Today was a “short” day, only 50 miles, but GRUELING. Ok- I know I am complaining again, but the last 20 miles was straight uphill, 3800 feet of climbing and only 2200 feet of descent. Went through sandstorms, cross winds of 30 MPH, and pretty dangerous at times. More wildlife- sheep, ostrich farm, Ibex.  Stopped for lunch at Sde Boker, a modern kibbutz and the site of David Ben Gurion’s grave.  Right on the verge of Israel’s Grand Canyon- see the pictures- hard to describe. Hearing so many inspirational stories of courage and leadership, past and present, with LOTS of riding buddies! Singing old spirituals and camp songs to take us up the hills.  At Wadi Zin, we met with the Mayor of the local town, much like Chapel Hill, wanting economic development and sustainability, all green, with a core of education. GO FOR IT!  Ended the day at Mitze Ramon, our host for Shabbat, a Negev desert town atop Ramon’s giant erosion cater.  A short massage (I earned it), a short swim, and off the Internet for 24 hours. A day of rest!