Kayaking with reluctant dog.

"Go on Tanya jump. Go on. Good girl. OMG she's actually done it. Well how about that. Hmmmm! Better rescue her I suppose."

Picture the scenario. For starters there is one blue inflatable 2 person Kayak half way up the river estuary between 'Fort du Rato' and the charming town of 'Tavira' here in the area known as the 'Rio Formosa'. Next picture one strange looking bearded guy kneeling in it complete with straw hat, red life-jacket and wielding a paddle. Finally one small black dog swimming around in the river and starting to panic as she realises there is no beach in sight to swim to. Small black dog by the way does not normally 'do' water and especially not swimming. In fact small black dog is extremely wary of bearded gentleman when it comes to seaside beaches as she has had one too many experiences of literally being dropped in it. She has established that distance between her and bearded guy seems to reduces the amount of 'dropping in it'. Clever Tanya.

So on this occasion, even though it was a beautiful warm and sunny day, bearded gentleman was most surprised to see little black dog move from her position up front of the Kayak (Not her favorite mode of transport it has to be said) to a position with front paws on the side, head overboard, and rest of body indicating I'm going in for a swim. The encouragement from me did the trick and into the clear water she jumped. A first for Tanya. I soon had her hauled back in and after a good all over body shake she resumed her position up front and gave me a look as if to say; 

'I done it man. I done it and am a lot cooler but don't go thinkin I like water now cos I don't, right!'

We continued our 3km paddle up the tidal estuary to 'Tavira' helped by the incoming tidal flow. A couple of hours to enjoy lunch and explore more of the town would give time for the tide to turn ready to assist us on our return journey. It was good fun, good exercise and an adventurous way to enjoy such a warm and windless day. I finally lifted the Kayak out in the centre of 'Tavira' just by a restaurant where a scrumptious meal of Sea Bass and simple veg really hit the spot.

I guess for a while we entertained the other diners as we emerged from the river steps onto the Plaza with Kayak, paddle and waterproof bag. All were stowed against the riverside railings, lifejacket was stripped off and clean shirt donned. Bearded gentleman, still with straw hat on plus a still decidedly wet looking black dog then nonchalently strolled over to the outdoor very smart restaurant tables and joined  the other diners. Most satisfying!

Now move on a couple of days. We're still wild-camped in the same place. Weather is still beautiful so bearded gentleman is seen once again preparing Kayak as the tide rises. "We'll go the other way this time Tanya. Down to 'Carabas'. Says bearded man. Tanya however; when it comes time to go keeps her distance and in fact quite pointedly trots over to Don and Gails motorhome to see their dog 'Ruben'. No doubt to say. 

"He wants me in that bloody boat thing again. No way! Can I stay with you for a bit?" 

Don and Gail whom I've got to know over the last few days were there for the afternoon and quite happy to act as dog sitters. So she got her way and there she stayed until I returned a few hours later.

What a dog eh!