The Dan River looking downstream.

This pool is part of a spring that flows into the Dan River. It's a really lovely spot.

Another look at the walls of the city of Dan.

Our guide Gila at the gate. This is the remains of the Iron Age (Israelite) Gate on the City's South Wall.

A quote from Alex: "In ancient times kings and elders would sit at the front gate of the city to hear cases and render judgments. “And the king arose and sat in the gate….and all of the people came before the king.” ( 11 Samuel 19:8) The custom of sitting at the gate of the city and rendering judgment is cited many times in the Bible: Genesis 19:1, Psalms 69:13, and Ruth 4:1-2. There are two round decorated stones next to the king’s throne at the city gate. These held the poles supporting a covered canopy to protect the king from the sun and rain."

A wide view of the Israelite gate looking west.

The Canaanite Gate is the farthest lying gate house from the parking lot at the Tel Dan site. This gate is the only Bronze Age arched gate that survived complete in the entire Middle East. It is dated to the 18th century BCE, and when it was dug out it reached almost to its original height of 7 meters. It was built of sun-dried mud bricks that used to be covered with white plaster. There is only one of the original three arches remaining. Stone steps lead to the first gate. Abraham walked through this gate, what history! Abraham defeated the kings in the north who had kidnapped his nephew Lot (Genesis 14:14). Dan of course is the northern most city of the Israelite Kingdom. This gate has a very impressive history.

A nice view looking north east from the old Canaanite Gate. I believe this is Mount Habetarim in the distance.

This is Patti. I let her hold my camera and take my picture. I was hungry for fish which was soon to come.

Bev and I at fish lunch. I was so hungry I let Patti hold my camera and take a picture, my picture!.