Suez Canal

Sand on the left and sand on the right! That is how our cruise director described what we would see as we traveled the 105 nautical miles of the Suez Canal. This is truly a canal with no locks that was hand dug starting in 1859 and completed 10 years later. The crossing started at 3 AM and we came out into the Gulf of Suez at about 3 PM.

We actually saw more than sand, especially on the west side as there is more irrigation possible from the Nile and other small rivers. Large cities and small towns seemed line the canal most of the way, although a few military posts also were in evidence. But the other side, the Sinai side, really is all sand with a few houses scattered about.

Fishing rowboats were scattered all throughout the canal.

We found it facinating to watch all the ships around us. In a few places the canal widened into lakes so north bound ships would hold there until the south bound ships passed. One of the largest container ship in the world followed us the whole way.

They held a putting contest. Pam choked & 3 putted.

We will cruise all night until we reach port tomorrow morning at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on the Red Sea.