The not so official Jordan Trail from Dana to Petra day 3: Al Manşūrah - Al Ḩaddādah

Another intensive day on this trekking, but this time mostly due to length of 18 km as well as again some steep climbs. It was 6h30 when I finally arrived at the Bedouin camp while sunset is foreseen around 7h, so time wasn't exactly a luxury on this stage.

The starting spot is not the same as the ending spot of the day before as a Jeep takes us to another spot after an arduous ride of half an hour over the Jordanian gravel roads. Here we start with a rather easy descent with a view on surprising green planes in this desert. This descent is followed by an ascent after nearly four kilometers and I'm almost at the same height as where we started after more than six kilometers. Here's also the first resting area of the day with a very beatiful rock shaped as an arc. Normal hikers are sitting below the arc, the more crazy hikers on top of the arc. Whatever the position, the view is amazing.

The steep ascents of the day before make a come-back, but fortunately over terrain which is a lot easier to cross. Due to the sun the climb can be experienced more difficult than it actually is, but as a reward I get to see spectacular panoramas of the neighbouring mountains in the wide environment of this desert. If you look closely it should be possible to see Palestine and Israel. The easy decent afterwards feels like a breeze, but can become a bit more monotonous after a few kilometers.

The best is saved for the last kilometers when I come across some of the best rock terraces I have ever seen. If I should name a favourite part of this Jordan trekking this would probably be it. Due to the fatigueness of the long duration of this day (and the intensity of the day before) I'm struggling with some of the bushes that are blocking the way. Don't be a fool like me and take your time to enjoy this part of the hike. If you want to rest, there's plenty of time afterwards :-)