Today, I waded out to the island. It had stopped moving with the wind. The cause was evident from the bank. A serious list to port.
Grounded on one side, actually.
I took out three more buoyancy aids, but I doubt they were sufficient. The weight of the summer top growth is simply too much. The notion that some gas might be generated by the root mass and so provide a modest buoyancy boost now seems fanciful.
For now, I'll wait and watch. Depending on what happens:
* I'll try to add more buoyancy aids;
* Hack off some of the top growth to reduce the weight;
* Wait for winter to do much the same.
Pond pickerel is supposed to be deciduous, but last winter did not eliminate the top growth; just diminished it. Possibly because of the temperature modifying effect of being surrounded by water.
Hereabouts, we do not get ground freeze. Just colder winter morning morning frosts.
