I don't often go kayaking in August. Partly because, even with a dawn start, it's too hot here to stay out on the water for very long and partly because of the heat induced lethargy of mid-summer. However, yesterday morning, enticed out by a couple of cooler days than normal, I took my Neris Smart -1 to the Negratin reservoir for a quiet paddle. Hoping to rid myself of a bit of that lethargy!
Didn't manage to get there at dawn, but did get afloat at Playa de Freila before the sun got too high in the sky. Water was ruffled by a gentle breeze which made it quite a pleasant start. No great plan for the day – just some gentle paddling along the shoreline. Water level has dropped by at least 1½ metres since I was here in June, so it all looked a bit different. Some bays have disappeared and new little islands have emerged.
Back at my starting point as mid-day approached.
The earlier breeze had long gone and the day was rapidly heating up. It was a relief to get back to the shade of the trees in the car park and pack everything away again. But I'm glad I made the effort. Lethargy defeated – if only for a few days!
This was the first time I had used The Smart One on fresh water. Being lighter and narrower than my Gumotex Halibut, which I usually use on Negratin, it takes less effort to keep it moving. The Halibut is a bit of a barge – but a very comfortable one! Time on the water was 2¼ hours and distance paddled was 7 kilometres.
