Our flight from Nairobi was smooth going, Egypt Air did well. Only an hour late in getting away but made up time on the way north to Cairo. An interesting flight path took us away to the east avoiding most of the border with Sudan and a long way east of Khartoum. A troublesome border for both Kenya and Egypt. The flight followed the Red Sea north, avoiding the bottom end near Aden another troublesome place.

We passed over the entrance to the Gulf of Aqaba which we had sailed up on our recent cruise. Finally, a hard left to Cairo below the entrance to the Suez Canal.

No dramas at Cairo in getting our on the spot visa and transferring through to the domestic flight to Luxor. An hour later we arrived and a prearranged car transfer took us to the Winter Pavilion, on the banks of the Nile. Great spot for three nights before our journey aboard the SS Sudan up the Nile to Aswan.

Our first day here was a little sluggish, enjoying a sleep in after the rigours of the early rises on the safari. In the late afternoon we strolled to the Luxor Museum, about 35 dg. It was further away than what we thought, up past the Luxor Temple, but we made it by the late opening time of 5pm. Avoiding numerous offers of transport by taxi drivers and horse drawn carriages.

The museum displayed various objects from the Luxor and Karnak Temples. A couple of mummies were impressive as was an ancient model boat. Our visit was short cut by a local getting rather excited, perhaps some sort of fit. Drew quite a crowd and so we left.

It was now getting on towards 6.30 so we strolled back down the river, stopping for dinner a riverside cafe. Rather basic, but friendly and the food was tasty and plentiful!

The next day started early. Allthego had arranged s balloon flight and was up at 4.50am for the pick up. Homealone was true to name and had another sleep in.

Arrived at the launch site a bit after 6am but take off was delayed until well after sun rise due to unfavourable upper level winds, which were blowing towards the Nile and the airport. They needed to blow the other way.

Eventually, we were cleared for take off and away we went. Just a gentle rise and drift away, periodic spurts of the burner when we headed higher. Maximum height reached was around 550 metres, but frequently were not far above houses and vegetation.

The flight was supposed to go for 30-40 minutes, depending upon landing options. However, our pilot had some difficulties in getting the right winds and we drifter away towards the Nile and over fairly dense agricultural pursuits, power lines and roads. So we were aloft for over an hour.

Eventually, he tossed a long rope over the side for the team below to drag us to a clear spot. Bit of exercise and excitement this for the guys on the rope! Anyway, we got down OK, very soft landing.

Got back to the hotel around 8.30 and after breakfast started the trek to the Luxor Temple for a look see before it got too hot. This is enough for the time being!