Sunday was quite an adventure. We planned to stop at Aberdeen Marina, since it would be dark early and we don't exactly speed along. The cruise guide showed 6-8' channels into the marina, but cruisers were reporting 4.5'. With a draft of exactly 6', we opted for an anchorage across the waterway which the cruise guide reported as having 10-12' draft in the entrance. Aberdeen Lock was temporarily closed for minor electrical repairs, so we had very little choice. Unfortunately, shoals, wind and current conspired to lodge us firmly in the mud, with less than 6' underneath our NEWLY PAINTED BOTTOM!! The lockmaster at Aberdeen saw our predicament and called the US Coast Guard Auxiliary to help us. Two kind gentlemen arrived within the hour, and after much spinning and pulling, we floated again. Thankfully, by then the lock was operable and we managed to find a wonderful anchorage with 20' of water and a full moon and get the hook down just before dark.
Now, about those pina coladas and sunsets........
