"Ready? Now run,sit and fly!" After three steps we are airborne. Looking between my feet I see the beach where Brook Shields once starred in the 'Blue Lagoon'. In the world of paragliding Oludeniz, on the mediteranean coast of Turkey, is one of the most spectacular locations to experience the thrill of flying. Both pilots and tandem passengers truly find a challenge here. paragliding21.jpg As the wind rustles the autumn leaves I think I hear the faint sound of elves in the forest. Last night we arrived in Meteora searching for our campsite in thick fog. The only flat spot we could find happens to be a place of worship for pilgrims. As the clouds lift we find ourselves on a viewpoint overlooking the monastery of Rousanou, visible on a high rocky outcrop. Our elves were a choir of pilgrims from Korea. meteora02.jpg Just before the sun appears over the horizon we leave our camp at 4200 meters to climb to the summit of Mount Ararat. On the borders with Armenia and Iran, Ararat has always been a very strategic mountain which only recently opened up for foreign climbers. The ancient volcano towers high over the surrounding landscape which is probably why Noah is believed to have landed here with his Arc. Mountaineers from around the world come to Ararat to climb the highest peak in Turkey. ararat27.jpg Wet, Wild and absolutely unforgettable. That is what the brochure said and that is what I am looking at. A waterfall gushes deep into the Kibris canyon and I have just been told that I am next. Adrenaline rushes through my veins. This is the first time I am canyoning and they want me to go abseil straight through the waterfall. I take a last gulp of air and plunge into the falls. kaputas18.jpg "Do you have bear bells?" asks the salesman in the Canmore outdoor shop. I know cow bells and goat bells but I have never heard of bear bells. In my mind I see a Grizzly with a bell around his neck. After some explanation from the salesman I buy two bells and the adventure begins. The Kananaskis Country in the Canadian Rockies is known for its rugged nature and wildlife. Just south of Banff National Park, in the province of Alberta lies the Kananaskis provincial park, not yet touched by mass tourism. Kananaskis02.jpg Millions of years ago three volcanos spewed out large amounts of ash. The earth's elements joined together turning the ash into rock and the water carving deep valleys below. Soon after, ancient civilizations settled in the region, located in the heart of Turkey. What incredible ingredients for very interesting hiking. As we walk through the valleys with curiously shaped rocks, we visit ancient churches and complete underground cities carved deep into the earth. kapadokyahiking01.jpg Sunrise warms the cool morning as we glide through the pristine mirror flat waters of the Kekova lagoon. All around us we see many small islands with traces of Lycian civilisation. This is Turkey at its most beautiful. At night we camp out on tiny beaches nestled amidst ancient ruins and lush forest. During the day we continue to paddle taking a break to lunch on fresh fish in one of the many quiet family restaurants dotted along the coastline. Sea kayaking is one of the best ways to see and feel the beauties of the Turkish mediteranean. kekova20.jpg