SUEZ CANAL

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Started our entry into the Suez Canal at 5.00a.m. and exited into the Mediterranean at 3.00p.m. Lots of sand on the ground and in the air. All in a convoy as they can only have one way until you enter the Bitter Lakes and there were about 20 ships waiting their turn. 100 miles long it is quite amazing, lots of desert along the way but also where the canals from the Nile come 130 miles across lovely orchards of mangos and date palms. Lots of military posts along the way and lots of soldiers on top of the sand dunes and alongside the canal keeping watch, as John said you wouldn't leave an animal out there in that heat let alone human beings! We had a dream run, didn't have to anchor to one side to let anyone past so a very clear passage. 36 degrees today so very warm up on deck watching all the points of interest. We were second in line today, ahead of us a French warship, around 50 ships per day commute the Suez Canal. Some brilliant bridges along the way, the swinging railway bridge that opens and shuts at 9.00a.m. and 9.00p.m. every day, then the Suez Bridge. El Qantara Street - huge bridge with very long span - built by Japanese - middle span is completely aluminium.

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Photos

SUEZ CANAL
Suez Bridge built by Japanese

SUEZ CANAL
Swinging railway bridge

SUEZ CANAL
Who would want this job?

SUEZ CANAL
Museum - bayonet

SUEZ CANAL
World War I Memorial

SUEZ CANAL
Many military outposts along way