A dreamy sky and sea

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Welcome to the skies above the Sea of Galilee, especially for SkyWatch Friday.

The sunset view from Tiberias to the eastern shore of the lake.
Last night and today the media are full of news of a possible start of peace talks with Syria.
The Golan Heights, in the photo above, might be returned to Syria if the negotiations really start.

Groups of tourists, usually Christian pilgrims, like to go out for a quiet sail in wooden boats made to resemble the fishing boats of the disciples of Jesus.
If you click to enlarge, you can see seagulls following the boat.

A few years ago, when the Sea of Galilee was full, this dock would have been at the level of the boat's deck. Now passengers have to climb stairs up to the dock.

Israel is nearing a water crisis after five years of drought.

The Star and Stripes were hoisted. It was a group from the United States.

As the boat backed out from the dock and came around, I heard the group's national anthem playing. The crew must have a big selection of them on board.

Sometimes the pilgrims stop in the middle of the Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) for a moment of silence, prayer, and a hymn.

It must be very touching for them.

In addition to short 30-minute rides, the boats have routes to Capernaum in the north or to Kibbutz Ein Gev in the south.

The Ein Gev fish restaurant is famous for its St. Peter's fish.
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