creek had approx 2 inches of new clean ice
in!
sure...hop right on
ornamental ice-bobs
Haven't been down to RAINBOW in two weeks, and knew I wouldn't sleep well until I dealt with the disappearing waterline, as viewed from the security camera. So the goals were:
- Get on board (not that easy)
- Get below
- Check the battery and bilge pump
- Clear the solar panel
- Remove at least 500 pounds of compacted ice and snow
Having dealt with boats in icy, slippery and potentially deadly conditions for over 40 years, I adopt this simple method for surviving: do not move without thinking about the move first. Then think and move again. Rinse and repeat.
Got on board. It was actually pretty dicey. Like the crowned deck on a J24, every surface was pointing to the water. But there was a tiny bit of footing in the cockpit. The boom and backstays made for adequate handholds however.
Long and short, it took over an hour to gain access to below decks. Battery was fine, 12.17 volts. Solar panel, once cleared, was feeding a trickle to the battery. Bilge pump was working. Another hour and change I had most of the heavy stuff off the decks. Waterline was improved markedly.
Fun day.