HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Yep, 2016 is now in the history books and 2017 is with us and I hope we all have a safe and healthy 2017.

As this is the December update I need to do a U-turn back to the start of said month (sorry Rocky)

Now December started off the same as November finished, weather wise anyway, just perfect weather all round, Greens Lake at its best was seen by all there, yep, peeeerfect. It continued through most of the month with the odd day here and there not as perfect, in fact 8+13 December saw strong NW winds all day and the actual lake lost its green colour and could be mistaken for 'Muddy Lake'.

The first weekend and Saturday night entertainment arrived in full force, yep one car filled with water cos the driver decided to keep going further, further, further in the water to launch his boat, he launched alright but why his car? Oh well. Not only that but as well even a group of youngish locals arrived with a very small tiny, chucked it in the lake, yep chucked it, well it was small. They couldn't get the small motor started for some time but finally got a put put put, so off '7' of them went and not one life jacket plus a little 2-3-year-old, thank goodness the little one had a jacket on. Now off they putted for about 50mts out, then no go, yep, stranded. Help was needed and obtained by a very annoyed boater a little further down from them along the banks and enjoying some dinner. Off he went to the rescue, hooked them up and towed them in. Boy did that young group cop a blast. Luckily it was Saturday night 'entertainment' and not a disaster.   

The middle of the month I decided to have a change in the way my WeberQ looks so painted the lid red to be similar to Collie and the red on the van. I started by getting some heat resistant paint form Autobarn then removed the Q lid and took gauge and handle off. Washed with hot soapy water then rinsed. Lightly sanded surface and washed off with clear water and left to dry for about one hour. First coat applied then 10mins later second coat then 10 mins later third coat and finally fourth coat 10 minutes later. I then left to dry until next day when I started to cure the paint. The lid was placed back on the Q with fittings added. First, I heated to 150c for 10mins, let cool for 15mins, 175c for 15mins then cool for 30mins. Finally, the last stage was 200c for 20mins then just left with lid up to fully cool down. I then didn't use the Q for three days to allow paint to dry and set fully. See pic below for finished job. I am very happy with outcome. I also planned my meals to not need the Q for the time needed.

Now not only has the weather stepped up to the plate and temperature picked up to high 20?s with some days mid 30's, even a couple of 40's, so has the families etc enjoying the many activities that take place here at greens lake. Many varied vessels and people for that matter out on the water, now I can't forget 'Fido' yep, even he was out enjoying the water with his family. Single people, couples and families including Fido all boating away and all with smiles on their faces. The speed skiers were out there as well and one team who I have got to know a little over the time here. The just bought a bigger boat even though none of them have a 'Jeep'. The boat they now have is faster and bigger so they should be a force to reckon with in upcoming comps.  It has become my favourite boat of the teams that come out here training.

Visitors, yep more GN's calling in and saying 'hi' then off to their next destination. Plenty of other happy campers arriving and staying for a while or just the night. I can't forget the many day trippers, some locals and others from further afield and all enjoying this fantastic place 'Greens Lake' Thank you so much to the water authorities. Also and as well even a big thankyou again for providing the 2 big skip bins to put rubbish in and the arrival of the big builder like skip just in time for Xmas. Have a great and safe Xmas GMW.

Christmas arrived and the day was enjoyed by eight of us sitting around enjoying roast lamb, roast pork, turkey, ham and 3 different salads, followed later by little plum puddings and brownies with custard, there was also a lovely pav with fresh fruit sitting on top of freshly whipped cream. A very big thankyou to David and Carol for being great hosts as usual. A great day lake side. Just because we are all out in the playground doesn't mean we miss out on the goodies. All done without 240v too.

Boxing day was spent visiting my daughter and her family south of Melbourne, a long day but always worth it.

Moving right along, as with the last 3 years we all had to vacate Greens and head else ware from 30/12 to 1/1 due to a problem caused by 2 local lads. My mate Dave and Myself headed 19km to Girgarre, just down the road really for a 4 night stay then ventured back to Greens on the 1/1.  It would be good if the water authorities could give us a second chance as everyone is entitled to a second chance. Word could be passed around prior to New Year Eve that if things go belly up again THAT'S IT, closed again with no third chance.

Well, that's my December done and dusted, busy but enjoyable so until next month, keep safe out there everyone.

have included some photo's below from my time at Greens during December, nothing said as I think they say it all.

PS. Sorry for the slight delay in getting this update out and about but due to being a Greens Lake Refugee once again due to New Year Eve closure, I have been away on that four-day holiday mentioned earlier.