Day 1,445

Pamukkale

After several days visiting archaeological sites we headed for somewhere a little bit different. Back in the day, the Greeks built a city called Hierapolis at this site. One of the reasons they settled here was due to the natural springs. Over the centuries mineral water from the springs has created a sedimentary rock, or travertines, forming terraces. Locals said they looked like cotton castles hence the name, Pamukkale. Doctors moved here to treat people in the springs, Cleopatra is said to have swum in one of the pools. An earthquake destroyed the city, but people still flock to the area to explore its natural beauty. We had pitched the tent at a campsite conveniently opposite the lower entrance. We paid our entrance fee, removed our shoes and hiked up to admire this natural wonder. The surface was cool underfoot, really quite pleasant to start with, giving our feet a good massage and polish, but after several hours every step felt that bit more uncomfortable. UNESCO gave it World Heritage status in 1988. At this time of year there is not as much water so many of the pools were dry, but oh my, the wet pools were glistening blue, reflecting the colours from the sky. We paddled in some, gazed at others, fortunately most visitors entered by the top entrance, so the crowds stayed high and we were able to enjoy this magical place almost to ourselves.