On the weekend of May 3rd– May 5th SWIARC and Heartland Hams headed to the woods to camp and play radio. It was an awesome spring weekend for the 20 attendees who gathered at Arrowhead Park. Many arrived on Friday securing the camping spots and picnic shelter. Mike KC0FAN and Ronnie WD0GCN anchored the RV campground, Don W0AF and Joel K0OQL anchored by the lake while Craig W0NEU and Keith KE0AEP set stakes near the cabins. Antennas and portable operations were set up in all three areas and those attended roamed from spot-to-spot to try out various rigs. Antenna’s included Alpha Verticals, 20M, 40M, and 80M Buddipoles and a 120-foot multi-band end fed shot over the trees. While this was a relaxed outing with more conversation than QSO’s, over 160 contacts were still made, many by our newer operators who were getting their first taste of DX. Ryan KD0FJQ was a machine logging over 50 contacts in about 90 minutes while others made contact with deserts and the coffee pot. Contacts were made with Costa Rica and Argentina as well as across the US. The highlight of Saturday afternoon was Dutch Oven Cherry and Apple Cobblers topped with ice cream captured on a run to the local grocery store (Thanks to Greg N0GR and Don W0AF). This weekend was a great practice run for field day. Another Park outing will be scheduled for July so stay tuned for details.
