This is the area where I actually stopped and asked for directions because all the signs were in Arabic and I could not read them. A very kind old man offered to lead me in his truck towards my destination of Ehden, but half way there, he demanded I pay him USD for his gracious assistance in driving me 5 kilometers. I think not!

On December 28, 2008, I decided to hike a portion of the Lebanon Mountain Trail (http://www.lebanontrail.org) located between Ehden and Qannoubine, passing through the Qadisha Valley, a World Heritage Site famous for its historic monasteries. However, because I could not find the trailhead, I instead ventured out on a driving tour of the Tannourine area, Becherre, the Cedars, and all the beautiful villages in between. Although I didn't hike, it was an amazing day thanks to the picturesque villages, spectacular mountains, and the Khalil Gibran monuments in Becherre.

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alti > Having climbed from the Mediterranean Sea at Batroun, I enjoyed great views of the mountains, but the Mediterranean was hardly visible.

alti > Our Lady of Bejdarfel

The Christian heartland of Mount Lebanon features historic churches and religious statutes dominating each village and areas in between.

alti > Unfortunately, many people unfamiliar with Lebanon believe it's a desert because it's located in the Middle East. This is far from the truth!

alti > Gorgeous vistas in Tannourine Tahta.

alti > This is the road I drove up to get to the Tannourine area. Wow!

alti > Notice the statute of the Virgin Mary at the top of this mountain.

alti > Views of Lebanon's highest peaks from Tannourine.

alti > I was planning to drive straight from Tannourine to Becherre, but as you can see the road was blocked! Instead, I had to backtrack back west through Ehden and other villages.

alti > The hiker in me was growing more anxious by the minute gazing at these towering peaks! Tannourine Fawqa is the village you see at the base.

alti > The peaceful villages in the mountains were quite a contrast from the chaos of Beirut.

alti > Terraced hillside west of Tannourine, near Hardine.

alti > This is the area where I actually stopped and asked for directions because all the signs were in Arabic and I could not read them. A very kind old man offered to lead me in his truck towards my destination of Ehden, but half way there, he demanded I pay him $30 USD for his gracious assistance in driving me 5 kilometers. I think not!

This is the area where I actually stopped and asked for directions because all the signs were in Arabic and I could not read them. A very kind old man offered to lead me in his truck towards my destination of Ehden, but half way there, he demanded I pay him $30 USD for his gracious assistance in driving me 5 kilometers. I think not!