The Harney Canal (C-136) runs from the Tampa Reservoir to join the second and longer canal, C-135, which connects the Hillsborough River at Trout Creek and Palm River. Both canals control flooding in the city of Tampa.
For the record, this is NOT a good kayak put-in...it is overgrown and steep. But, on this day, I was feeling adventurous, and launched from the tiny piece of cleared land (just wide enough for my yak) to make my way up the Hillsborough River toward the Temple Terrace Highway overpass and beyond. Round trip, I paddled about four miles, stopping many times for photos, and on the way back, for shade. Along the way, I spied ducks, turtles, ibises, a little green heron, and a number of beautiful homes, to name a few of the wonderful sights. During the four hours I spent paddling these waters, I did not see another human on the river...the solitude was glorious.
© April L. Gustetter
