Sat 2. [2 June 1900] Off at 6 with Hannah and up through the lovely
groves of mulberries, apples, vines etc. The hedges full of
honeysuckle and the pink wild rose. Rode along a lovely valley
under the hills, past Ain Hawar and through Surghaya. Crossed the
Jisr el Rumani where we left the railway and turned up into the hills to
Ma'arabun - a lovely spring flowing out of the rock here. Then over a
col and up an endless valley, over another col and into the Wady
Sibat (12) where we lunched by the sail. Up the hill and on top saw all
the line of Lebanon and the plain at our feet. At 3 reached Ras el 'Ain
a delicious place with clearest water, willows and an old mosque. Left
Hannah and walked down into the town where we had tea on the
balcony facing the wonderful temple. To us Mrs Warren, my friend of
the ship, to announce news of Pretoria. 3 horrid missionaries in the
hotel. Walked all round the temple and so home. At Ras el Ain saw
Mr Heathcote and one Codrington with him, and told him about my
luggage.