[HCARC] Preliminary Thanks For Field Day

[Gary and Arlene Johnson]

A general thanks to all who showed up and worked at Field Day.  Although there was very light attendance, there was plenty of time to both teach and to learn.  From my standpoint, I had a chance to teach several non-hams, hopefully teaching them enough that they have an interest in taking Dale Gaudier's next Technician Class.  Interestingly almost all of the people we had visit Field Day were somehow involved with the Hill Country Preppers Group.  If they weren't Preppers, they were XYL's of current new club members who had a chance to both listen in on QSL's being made and then to make QSL's themselves.  This is one venue where future Hams are made.  It was fun seeing more than one wife of a member accompany her husband back to Field Day because THEY were interested in what was going on - watch out guys - women have an easier time making QSL's than men and they are sent nicer QSL Cards!!

On a personal note I had many teachers - Dale on how my beam antenna works and goes together, Harvey, Bill T, and Dale on hanging antennas, and most of all thanks to Frank who taught me how to use my own radio (FT-450AT).  My mentor from last Field Day (Jeff Lavender) and Gale Heise from sessions at the Club Station made it possible for me to be able to teach others.  All of you make Ham Radio more fun and definitely easier.

If you didn't attend Field Day you missed a great venue that was bug free except for one giant black fuzzy caterpillar that was crawling around, that had excellent facilities and a great unobstructed cool breeze.  Last thanks goes to the Guida's for providing yesterday's outstanding Cajun Chicken dinner.  John - my black lab says the chicken leg gristles were very  tasty - that's fried chicken to him.

Thank you all who participated - especially the newbies!!!  As for me 2 1/2 hrs sleep in the front of my truck in the last 36 hours means it's NAP TIME.  

73's

Gary J
N5BAA
HCARC Secretary 2013