The weather became progressively more inclement for good observation on the lake. Some nights were thick fog, or heavy rain.

However, Mick and I decided, on New Year's Eve, to go down and celebrate the arrival of the NEW YEAR of 1998 on the beach where we had had our very first sighting back on March 22nd 1997.NEW YEAR'S EVE, 1997.Mick and I went into Toronto to the Royal York Hotel for a New Year's Eve celebration.

Whilst in the luxurious Royal York Hotel, we called Co-Director of ORBWATCH, to wish him a Happy New Year. He had already celebrated his New Year as he lives in South Australia.

Mick and I decided to get back to our "viewing location" ready for Midnight, so that we could "see in" the NEW YEAR ! No-one else would likely be on the beach at this time of night, at a temperature of around MINUS 16 degrees Celsius.

We arrived at our usual location and things were very quiet.

At the stroke of Midnight, fireworks were let off at many places around the lake, and church bells could be heard, ringing in the New Year. Icy breath, and stamping of feet.

Suddenly, at about three minutes after midnight, a large golden "ORB" made an appearance at an elevation of approximately 10 degrees above the horizon.

It appeared stationary, moved slightly eastwards, stopped again, and then winked out. Just a BRIEF visit, but it was as if the ORB was bidding us a Happy New Year!