[CVRC] NNARS FD 2003 - CA here we come?

[Matthew Parker]

Greetings to all -

At the NNARS third quarter business meeting, I threw out some ideas of what 
I personally might do for Field Day 2003. One of those ideas was that I 
might get together with some friends, take some radios, and go play at the 
railroad museum in Portola, California.

Following the meeting, several members in attendance approached me saying 
they thought the museum idea sounded fun and expressing interest in 
participating should this plan come to fruition. Well, based on the 
interest expressed, I decided to see if operating from the museum would be 
a possibility. Although I was unable to attend last Saturday's Board 
meeting of the Feather River Rail Society due to my participation in the 
assault on Ophir Hill, I did request an agenda item and submit a written 
proposal for operation of a Field Day station at the museum. I have since 
been advised that the FRRS Board approved occupation of the museum property 
for the purpose of operating an amateur radio Field Day station on June 
28-29, 2003.

Although I am not committed to this plan as of yet, the door is now wide 
open to go forward with this idea. It is not my intention to make this a 
NNARS event. I feel that a Nevada EMCOMM group would be out of place 
operating across the state line and, besides, as I expressed at the 
meeting, FD 2003 is going to be my year for doing something that does not 
involve planning an event for others. Although I would like to see NNARS do 
something for FD 2003, even if it is just to assemble a small crew to 
operate station W7ANG at the Air Guard (Rob has already mentioned hosting 
us again next year), it will be up to someone else to plan it if a NNARS 
Field Day is to happen in the coming year - last year burned me out and it 
is time for me to take a break.

If I go forward with the museum operation, it is my intent for this to be 
an open event for all with a mutual love for radio and trains, without 
regard to membership in any particular club or organization. The museum 
site will provide a unique, relaxing, picturesque setting for a fun 
weekend. Passenger trains will be running on the museum's tracks during the 
weekend (all-day ride passes are $5), providing some interesting background 
QRM. This would also be an opportunity for those interested to find out how 
(easily) they can join the FRRS and become a part of operating the museum, 
from building and grounds maintenance all the way up to earning their 
"stripes" as a locomotive engineer.

If this sounds interesting to you and you think you would like to 
participate in Field Day from an operating railroad museum, please let me 
know. Again, I have not yet committed to this but I am leaning heavily 
toward it as I think about what a fun and unique adventure this would be. 
No planning will be involved in this - it is fun time, which means show up, 
bring your own provisions, and "run what you brung."

73,
Matt, N7TOD
Matthew B. Parker, N7TOD
Chairman, Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services
http://www.qsl.net/nnars
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County