Thanks Ron
When I stayed at HB Cal. last October the fires were really bad and I can recal some mention of the lake.
I did not get up north other than the beaches and just north of LA to the Getty Museum but it was really smoky and lots of ash about.
May get an opportunity next June to travel a bit further north.
The Blue Lake at Mt. Gambier is both the main water supply for the homes and the surrounding rural areas.
Secondly, and probaly the most important it is the largest tourist attraction in the State. Mt. Gambier is the largest town outside of Adelaide the capital of South Australia. We are midway between Melbourne, Victoria and Adealaide, South Australia and nearly on the coast.
Crayfish capital of Australia. Australia's premier wine region the Coonawarra also are big draw cards for the town.
Just some info for you. I will re check Shasta Lake.
Cheers
Bernie