In spite of a severe storm, which tracked down the east coast of Spain last week, leaving flooding and destruction (even a few fatalities) in its wake, Monday of this week looked a good day to take a kayak to Embalse de Negratín.
Here are a few photos from that trip. It was a repeat of the area of the reservoir that I covered on June 11th. [Blog post 12/06/19] ....... Playa de Freila to the Torre de Maruq (Moorish watchtower), nipping into all the inlets on the way, and a direct paddle back again. However, it did all look very different this time, as the water level was even lower; the lowest I've ever seen it. Shame that the storm didn't get far enough inland to help top up the reservoir. As usual I was on the water early in the morning.
Many more tree stumps and roots had now been exposed along the edge of the reservoir. Here are some examples of the more sculptural looking ones:
This was a coffee break stop at the limit of my trip - on the same headland as the Torre de Maruq. So far it had been perfect kayaking weather but strong winds were forecast for the afternoon. So time to turn back.
This inlet is where the Barranco de los Hornos runs into the reservoir. A Barranco being gully or ravine, generally with a watercourse in the bottom. The watercourse will be dry most of the year, but wet weather can change that.
Just after I got back on the water I heard the mellow sound of bells and a herd of goats appeared. Goats are inquisitive animals and large numbers lined up on a ridge to look down on me. Some came down to the water for a drink. They didn't all wear bells, so I guess it is only the 'lead goats' who have that privilege. I didn't see the goat-man or goat-women, but I've no doubt that he or she saw me. Even in the most remote of places you never know who may be watching you!
As I headed back to Playa de Freila I I saw this part submerged tree. Over the last couple of years I have passed this way several times without seeing it. It just shows how much the water level has dropped - and is a reminder of what can be lurking just below the water. I couldn't resist moving in for a close look, That is Jabalcón mountain in the distance.
I got back to the Playa at about 1:15pm. Time on the water was nearly 4 hours and the total distance paddled, at a leisurely pace, and with a couple of coffee breaks ashore, was 6 kilometres. If the wind that was forecast for the afternoon did come, it was much later in the afternoon, after I had packed up and gone.
