ESRA Tel Aviv had a great idea - a trip on the Yarkon river.  Little did they know that their idea would be so popular. The demand was so great that two rides were organized and there was still a waiting list.   

We parked in the Reading car park and took a bus to the first stop, on the bridge in Ibn Gvirol.  It was then a few minutes’ walk to the boat station.  It was one of the very hot days in July, but just being by the water made one feel cooler and relaxed.

We happily waited for the boat to return with the first group of ESRA "sailors", greeting old friends and examining the facilities of the boatyard.

It was all very new to us - how many times had we crossed over the river, but never walked along its banks before?

It was 6.30 pm when we set out for our hour on the water, 45 people all curious to see and hear about the Yarkon River.  It took less than half an hour to travel as far east as the river is navigable, to an area called The Seven Mills on the borders of Ramat Gan.  Our guide explained how the river has been cleaned up, pointed out various buildings en route and told us about incidents that had happened along its shores.

There was so much activity going on and along the river; youngsters on pedalos, and more serious oarsmen practising their skills, young men fishing for fish and crabs, mothers with babies and toddlers, children playing in playgrounds, runners, cyclists, people just strolling along and a couple having wedding photos taken.

We returned westward past the boat station, travelling towards the sea.  We passed the rowing club, and then round a bend we could see the estuary of the river where it meets the sea, the bridge over the Yarkon, Reading Power Station and the sun beginning to set - a truly beautiful vista.

How many times had we travelled over the river but never seen what the waters below had to offer. 

At the end of the trip we had a slow walk through the park back to the Reading bus station.

Thank you ESRA Tel Aviv for organizing such a tranquil and enjoyable outing.

Born in the UK, Barbara Lyons was very active with the 35’s - The Women’s Campaign for Soviet Jewry. She came to Israel in 1981 and worked in an employment agency. Since retirement, she volunteers in ESRA offices and with the magazine, is a befriender, tutors English, is co-chair of the Herzliya committee.

To read more about the wonderful Yarkon Park, go online to http://www.esramagazine.com/blog/post/stroll-in-hayarkon-park,-tel-aviv