OK...get ready this is a big blog entry and getting longer...you see the thing is we are seeing some great sights but there is no connection...so I will keep going and get this to you asap.....
So where were we...ah yes....
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| Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque |
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| Inside the mosque |
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| Underground in the Basilica Cisterns |
Fresh from a rather damp but relaxing stay in Istanbul we arrived, after our longest drive yet, in the magical village of Goreme which means hidden city and that is exactly what it is, tucked just under the skyline it makes for a great base from which to explore the surrounding area and its many attractions. The main draws of the area are the underground cities and beautiful and naturally carved rock dwellings.
We arrived to some spectacular but dark weather. Fears of a cold night were alleviated by the news of a cave at the campsite with a roaring log fire! So safely snuggled up we were delighted the next day to discover some glorious sunshine which was to stay with us the next few days as we walked, bussed and quad biked our way around the sites.
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| Hot air balloons above the Cappadocia scenery |
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| Exploring the caves |
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| Jump if you are having a good time! |
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| Inside the camping cave |
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| Funky landscapes |
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| Caves and weird rock formations |
From Kaya camping, which had become like a home from home, we travelled due east and bush camped as we headed towards the hanging monastery at Sumela. Our highest camp was just below the snow line at 2,000 metres with spectacular views.
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| Keeping warm at 2,000m above sea level |
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| A great spot for a camp |
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| Stunning views from the bushcamp |
Truck life is now the norm as we move, shop, eat, set up camp...move, shop....you get the picture....so this is perhaps a good spot to mention the hospitality of this great country, Turkey. Our shop stops have resulted in tea for all, our wood buy resulted in free wood and we have been visited by farmers at our bush camps with gifts of mushrooms and other local foods. Travel, not only is it about the sites but the people and the generosity of the human spirit, brilliant!
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| Cook group hard at work |
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| Setting up camp |
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| Lunchtime |
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| Classic relaxed campsite action |
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| Anyone for a cup of tea? Going local with Turkish apple tea in a Turkish tea cup |
The first Calypso truck quiz night was a winner and was brilliantly organised by some of the group. That is the great thing about this sort of travel, there is a great feel of “family and friends” amongst us Calypsoites.
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The Odyssey Overland 2011 group family |
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| Colin signing up on the Calypso wheel of fortune. All names go on the wheel then when we stop up at night we see who has won, the winner being the name at the bottom of the wheel. |
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| Getting into the local brews |
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| Truck party! |
Hope you are still with me....really must get internet and get this “out there”....
We arrived in Macka, our launch pad for a visit to the stunning Sumela Monastery which is perched precariously on a cliff edge.
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| Sumela Monastery (what it would have looked like without the mist and the rain...) |
We are nearing the end of our stay in Turkey with Georgia and the Caucasus our next destination. Bring it on! Right I will leave it there and get this off as soon as possible...but lastly there is a photo of yours truly typing away in the cab cum control module cum crew living space. OK laters CJ
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| Me |
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| Just to prove it isn't all admin, this is me doing tough outside work too |
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| Jim showing Calypso's versatility, back bumper cum workbench with a vice |
Great Blog - thanks so much, great to get the rcent news.
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear your 'Travelling Family' have bonded so well. Wish we could be with you all, but alas not this time.
Take care and keep up the enjoyment and fun all of you x