72 hours on the Dead Sea

DOMINICK A. MERLE Napa Valley Register | Posted: Saturday, June 2, 2012 8:30 pm |

DEAD SEA, Jordan Well begin at the very end, the mysterious and biblical body of water known as the Dead Sea, the lowest point on the face of the earth, and the final stop on most every Jordan tour.

Its very name staggers the imagination the sea where no one can sink or drown, the source of miraculous cures ranging from sanctity to virility (with hair restoration thrown in), where one can float for hours and read a newspaper (or tablet), and a mud bath can cleanse your body and soul (along with adding an instant and permanent tan).

Or is it?

After visiting Jordans major attractions of the lost city of Petra, the Roman ruins at Jerash and the Wadi Rum desert where Lawrence of Arabia ruled, most tour operators schedule a quick overnight at one of the Dead Sea resorts, allowing just enough time for a float in the sea and a stop at the spa to stock up on some of those miracle creams and potions.

I spent three days here trying to find out what works and what doesnt.

First, the Dead Sea is not a sea at all, but technically a landlocked lake surrounded by Jordan, Israel and Palestine. The only water trickling in comes from the River Jordan, and there is no way out.

Second, the Dead Sea is not even dead. While there are no plants, fish or any other visible life forms, it is filled with microbes that get along quite happily in the salty mix.

Because of its landlocked position, the seas salt concentration is almost 35 percent, about 10 times saltier than ocean water. Stones and boulders at the waters edge are encrusted with salt left by the lapping waves.

Yes, the Dead Sea is far and away the lowest point on the face of the earth, some 400 meters (1,400 feet) below sea level and its getting lower each year because water is being diverted to fill the needs of the surrounding countries. If this continues, scientists predict the sea could eventually be reduced to a wind-swept salt flat.

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72 hours on the Dead Sea