Krutynia

Last Sunday I spent the day in Mazurian territory. Krutynia to be more exact. It was my first time in this part of Poland and I have to admit that I enjoyed it immensley. I can't wait to go back.

We left around 5 am, and after a three hour drive and 200km, we arrived ready to pick up our kayaks and head for the water. Luckily we got there in time, from 120 kayaks there were only 7 left and it was only 8am. We took four, packed our stuff and were driven to our starting position.

The aim for the day was to cover 21km down the Krutynia River. This time there was no flowing with the river, we had to paddle hard. We passed many camping sites, tourists paying a visit to the Mazurian Lakes, and many mini bars waiting to serve exhausted and hungry travellers. If you like oily and fatty meals while you're away than you have a choice of 'placki ziemniaczane' (potato fritter) or 'naleśniki' (crepes). 'Flaki' (tripe soup), hamburgers and hot chips were also on the menu. I have to be honest I stuck to my home made sandwich and only got a black coffee but all my friends devoured everything they had ordered and claimed it was delicious. It probably was, Polish food usually is but for me it's a little bit too hearty to consume in the summer. The other option was sausages and 'kaszanka' (blood sausage) off the barbecue.

Five hours later we reached the finishing line just as it was starting to rain. We hid under the cover of a 'Karczma' and waited for our transport to arrive. We didn't have to wait long, the company we used was efficient and well organised. In Krutyn most of the residents have kayaks for hire, so there's little chance of missing out.

Krutyn is great whether you're taking a day trip, long weekend or an extended stay.