bullfrog

Have you checked that the lithium backup battery hasn't died?

Thank's, I've PM'd him. I've been checking prices & brands over the last couple of days & watto's price is excellent!

Thanks Donna, I'll look out for it before making a decision.

Thanks for your help everyone. Noah, I've had a look at the Techni Ice website & they seem very impressive. Do you have one?, if so are you happy with it? Cheers, Martin

I am looking to buy an ice box of around 60-65 litres, and have found three brands which seem suitable (there were a couple I found which were made in Thailand but I'd rather buy Australian). The three I looked at were Ice Kool, Tropical and Kookaburra. All were around the $200 range but the Tropical looked to be stronger, particularly the hinges. Are there any more brands I should look at?, if so where are they stocked? Has anyone had any experience with any of the above brands and can offer any thoughts or recommendations? It will be used primarily for camping but will also go on the occasional boating trip (poss. used as a seat so strength must be taken into consideration). Thanks in advance

Looks like I'm going to have to replace my battery before I go out next time. I can't complain as I have had it for just over six and a half years (I also let the cells run dry which didn't help) My mechanic reckons modern bateries only last for about two to three years so he said I have done OK from it. What's the longest time you have had a battery? Cheers, Martin

Don't think anyone listenes I've called many times on 96 to chat to any other fishraders whilst out on the Hawkesbury (mostly on Saturdays) and never had a response.

Glad you enjoyed it, I certainly did. When I mentioned the low budget aspect, did you notice that he appeared to have a black eye about ten minutes before the actual fight scene? Me thinks a slight editing error!

Number 10 - nemo?

Wasn't the internal battery that had gone flat was it? I find that with my Garmen 12 it takes a long time to get a fix if it hasen't been used for a few months. It's fine after that.

I'd never heard of this movie before but decided to rent it as the one I wanted was out. I actually found it very enjoyable. It was filmed almost entirely on the Hawkesbury & I'm sure that many of you will recognise the locations used. It looks like a low budget movie and it has a lot of bad language plus a sex scene (which is unfortunate as my kids would have enjoyed seeing the movie), but if it's available in your local video store you might like it.

Number 2 - Meet the Fockers

Our family loves a nice fish meal, and, when none of us are able to catch anything for us to eat (which sadly is most of the time ), we have to rely on one of the local fish shops. Our favourite fish shop is a little chinese owned shop at Eastwood - just around the corner from the Eastwood Club & our fish of choice is usually Atlantic Salmon. It's easy to cook, few bones, supposed to be good for you with all the omega oils etc., and reasonably priced (usually around $16 per kilo). I believe it's farmed down in Tasmania, so we felt that we were also helping the local economy. It used to have a beautiful, rich & distinct flavour but in the last year or so has been getting more & more bland. We bought four cutlets last Sunday morning which were BBQ'd in the afternoon - they were almost tasteless! The texture was the same as in previous years, (nice & firm when cooked) & they looked very fresh when we bought them - they also had a beautiful colour when raw. We have not varied the way we prepare or cook them. Has anyone else noticed this change?; are they giving them different food at the fish farms these days?, or, is Atlantic Salmon now being imported them from overseas which could perhaps explain the lack of flavour? Your thoughts would be appreciated,

Does anyone know any places to ski in the Swansea area? There is a reasonable sheltered area near the Swansea Gardens caravan park, but I was wondering if there were other areas of the lake where the water was quite calm. We were at Windsor last Saturday morning but it starts to get very crowded by mid morning and my kids need a bit more space as they are new to the sport. Cheers,

Smiths Creek used to be one of the best places. Safe, secluded and out of the way of everyone. The some idiot decided to put an 8 knot speed limit there This has forced everyone out into the main channel where it gets very busy and choppy and (dare I suggest) significantly more dangerous for families who just want their kids to have a bit of safe fun.

I usually adjust the trim to where there is no pull to the left or right. Seems to work well for my boat.

What a great bloke

My 12yo daughter got her junior licence earlier this year, and my son intends to get his when he turns 12 in 2007. Looks like he'll have to do a lot more studying than she did!

I read somewhere that new rules governing boat driver licences were to come in from October 1. Basically, the test was going to get harder and there was also going to be a practical test to ensure better competence. I can't find anything on the NSW Maritime website to confirm this, has anybody else heard about it? Cheers,

The Silverwater ramp can also get very slipery at low tide, plus there's a strong current which may cause problems for solo launching. There's HEAPS of parking & I've never seen a queue for people waiting to use the ramp.... looking forward to seeing a pontoon there The Wharf road ramp can get very busy, particularly on Sundays. It is also quite exposed which can make retrievals dificult do to the wind. I think a couple of members to this and another site have lost trailers at Wharf road. Cheers,

Whilst your there, pop in to the Forest Reefs tavern. Best drop of draught VB you'll find anywhere in the area

Was that the one that Kieran Reekie introduces? If it is it's a very good tape, well worth the money. There were a couple of copies still for sale at the tackle shop at Thompsons Corner last time I was there as well. Cheers,

My preference is AFLOAT Magazine, (It's a free magazine but that doesn't cloud my judgement!), but it has some great articles on fishing, boating, and sailing. Recent issues have had some great historical articles on Sydney Harbour and Navy Warships. Worth a look if you want a good read. Cheers,

I've actually got plenty of polish but a mate of mine has just purchased one of those 'dry wash & polish' franchises (not the one which has been heavily advertised on Sydney radio), and he wants to do my boat as a test. I'm happy to have it done, (could be good extra revenue outlet for him if it works),but I want to make sure the chemicals won't damage my boat - or any future clients of his! That's why I keen to find out what not to use.