Monthly training today out at Canyon Lake.
Simple mission, locate and remove a big metal trash dumpster that some of the local teens had decided to perform a scientific test on- light contents on fire, push into lake, see how far it floats.
Someone has a wonderful idea and invites the Sheriff.
Oh wait, the Sheriff is coming so we better invite the press too!
Add in a command post, dozen or so "helpers", the bomb guys (no idea on that one) and reporters, photographers and video guys from several local media groups.
And then add in a pouring rainstorm that lasted the whole day. :11:
But on the good side- we found the dumpster quickly with the sonar (new 900/1800 towfish produced a picture so clear you could see the position of the dumpster lids), put divers within a few feet of it, and after a bit of horsing around and photo ops lifted it and towed it back in so another set of young scientists will have learning opportunities!
Things worked out really well despite the rain and we even managed a bit of good PR from the day.
And for the record- a burning dumpster can float for about 100 yards.
Simple mission, locate and remove a big metal trash dumpster that some of the local teens had decided to perform a scientific test on- light contents on fire, push into lake, see how far it floats.
Someone has a wonderful idea and invites the Sheriff.
Oh wait, the Sheriff is coming so we better invite the press too!
Add in a command post, dozen or so "helpers", the bomb guys (no idea on that one) and reporters, photographers and video guys from several local media groups.

And then add in a pouring rainstorm that lasted the whole day. :11:
But on the good side- we found the dumpster quickly with the sonar (new 900/1800 towfish produced a picture so clear you could see the position of the dumpster lids), put divers within a few feet of it, and after a bit of horsing around and photo ops lifted it and towed it back in so another set of young scientists will have learning opportunities!
Things worked out really well despite the rain and we even managed a bit of good PR from the day.
And for the record- a burning dumpster can float for about 100 yards.
