Along the first leg!

One of many, many, many guard stations.

Over the years, transit has been threatened for many reasons.  Most recently it was closed by an Egyptian blockage after the Six Day War in 1967 due to the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula by the Israelis.  In 1963 during the Yom Kippur War the canal was unexpectedly crossed by the Egyptian army and the subsequent counter crossing by the Israel army.  The US then helped to clear the canal and it was reopened in 1975.

Along the way we encountered all sorts and types of guard stations on both sides but mainly on the eastern (Sinai) side.  Sometimes it was just one lonely soldier with a gun in a tiny booth standing in the hot dessert.  Other times elaborate posts with many soldiers and equipment.  

Dramatic contrast between large Maersk container ship and two
meager fishermen.

Net fishing in the HOT sune

Ferry crossing from the Sinai