From up above

A Post New Years day walk yesterday, started with 7 people and ended up with 5!

No we didn't lose them, just the climb from the Monastery at the foot of the Qurna Mountain, to the top and down over, was a little too much for them.

The remaining 5, including our guide, Salah soldiered on. Clambering up over shingle pathways, overlooking steep drops, taking a shortcut through a deep a crevasse, until we reached the top.

Hat's off to Mr Corky, who informed us of his fear of heights 2/3rds of the way up, but gritted his teeth, focused and made it to the top!

The view was breathtaking. Despite the clouds, it was clear and we could see the Nile meander towards Cairo to the North. The temples were clearly visible and gave such a different perspective to the magnificence I cycle past almost daily.

The Qurn, is the highest point and was our goal. It's believed that the Ancients built here because of this 'Pyramid like' Qurn (Peak) To see if from the street and to be standing in front of it, was incredible. It's just after this point, that you can see the Valley of Kings and that halfway workers village.

The wonderful thing is, the mountain, was of course, originally, the sea bed and so the fossils and rock formations you find are beautiful!

We began the descent to the Ramessium cafe, to meet the other 2 for much needed refreshments! 4 hrs mountaineering had taken it's toll on us all.

This is the Valley of the Kings ...MORE