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The northern gem - "Mini Emek" lake

Not far from Hadera's huge power plant, there is a magical and mysterious "gem spot", known as a "mini valley". This area, which has disappeared from the eyes of the majority, is about ten meters lower than the level of the road leading to the Pel Yam intersection. This is a puddle that forms in the rainy winter, during which the mini valley becomes a wonderful and mysterious place, but also dangerous.

A magical view (photo: Motti Mendelsohn)
Algae on tree stumps - the upper half is dry (photo: Motty Mendelson)

What is special about this puddle?

This is a unique aquifer point, where the groundwater is particularly high. Due to the type of sand in the area that resembles the clayey sand of the prairie, the rainwater is absorbed into the ground and creates a natural and magical lake. In the first weeks of winter, the reservoir is completely clear, and then the lake is filled with mostly "Olva" algae, and you can even find a grass called "the thousand-leafed" which is quite rare to find.

The place is a well-known area for windsurfers who come to surf there due to the good conditions and deep water. On beautiful and warm winter days, Zegeho is a beautiful area for a Shabbat walk.

But be careful - do not endanger vehicles or ourselves and therefore avoid entering the water. Winter is considered dangerous and it is not recommended to enter the water in it, due to the high risk of drowning.

Underwater photo of the algae (Photo: Motty Mendelsohn)
Algae thicket (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

At the height of the season, the depth at the site reaches several meters

In the spring, when the hot sun descends, the lake dries up, and the surface of the ground is revealed - deep depressions, canals and upright walls, which until a few weeks ago were submerged under water.

The ground sediment is actually a thick and suffocating layer of algae, which turns into a huge sheet when the water level drops, which can only be walked on when the water level drops, when the algae slowly dry out in the hot sun.

A view from legends of nations (photo: Motti Mendelson)

death and regeneration

After the water recedes, you can see wonderful natural formations of green and white algae that have dried up. This is how the cycle of life begins - this is nature's way: death and renewal.

Therefore, today is the time to see the true beauty of the place - a land area rich in rare natural phenomena that were not seen before.

Thousands of dead shells (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)
Natural formations (photo: Motti Mendelsohn)

Not only nature reflects its beauty in a mini valley, but also the life in it

Ground beetles, butterflies, freshwater molluscs, nymphs, chameleons and more, are part of life in the valley species, part of the vital substrate that comes to life with the coming winter.

Therefore, despite the beauty and charm of Mini Emek, it is important to be careful and keep yourself safe. So come and get updated happily and well, but beware of dangers and don't even agree to enter the water.

The views of the lake (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)
The views of the lake (photo: Motty Mendelsohn)

contact: At watsapBy email

Motty Mendelssohn
Motty Mendelssohn
Marine researcher (diving, underwater photography) and marine and environmental ecology for 35 years. Lecturer in the field for about 20 years. You can order a lecture or a series of lectures accompanied by unique and spectacular photos, taken during many years of research, in Israel and abroad • 050-7271157 • [email protected]

Articles related to this topic

20 תגובות

  1. The area was supposed to be an attraction for birds, but it seems to be disturbed by human factors, you don't see or hear a single bird from the road..

  2. Thank you Muti for revealing this hidden and so magical place to us! Very interesting article and amazing photos. As always, it's fun to read and makes you want to wait for the next article!

  3. Thank you Motti for another fascinating article that is so interesting and professional. It's a pleasure to read your articles as always. How lucky to have you

  4. Muti, your writing swept me straight to the place, I felt it in my spirit and I will get there with my body.
    The photographs are mesmerizing and reflect the good reality of life.
    Thank you that thanks to you I reach and dive in regions that I am not sure I will reach.

  5. Hai Pe is trying to instill fear in the residents of Haifa. Not enough in the stressful times we live in, so there are jackals attacking people, fish biting, giant jellyfish. Nothing nice to report?

    • Hello S.G
      Wise just doesn't work there due to the security situation
      Contact me and I will explain to you.

  6. Some see ugliness and some see incredible and fascinating beauty. I am among those who are fascinated by the place.
    Good day for the turtles, go shopping in the pedestrian mall
    and in shopping malls

    • That's right, the temptation is nature's and we are guests, every phenomenon is blessed, as long as man didn't cause it. For me, all animals are magical no matter what they are.
      The pearl in question is right out of the legends

  7. Moti,
    Plim Junction or Plim and not Pel Yam Junction (also wrong on the signs on the side of the road!), because it is named after the naval company of the Palmach.
    Net fix please.

  8. This is not a winter puddle but a clear lake.
    The cameras do not lie but reflect reality.
    And in the summer everything is dry and ugly in many places

  9. Muti, you are a champion. Your articles are always fascinating. Thank you for always bringing nature into my home in an interesting and magical way.

  10. In winter it's just a puddle and in summer it's an ugly and dry place.
    The beautiful photos and descriptions in the closeup make it much more than reality.

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