On Monday, May 17th 2021, a large crowd gathered by the riverbank at Depot Square in Peterborough, NH. A recovery team was in place with the task of flipping a fallen rotary drilling rig back unto its treads.

A Festive Mood

It was a a communal event. People came with chairs, popcorn, and sandwiches. One child was blowing soap bubbles. The press was on the scene trying to speak with the recovery team members.  I wish I had brought binoculars like some people did.

Fueling Up

Removing Excess Weight

The first order of business was the removal of the “Kelly Bar”, the hardened steel unit of the drilling rig that does all the work. After that is completed, the workers attached tow cables to various parts of the rig and began a very slow and controlled lift.

Slow and Steady

Using tow lines on each end of the boom arm and cranes for stabilization the rig was slowly lifted back into position, a process that took several hours. The lines were connected in opposite directions, one set would pull it upright and the other would slowly play out. In this way there was not danger that the the rig would flip into the river. It was quite a sight to see.

Success (sort of)

The rig was returned to its proper alignment. The counterweight was jacked up on wooden planks to add stability. But of what use is it on such a shoddy supporting path?

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

Someone in the crowd mentioned that this reminded them of the 1939 children’s book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton.

The drilling rig did a great job of building the retaining wall but there is does not see to be any ramp to get back onto the road. The river is located just below the rocks.

This story is not over.