The Rio Mondego (Portuguese pronunciation: [mõˈdegu]; English language: Mondego River) is the longest river located exclusively inPortuguese territory.[1] It has its source in Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal (i.e. except the Portuguese islands). It runs 234 km from the Gouveia municipality (at 1425 metres) in Serra da Estrela, to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean next to the city of Figueira da Foz. It flows through the districts of Guarda, Viseu and Coimbra, all in Centro Region. It flows near the towns ofCelorico da Beira, Fornos de Algodres, Nelas, Tabua, Carregal do Sal, Mortagua, Montemor-o-Velho and cities of Seia, Gouveia, Guarda,Mangualde, Santa Comba Dao, before crossing the town of Penacova, is narrow, then widens by the city of Coimbra (with the University and the major urban area in Baixo Mondego), and the Montemor-o-Velho municipality (known for its castle and rice fields), before reaching the Atlantic at the city of Figueira da Foz.
Yesterday I took on the adventure of kayaking 18km of the Rio Mondego beginning in Penacova ending in Torres do Mondego. This was a different kind of adventure from my past 3, as all the others orgranized by race committees. We went with the kayak group O Pionero Do Mondego. (To anyone finds themselves in the Coimbra region of Portugal I highly suggest this trip!)
As I posted previously, we are in Portugal making our way to meet my parents on Saturday to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary with them. Go Mom and Dad!!! I had read about kayaking on the Rio Mondego and was keen to try it. I have not done a lot of kayaking though when I have I've really enjoyed it.
I called the company from Santiago de Compostela to see if the group could leave a little later to accommodate our 3 hour drive to get there. Monday night I had was told that if I didn't hear from them, be at the river meeting point at 12 on Tuesday.
As I posted previously, we are in Portugal making our way to meet my parents on Saturday to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary with them. Go Mom and Dad!!! I had read about kayaking on the Rio Mondego and was keen to try it. I have not done a lot of kayaking though when I have I've really enjoyed it.
I called the company from Santiago de Compostela to see if the group could leave a little later to accommodate our 3 hour drive to get there. Monday night I had was told that if I didn't hear from them, be at the river meeting point at 12 on Tuesday.
 |
| Waiting at the meeting point. |
 |
| Pepi ready for his first adventure and happy for the support of LifeIce! |
We met our group around 12, gathered our life vests, had a quick briefing and were off. Due to higher rain levels this year the river was flowing faster making for a quicker trip for us though this left us with a few rapids to navigate.
 |
| Rapids towards the end of our trip. |
The first two kilometers our guide suggested we stay near by as there was a tricky section and was unsure of the conditions. We arrived and made it down by kayak though some had to walk around.
Onwards we went, down the river, enjoying the views, scenery and exercise! (I write this with sore arms today) We spotted multiple hawks, an eagle, and even a water snack slither across ahead of us.
As we neared the end we arrived at a cafe on the river. We waited for our group here while enjoying a coffee and the strong Portuguese sunshine!
 |
| Enjoying a coffee break in the sun! |
 |
| A refreshing dip in the river for Pepi! |
Refreshed we hopped back in our kayaks and headed towards the beach where our journey would end.
This was a super fun adventure. In a physical sense it was less challenging than the 3 Peaks, a 1/2 IronMan and a marathon, but I really enjoy the accessibility of this adventure. It is a great day, challenging, but it requires a basic fitness instead of massive training. 18km in a kayak is a long way but a wonderful way to spend the day!
 |
| Awaiting our group. |
 |
| Two constant supporters! Walid and Pepi! THANK YOU! |
No comments:
Post a Comment