We slept surrounded by a ragged array of granite peaks. Rising in the pre-dawn, we were already making our way up a gully filled with house-sized polished boulders when the sun turned the Red Sea into shimmering beaten gold. It was going to be hot! We continued, urged upwards by glimpses of the bizarre rock bridge but reaching its foot, it became obvious that its ascent was out of the question - we opted instead to climb the cliff beneath it then pass through the slender arch to reach its top. It wasn't difficult - occasionally grade 4 (Severe) - but it was nice to be climbing and the dubious rock added to the interest. Murray had photographed it from the side, so it was a real delight to be the first to climb beneath the ludicrous trunk, reaching its summit at midday.