Up, Up and Away!

 

After leaving Pamukkale we had a long drive day and around 6pm Simon and Teresa started looking for somewhere for us to camp, we found somewhere near a quarry and quickly got set up.  I was on cook group so we wanted to get cracking before it got dark so it was tents up quickly and on to making a veggie pasta bake.  We were also joined by some local Turkish men who gave us beer but got over friendly with the females so I decided to call it a day early and went to bed.  I'm having trouble getting my bushcamp pictures to load, will try for next time.

After bushcamp we headed of to Goreme but on the way stopped at a massive Kipa (Turkish Tesco) to buy some supplies.  It allowed me to get a new camera as mine was not working.  We got to Goreme around lunchtime.  The campsite was great and I soon had my washing done and a lovely hot shower!  Next day we did a guided tour round some of the valleys and underground city.  Below are some of the pics of the interesting landscape!

 

Underground city

Underground city

 

Underground city

Me and Mahala

Warren and David

Me!

Group photo

 

Some pics of some of the items on sale.....

Teresa hat shopping

 

 

The next day we were up early (4.45!) for our hot air balloon ride - it was amazing!  We got picked up at the campsite and taken down to the take off area and given some bagels and tea before taking off.  We had 20 of us in the balloon but there were over 100 in the sky which was an amazing sight as you can see....

View up the balloon from the middle

 

Our 'crash' as we touched another balloon - you couldn't feel a thing!

 

Our pilot

 

 

 

Our balloon

 

 Group photo with certificates we were given

 

 

We were given a glass of fizz on landing then taken back up to camp.  We had a lovely leisurely breakfast before myself and Julie headed down to town for a wander and to do a wee bit of shopping.  we are staying at the top of the valley so it was fine going down but a bugger to walk back up!

 

Whilst a few of us chilled out in camp in thet afternoon sun, Warren decided to go off for a hike and unforunately had a bad fall.  He managed to make his way back to camp and Mary, our group carer (she works in a pharacist!), managed to clean him up a bit but he still needed medical attention so an ambulance was called.  He had to spend the night in hospital for observation.  We were supposed to be moving on today but we have decided to spend another night here and try and make the time up along the route - no hardship for us as it's a great campsite with great showers and nice area to sit in the sun.  Warren has made it back today and has been cleared for travel but is in pain so not sure how easy or practical it will be for him to continue for now.  Anyway, will keep you posted but we are bushcamping tomorrow so will have no internet access for a few days.  Until then....