MacNamara diary, 19 August 1916-29 May 1919 / John Patrick MacNamara - Page 199
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[Page 200]
Leontes. There was snow on the mountains as we went over - the first time I have seen it. The valley of the Leontes is a valley about 10 - 15 miles wide, lying between two parl ranges of Mts the Lebanon & Anti-Lebanon. It is very rich indeed nearly every bit of it being under cultivation, & there are plenty of villages scattered about.
Stayed at Rayak about ½ an hour & shortly afterwards started on the very steep climb up the Lebanon mountains. At Rayak one could see snow laying on the mountain tops on both sides.
It was not very cold at all except when one got out in the wind. Chaps at Rayak told us that the nights were very cold.
Shortly after leaving Rayak we started to climb the Lebanon Range. The ascent was very steep indeed & we had a rack engine on even then the pace was not above a walking pace. At the top is a tunnel & when we went through it we were on the downgrade.
On top we were going through the clouds & could not see more than about 200 yds at times. This was unfortunate as from the top there is a fine view of the mountain slopes & the Sea & Beyrout at the bottom. On top of the mountain is a big hotel, the Grand, 250 rooms, which is the summer resort for the people of Beyrout & also the Tourists.