Hot AIr Balloon ride over Cappodicia

Watching the sun rise against a back drop of the volcanic rock formations , the fairy chimneys and at least 40 other hot air balloons gliding in the stillness is very special. Butterfly Balloons is one of the many companies that fly here, however senior pilot Mike from the UK has a huge number of years experience and reputation in hot air ballooning, and we were lucky to be flying with him. Out of bed at 4:30 am. Luckily we had a bit of a heads up as the call to prayer here is at 4 am. Down to Butterfly Balloons office for breakfast and a briefing and then on to the mini bus for the trip to our launch. Ballooning is wind dependent so we started out of Goreme with the intension of floating over some valleys showcasing the wonderful landscape and rock formations and a couple of villages to land another 15 to 20 kms away. Dream come true that's exactly what happened. Mike being an experienced pilot took us right down in the depths of the valleys as we floated gently between the rocks and fairy chimneys only to then float up over a ridge and onwards to the next highlight, set of caves, pigeon holes and even a castle. The stillness and quiet interrupted by the bursts of flame to heat the balloon. A wonderful ride ending with the celebratory glass of bubbles in a field was just wonderful.
Landing was an interesting process. As we got within a meter of the ground Mike threw out a rope to the land crew waiting for us. Even at that height we were traveling at such a speed that the balloon with 17 of us aboard could literally tow 5 big blokes another hundred meters or so as they struggled to slow and control our speed.
Hopefully when I get to an internet cafe i can add some pics to highlight this experience.This was Ians birthday present, however it's really about me so he came along for the ride, pardon the pun. This morning at 6 am we were awoken by the noise of the flames bursts of the balloons. Today with the wind direction the balloons all 45 I counted flew over the township of Goreme and our hotel. So for two mornings in a row I got to enjoy the splendor of the magnificent balloons.