Too pig-headed to ask advice, I spent the best part
of two hours struggling to recover my 100cm thermometer
after someone (else) had lawn-mowered the two cords
which I thought were sufficient to ensure its safety. (The
chain had long since gone).

Various attempts at lateral thinking later, I resorted
to a weighted line with a bent nail at the end acting as
a hook, and within 10 minutes was successful.

Was there an easier way?

(For anyone not familiar with earth thermometers, the
top of the instrument has a brass loop, so it doesn't
respond well to magnets ...)

Philip Eden