Where in the World is Peggy Peg? Cappadocia

Where in the World is Peggy Peg? Cappadocia, Turkey

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Travel Blog: Discovering the world with Marcus and his loved ones.
Land of Balloons and Stone – Experiencing the surreal beauty of Cappadocia

The world abounds with beauty. Take a moment to look around and you will see that it’s awash with majestic mountains, gargantuan gorges, resplendent rivers, mesmerising monuments, glistening glaciers, languid lakes, captivating caves, fabulous forests and dazzling desserts. And yet, within all of this, there are a handful of places that stand above the rest, places that leave you in awe of the natural world, places that leave an indelible print on your very being, never to be forgotten. 

One such place is to be found in central Turkey. Cappadocia. Here you will find a landscape like no other, created millions of years ago by ancient volcanic eruptions and shaped by the hands of time over many centuries. The result is a unique gathering of folding valleys, tinged pink and topped with towering fairy chimneys set against the stark, barren Anatolian plains that stretch away for miles. 

Added to this otherworldly topography is a rich history. Thanks to the softness of the stone people carved out monasteries, churches, cave dwellings and entire underground cities that, while uninhabited today, remain intact to be explored on foot and marvelled at from above from hot air balloons. It’s for this reason that we are here, camped high above Göreme amongst the gentle folds of land, away from the hustle and bustle of the region’s main town. 

As far as iconic travel pictures go, there are few that match those showing the sea of balloons that fill the early morning skies above Cappadocia's whimsical landscapes, a floating kaleidoscope of colour set alight by the burning oranges of sunrise. It was an image that had long been in our minds, dictating that our route back across Turkey would head through the heart of the country, rather than skirting along its southern borders. 

There’s a palpable excitement in the motorhome on the morning of our flight, despite the early start and a false dawn the day before - after waiting for an hour the winds were finally deemed too high for safe flying and we were left disappointed. A quick check reveals that it’s 6:15 am when there’s a gentle knock at our door from the driver who will take us, along with several other bleary-eyed travellers, to the balloon launch site. All thoughts of needing a few more hours of sleep fade when we arrive to see the first balloons already being inflated, the hot air from huge jets of flames blown into them by colossal fans. 

As the first rays of sunshine spill across the horizon our balloon is primed and ready for take-off, news greeted by excited shrieks from Dorothy, who can just about see over the edge of the basket. A few extra blasts of hot air and we slowly begin to rise, beginning what is a supremely serene and tranquil ascension up into the chill morning sky, one that is soon filled with balloons of all colours, moving gently over the fairy chimneys below. 

Drifting on the gentlest of breezes, the world below us now a sea of red as the sun casts an ethereal glow across the soft peaks of rippling rock, there’s a feeling of total calm. We drift effortlessly back down, our pilot expertly flying us within inches of the tops of the fairy chimneys before a little burst of flame rises us up just enough to avoid an unwanted collision. An hour soon slips by and our flight is at an end, but the memory of Cappadocia will last for a lifetime. 

The following morning we are up early again, although this time to simply marvel at the balloons as they float all around us, the morning’s calm only occasionally interrupted by the distinct sound of hot air being blown as yet another balloon passes inches above our motorhome. 

Where in the World: Known the world over for its distinctive fairy chimneys, Cappadoica is a semi-arid region in the heart of Anatolia. One of Turkey’s best known tourist destinations, it's a place that has to be seen to be truly appreciated. 

How to Get There: From Ankara head south-east on the O21 highway before taking a left turn onto the D300 just past Alayhani, and follow this road until you reach Göreme.  

Where to Stay: While there are a few good quality campsites in the touristy town of Göreme none will match the views of wild camping up above the town. From here you will be able to not only have a little peace, but be surrounded by the balloons when they take off. A once in a lifetime experience. We stayed at a spot which is reachable in all motorhomes and vans.

Peggy Pegs Used: Our pitch was dry and very solid soil, so we secured our Fix&Go Anchor Plates 2.0 with the hit-in Screw-out Peg hardcore Peggy. The TieStraps 2.0 were secured with hit-in Screw-out Peg hardcore Peggy, which are all in the Ultimate Awning Bundle.

Key Facts

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Discovering Cappadocia in Turkey:

Breathtaking Landscape: Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is known for its unique volcanic formations, folding valleys, and the iconic fairy chimneys.

Aerial Wonders: The region offers stunning hot air balloon flights that capture the surreal panorama of pink-tinged rocks and vast Anatolian plains.

Why Visit Cappadocia:

Natural and Historical Marvel: Explore a magical blend of dramatic geological landscapes and a deep cultural history, with cave dwellings, ancient churches, and underground cities carved from soft rock.

Unforgettable Experiences: From serene morning balloon rides to exploring hidden rock-cut monasteries, Cappadocia offers experiences that leave a lasting impression.

How to Get There:

Route from Ankara: Head southeast on the O21 highway from Ankara.

Follow the Signs: Take a left turn onto the D300 just past Alayhani and continue until you reach Göreme, the gateway to Cappadocia.

Where to Stay:

Wild Camping with a View: Setting up camp above Göreme provides a peaceful retreat with unrivaled views of the landscape and early morning balloon launches.

Motorhome Friendly: Ideal campsites are accessible for all motorhomes and vans, offering comfort in an unconventional setting.

Pegs Used for Camping:

Fix&Go Anchor Plates 2.0: Secured with hit-in Screw-out Peg hardcore Peggy, ensuring stability on dry, solid soil.

TieStraps 2.0: Also using the hit-in Screw-out Peg hardcore Peggy, these offer added security for camper awnings.

Ultimate Awning Bundle: More than just pegs – this all-in-one bundle includes everything you need to securely anchor your awning on any ground, from hard soil to sand. Reliable, versatile, and ready for any adventure.

Insider Tip:

Experience the Balloons: Plan to wake up early—seeing the sky come alive with a sea of colorful hot air balloons is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Optimal Campsite Choice: Camping away from the main town of Göreme not only provides tranquility but also guarantees an immersive view of the morning spectacle.

Fazit:

A Must-Visit Destination: With its surreal landscapes, rich history, and spectacular balloon displays, Cappadocia in Turkey is a destination that captivates both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Unforgettable Memories: Whether soaring above the fairy chimneys or enjoying a secure camping experience, Cappadocia promises unique adventures that resonate for a lifetime.

Marcus is a husband, a father, an adventure athlete and an award-winning writer, who travels the world in their Bailey of Bristol motorhome with his wife Kim and his two kids.

If you have any questions about their life on the road or simply want to follow their travels more closely, you can contact Marcus and Kim over on Instagram through @marcusleachglobal and @our.roaming.odyssey