My wife took a dip in the Dead Sea and, yep, you guessed it, insisted on putting some of the mud on her face, which promptly caused the temporary loss of eyesight due to the salt.
She had to be led out of the water by a kind gentleman. We had a wonderful experience in Israel, and recommend that everyone try to go there at least once in their lives.
The produce is the best and fresh vegetables are served even at breakfast.
Oops, my memory goofed, the "goat trail" was actually the "snake path".
The Herodian "palace" is actually one of the terraces that juts out of the hillside. There was a rather treacherous walkway to get there...perhaps tour groups don't go down there. I can't rememebr how many slaves they said died building this fortress to Herods' specifications for safety and for luxury.
I found more pictures and history: being atop the actual scenery defies description.
http://www.netours.com/2003/masada.htm