It's safe to say that anyone who has spent time travelling by boat has spent some time trying to get off of a shallow spot whether it was a log, a shoal, or a shallow mud bar. I doubt however that you've had to be removed from a grounding like the U.S. Navy Minesweeper USS Guardian that ventured off course and onto Tubbathaha Reef in the Philippine Islands this past January.
The pictures below show the various stages of the removal process. One that was obviously beyond the capabilities of the local SeaTow or TowBoat US affiliates.
Back here in the states it's been pretty wet for those of us in the Midwest and Northeast. Around our area the Mississippi River is still about 6' higher than normal but dropping slowly. For a time it was even closed to navigation around St. Louis.
Fortunately we're not doing the Great Loop this year. The rain has shut down the Erie and Oswego Canals stacking up boats as far back as New York City. On the Erie they've moved the boats into the lock chambers as the water has risen above the docks and sea walls normally used by the boaters.
Back here on the home front it's been non stop grass cutting and pruning between the rain drops. Occasionally I get a little help from Franklin. Fortunately I only have to give him a ride in the trailer as payment!
One of the perks of being home is the ability to spend time with family. Father's Day seemed like a good excuse for just such a gathering.
