Raft Testing at Lilydale Lake 15/2/2004

Not trusting the sealing properties of the welds or tar, Andy, Ben, Brett, Chris, Mick, Tim and Zoe took the raft down to Lilydale Lake for a practice run. They found the easiest way to remove the raft was reverse the trailer into the water, until the exhaust on the 4x4 makes bubbling sounds, then just let it float off. Simple, as long as your new tail lights are water proof...

Once everyone was aboard (5 initially), they paddled around one of the islands. The idea was to do both of the islands, but everyone tired before then, and headed back to the dock to pick up Brett and Andy. It was a hot sunny day (total fire ban), perfect for playing in the water - and that's exactly what happened. It was a free for all, with everyone pushing everyone else off the raft.

After the testing (read: throwing off the raft) was complete, the raft was put back on the trailer, and towed out of the water. The front nose cone leaked like a sieve. There was over 100L of water, that was still draining when they were eating lunch at Bayswater Macca's. Otherwise the testing was successful, with the raft not sinking (this time).

Our completed raft, all ready to go
Ben sitting at the back center, not paddling	Andy looking awfully sexy
I'm the king of the castle...	...and your all dirty rascals
This is going to hurt	Paddle on the other left side, Chris
Zoe and Andy about to get wet