What a way to spend a day: sea kayaking in the crystal blue waters of the med around rocky coastline and looking down at submerged roman ruins and topped by a short cold dip in a natural cove. Hard work, but the efforts were well worth it. That seems to be a statement that is going to characterise this trip. I am tired now. Bi-endian candle burning, a full-on programme of events, some terrible beds/uneven ground and some rather extravigant snorning from my tent-mate are all contributing to a lack of sleep, but it has been worth every step so far.

The last week in Turkey was stunning. The trip from Kas to Capadocia was a long drive, once again through a range of countryside that is hard to continually describe. Every new stretch of road shows you something new. High planes, snow-topped mountains and American badland-style landscape to name but a few. Two days drive from Kas to Capadocia, the first spent in our best rough camp so far. A beautiful spot high in the mountains about 40 miles inland.

The next day was a full-on drive to the Ilara gorge, the first real taste of Capadiocia. The evening we arrived we spent exploring ancient cave dwellings, culminating in a nerve-wracking climb up a chimney to reach the top of the settlement. The views and the adrenaline rush made it well worth the effort. The next day was an 8 mile walk through the Ilara gorge itself, a stunning river gorge lined with settlements carved directly into the soft volcanic rock. Exploring these dwellings, that date from as recently as 500AD, reveal examples of christian churches from the period all highly decorative and elaborate and carved directly out of the rock itself, some still sport the original frescos etched onto the wall on a thin layer of plaster.

The walk itself reveals some stunning scenery provided the chance for some welcome exercise after what seemed like days of sitting in the truck.