Had a cool day Friday and decided to move the wood pile over nearer to my bus, this done I dug out a fire pit wanting to take advantage of the cooler day to have a fire. Later on I lit the fire, easier said than done 'cos I had no firelighters or newspaper and it had been raining. I persevered with tiny twigs graduating to larger branches until it would take logs from the woodpile. Had the usual jaffle and boiled the billy then Ted and Robyn brought over their wrought iron barbecue and cooked up spare ribs.

Wanted to build up the fire at dusk for a sit around but the rain came more steadily putting an end to that idea. The rain kept on most of the night, not heavily but enough to fill my buckets saving me from carrying down from the tap. Saturday and I donned my yellow waterproof outfit, the one from a previous life when I used to play golf in all weathers, went for a walk to the promontory at the far end of the lake and back in the opposite direction. Very invigorating exercise in the rain. Must be losing the plot, nobody does that.

 I was wanting to get some fruit from Girgarre markets tomorrow but the weather forecast suggests that the rain will continue. I have been mentioning the market all week hoping to get a trip there, will see how that works out.  Looks like rainy day today, fortunately I have a couple of books and tons of movies and TV serials on the hard drive. What a good finish to the day the sunset was superb and what a start to Sunday as the following pics will attest. Looks like my previous discussions about Girgarre markets has resulted in success and I will be going with Grahame and Kerry from the 5th wheeler on the lake front. Also Paul called across at 8.30  offering to take me so it pays to advertise.

 I have previously mentioned cider vinegar and MSM, last market a month ago I started taking a soup spoon of cider vinegar in warm water and honey twice a day, recently I have also been taking MSM crystals in the same glass recommended by Mezzie. Also I have stopped taking the prescribed 5mg cholesteral tablets as well as the small aspirin, both covered by the alternate products. The good news is that the left shoulder which has been paining me for some time and was not addressed by the doctor has cleared up.

Had a good morning at Girgarre markets bought a supply of apricots, peaches, mangos, grapes, strawberries and tomatoes. Wish I could buy more but can't keep them for more than a few days, went on through the Stanhope markets. The overall number of stalls had diminished at both places possibly due to the rain forecast but none eventuated. Had a quiet afternoon and evening visiting the other nomads then watching TV series on the lap top.

Monday morning and Paul has decided to travel north it is a sunny day and good for travel. Hot again today with many swimming in the lake. An unusual sight today was a catamaran being launched and sailing across the lake the owned has a 5th wheeler and had the cat brought to the lake by his daughter in law living nearby.

The rains came Tuesday but we had plenty of warning and some pulled out before the likelihood of being bogged along the lakeside. OK along the treeline but no matter 'cos I'm not going anywhere for a while. Spoke to Patty last night and she is likely to be camping here by the weekend, spending time with her family until then. Mezzie rang to say that her camper, hopefully, will be ready for camping next week and she will be coming then.

Had woeful internet reception since the rain so I have erected the 5.7mtr antenna bought for poor reception areas and surprisingly I now have fast service, augers well for Wuruma Dam. Had a visitor today Lance (Olley46} called by and we had a long chat about our lifestyles, he is visiting with friends bringing their kayaks but today was not the day for being on the lake. He is considering leaving ahead of the projected heavier rain eliminating the chance of getting bogged.

Wednesday was better weather still cloudy and alternately sunny but not so warm. Decided that tonight was a time for a fire so I dug out the fire pit and collected leaves, bark and twigs not an easy matter without paper and firelighters but got it going eventually. I invited Rob and Sally, Ted and Robyn, Grahame and Kerry all turned up and we sat around talking. I cooked potato bake having previously part cooked the potato and onions then boiled the billy. Ted cooked potato in the foil and meat in a rectangular cast frying pan.

Thursday and cooler and much better for walking. Been thinking about my solar position and have decided that  my 20AH regulator is not giving the optimum results considering that I have 400 watts of solar overhead also it is the older version not the MPPT style. It has rarely recorded over 20AH coming in but the newer version will improve the input throughout the range. I have just bought 40A 12/24V LCD MPPT Streetlight Multitime Solar Charge Controller with 5V USB BS from http://stores.ebay.com.au/bosscat2011?_trksid=p2047675.l2563 for $63 delivered to the Gold Coast.

Met another couple of Grey Nomads today Grahame and Wendy (Grey Gra) parked up in the treeline near me. Happy hour was at Doug's place and well attended. John

c