easy to find an empty swath of beach to take over in Beit Yannai.

The sand on the beach is smooth like a fine powder. The beach is clean and kept nicely. We have gone there a couple times already and it is such a pleasant and relaxing experience...







This was our first half-day tiyul for the summer.