A Month Of Sundaes And Weird Frustrations

August 30, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kidlets. Another week gone. I had a bit of a frustrating time this afternoon. I was in the middle of logging a contact and my ketboard stopped working. I changed the batteries and nothing. I removed the device and nothing. I ended up re-adding the keyboard and re-booting and, voila, it works! Gotta love it. Now combine that with trying to navigate government websites looking for information, I was really feeling disgruntled. Now I got the stuff straightened out and got the answers I need so I have been regruntled. 🙂

It has been a nice time since my last update. This weekend was pretty mellow. We did some shopping, we got stuff for my mother-in-law and we did a bit of work around the house. Also, I played radio.

Yesterday we took a drive up to the Hemlock Road Overlook in Western Perry County in Tuscarora State Forest US-5479. It is a nice spot to sit and watch the valley and has a good elevation for working radio. The 40 Meter band was not in good shape, though. Lately the bands have been up and down and this weekend was pretty dismal, but I was able to work 11 stations, including 3 park-to-parks. A few cars rolled past us and we had a courteous motorcyclist drive up. He parked next to us, took some pictures and, seeing what we were doing, he pushed his bike away from us before starting it. Kudos for him. 🙂

Now a few words about band conditions. We have past the peak of the 11-year cycle and for the next few years, conditions will be less good than they have been. The higher frequency bands will seem to diminish, and more and more activity will shift to 14 MHz and below. I would suggest making sure you have capabilities on the 40- and 80-Meter bands as they will really start to shine, especially at night. If you do CW or digital modes, 30-meters might be an option as the antennae are shorter than for lower bands (14.1 meters for 10MHz ad opposed to 19.8 meters for 7.18 MHz or 38.3 meters for 3.725 MHz). The other bands will not go away but there will be fewer openings. One band that might surprise you, though, is 6 Meters. It can open at seemingly random times and stay open for various intervals. I have known people in the past who keep a radio tuned to the 6-meter band on frequencies where beacons are, listening for openings. Some of them have, with patience, achieved the “worked all states” award on 6 from the ARRL, which is a real accomplishment.

Well that is all for now, I guess. Namaste kids and keep your stick on the ice.

A couple of ruminants having a snack at an undisclosed location.

And The Days Toodle On

August 25, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Hi kidlets. It has been a very nice break for the last week, but now I am facing a return to work tomorrow. We spent the day doing chores like beating Satan’s Putting Green into submission with a mower, a weed wacker and some agent orange for the remaining bamboo. Unless you are prepared for a very intrusive plant which is difficult to get rid of, never plant bamboo.

SWMBO and I had a nice day yesterday. We went to Susquehanna State Park US-1601 in Maryland. It was raining when we got there but it soon stopped. It is a nice quiet park and we worked 26 contacts in less than a half hour. When we first pulled in, we had a little cute thing approach the car before trolloping back into the woods. You can find a link to the video of the approach below. On the way back we took the secondary roads and had a very scenic drive before stopping for lunch in Carlisle PA.

One item I carry in my POTA box is an RF Exposure worksheet which details the exposure limits for the frequencies I use. If anyone were to ask, it is available as required by the FCC since 3 May 2021. If any are interested, here is a link to the calculator: https://www.arrl.org/rf-exposure-calculator It is easy to use and understand and I have over-estimated my output and antenna gain to fall well within the limits for safety.

I also have on hand documents which I have printed from the internet detailing what POTA is, what ham radio is and why I am sitting there in a State Park talking on a radio. So far, I have had a few people interested who came over and asked questions. I have done my best to answer them and make a good impression.

Wello, for now I am going to say adieu. Namaste and keep your stick on the ice.

looking downriver from the boat ramp at Susquehanna SP

Hubert the gnome and Ollie the owl look on as I play radio

Our brief encounter

Folly Of Follies, All Is Folly

August 21, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Greetings kids. At this point in classic prose would be an invocation to the muses. Oh, great and frivolous muses I beseech you (and I seldom beseech) to guide my fingers on the keys to reveal only the truth and calamity of arrogance in blindly accepting the veracity of a GPS.

Wednesday, SWMBO and I set out for Hacker Valley, West Virginia where we had reserved a campsite at Holly River State Park (US-1814). The day was cloudy, hot and humid. The drive took us a bit longer than intended. One of our GPS units directed us to take this road. When I turned onto it, we discovered that it was unpaved. There were lots of tire tracks, electric poles along it and houses so I figured it would be ok. We drove for about 6 miles on this road as it narrowed and got more rutted and washboardy. Finally, we emerged to another road which was paved (WOOHOO!!). Still accepting guidance from the GPS in question, we followed it for about 2 miles until it also became unpaved. We continued on for about 5 miles up over a ridge and back down to the other side, dodging potholes the size of Rhode Island. Eventually we emerged back onto a primary road … the one we had originally been on before turning. This lead us to the State Park where we found our campsite and got settled in.

I like comfort. The older I get, the more comfort I prefer. We bought some small mattresses (actual bed mattresses) as nothing I have found has been totally comfortable when sleeping on the ground. They fit perfect in the back of the car and everything packs on top of them nicely. Let me tell you, they did the trick. Had a good night’s sleep. But I am diverging from the path my muse is directing me to take.

After getting all ready, I set up my radio and started calling CQ POTA. We were down in a hollow in the West Virginia mountains and, though my signal was getting out, reception was bad … very bad. I was finally able to log 15 in the log and called it a night as trying to pull out these signals from the background was very exhausting.

Thursday the 20th, we went to Cass WV and prepared to take a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad to the top of Bald Knob. This was a 5 hour ride which we both enjoyed immensely. There is nothing like being pushed and pulled by a steam locomotive., Mostly it was pushing the cars but for a section between 2 switchbacks it pulled us. The scenery along the way was beautiful and culminated in a vista from the top of Bald Knob, the second highest point in WV.

It rained all day, off and on, and on the drive back to the campsite we decided to head home if it was still raining. I like camping but am not fond of sitting in a tent during a downpour. SWMBO agreed. We packed up and got on the road around 1930 EDT (2330 UTC) and drove until 0100 EDT (0500 UTC) when we reached home. The roads were teeming with trucks and, after 2200 EDT, very few cars. We made it safely thanks to good music and lots of coffee. There is a lot to be said about the virtues of caffeine!

Anyway, I am relaxing tonight. Sometime over the course of the next few days you can expect at least 1 more activation and maybe some more adventure. For now, keep your powder dry and keep your stick on the ice. Namaste, kidlets.

Underground Sans Velvet And No Bowie

August 11, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Greetings kids. Here we go with another entry.

Today we decided to go to Crystal Grottoes Caverns in Boonsboro, MD. The last few years we (SWMBO and I) have driven past this place, promising ourselves to stop someday. Today was someday! We are both glad that we stopped there. The tours leave every half-hour from the entrance starting at 10:30. The 40-minute walk through the caverns is interesting and the guide (we had Camille) was very entertaining and knowledgeable and made the whole experience great. The caverns are filled with rock and mineral formations with a plethora of small stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the walls are covered in sparking crystal formations and around every corner is something new to see and learn about. I highly recommend this place if you are in Western MD near Antietam.

To round out the day, I did an activation. SWMBO wasn’t up to it so I was alone. I went to Big Spring State Park US-4355, one of my favorite nearby parks. I was there for about 50 minutes and worked 19 stations. The bands were not great but they were passable. I stayed mostly of 40 M but did work a couple on 17M. In between calls I sat there enjoying a nice quiet park. I was entertained by the sounds of Gray Catbirds, Eastern Wood Peewees and Red-eyed Vireos, which is always pleasant.

The weather was a bit difficult. The temperature was about 27C (82 F) but the humidity was about 80%. The sky was overcast and you could tell that there was a strong possibility of thunderstorms. You could hear a lot of static crashes on the radio which are in indication of lightning. You can hear lightning crashes for several hundred miles on SSB and AM. They are not deafening but they make themselves known.

Well, it is time to relax and enjoy a peaceful evening off. You kidlets be well and keep your sticks on the ice. Namaste y’all.

Our tour guide at Crystal Grottoes Caverns, Camille

Sporks Foons And Other Tripe

August 6, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

This is a scary thought: I caught a glimpse of my reflection in a window and realized that if I wore a pointed hat I would look like a gnome!

I guess I should start with National Night Out. This year it was help on 4 August. We (The Perry County Amateur Radio Club) set up a booth at the Landisburg Fire Department. This being a community event, they had a good turn out. Right from the start there were people wandering the grounds and participating in the activities. We had radios set up for demonstrations and literature to hand out. The idea was to provide to the community information on ham radio and how it benefits the local area.

Yesterday was uneventful. It was rather dismal. We did our shopping. Nothing much to talk about unless you want our grocery list.

This morning we left home at 6AM and arrived at Gathland State Park (US-1574 and US-4556 The Appalachian Trail) and got on the air by 0817. Within a half hour we worked 35 stations before it got too hot to sit there. We had one net (MidCars) ask us to move, which I gladly did as they were polite and ,considerate. The spot we moved to was the location of another net but they did not start until we were done. A park ranger drove past, checking us out but did not stop. As I was starting to pack up, a man in his early 20s came over and he expressed interest in what we were doing. He was doing a hike on the Appalachian Trail and was carrying a GMRS. He was interested in ham radio and is studying for his license. I gave him a description of POTA and how it is a good way for fat old hams to keep active.

Over the course of the day we heard the following birds: American Robins, Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Mourning Doves, Chipping Sparrows, Northern Mockingbirds, Tree Swallows, Eastern Wood Peewees, Red-eyed Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, Yellow-throated Vireos, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

After this we went down to the cemetery in Burkittsville and did some photography.

I can’t stress enough the importance of making a good impression on others. When I interact with people I try to leave them with a positive attitude toward radio.

I asked CHATGPT to come up with 10 ways to promote POTA and ham radio and here is the list: Parks on the Air (POTA) is one of the best gateways into amateur radio because it combines technology, the outdoors, and friendly competition. Here are ten practical ways to promote both ham radio and POTA in your community.

Host a “Try Ham Radio” POTA Activation
- Invite the public to a local park.
- Let visitors listen to contacts and, under FCC rules, make supervised contacts using your station.
- Bring brochures explaining how to get licensed.
Create Short YouTube Videos
- Produce 30-60 second videos showing:
  - Setting up an antenna in a park
  - Making your first contact
  - Portable radios
  - Wildlife and scenery
  - “A Day in the Life of a POTA Activator”
- Keep videos entertaining rather than overly technical.
Offer “POTA Discovery Days”
- Your club can organize monthly outings where newcomers only need to bring a lawn chair.
- Experienced operators provide radios, antennas, and coaching.
Partner with State Parks
- Ask park managers if you can demonstrate amateur radio during park events.
- Emphasize emergency communications, outdoor recreation, and STEM education.
Create an Information Packet
Include:
- What is Amateur Radio?
- What is POTA?
- How to Get Licensed
- Local club information
- Upcoming activations
- QR codes linking to your club website and the POTA website.
Speak to Community Groups
Offer presentations to:
- Libraries
- Scouts
- Hiking clubs
- Historical societies
- Senior centers
- Schools
- Emergency preparedness organizations
Share Interesting POTA Stories
People love stories more than technical specifications. Examples include:
- “We talked to Alaska from a Pennsylvania park.”
- “This tiny radio reached Australia.”
- “We operated entirely from solar power.”
- “A family joined us and made their first radio contact.”
Promote Through Social Media
Post:
- Photos from activations
- Contact totals
- Beautiful park scenery
- Antenna setups
- Wildlife encounters
- Time-lapse videos of station setup
- “Today’s Park” features
Offer Portable Operating Workshops
Teach beginners:
- Portable antennas
- Battery power
- Logging software
- Safety
- Lightweight equipment
- Park etiquette
- Leave No Trace principles
Host a Friendly POTA Challenge
Organize a club event such as:

Activate five parks in one month.
Work all state parks in your state.
Make 100 park contacts.
Operate from every county park in your county.
Award inexpensive certificates or small prizes to participants.

Bonus Idea: “Ham Radio Meets Hiking”

Many people aren’t interested in radio alone—but they are interested in outdoor adventures. Promote POTA as:

Hiking with a purpose
Camping with communication
Technology without the Internet
Emergency preparedness
Family-friendly outdoor fun
Photography and radio combined

Instead of saying “Come learn about ham radio,” try saying:

“Join us in a local park and see how we can talk across the country—and around the world—with nothing more than a battery, a wire antenna, and a radio.”

That kind of demonstration sparks curiosity and often leaves a stronger impression than simply describing the hobby. For clubs like the Perry County Amateur Radio Club, regular POTA outings combined with YouTube Shorts and local newspaper coverage can be an especially effective way to attract new operators and show that amateur radio is an active, modern outdoor hobby rather than just something done from a home shack.

I believe that is a good list with some ideas to think about. Well, time to go for now. Namaste, kids, and keep your stick on the ice.

The gateway to the old cemetery at Gathland

A visible bee hive at the National Night Out

Where In The World Is Abraham Lincoln?

August 1, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

The beginning of a new month always brings a feeling of promise before the realities of the mundane slap you upside the head. Wow, sounds a bit cynical, doesn’t it? It is actually a nice day, today, 1 August 26. The skies are clouded over with rain being anticipated but the temperature is 31C and rising (87.7 F). We can always use the rain.

Yesterday, SWMBO expressed the desire to take a drive down to Gettysburg as she wanted to do some photography for her webpage. We decided to go down early this morning before the town was crowded and bustling. There are 5 statues of Lincoln in Gettysburg along with a bust in the cemetery. Basically, we went Lincoln hunting.

We got to Gettysburg and stopped at Gettysburg College in front of Stevens Hall for the first statue. It depicts Lincoln seated and writing the Emancipation Proclamation. It is easy to find as it is right on RTE 34 as you come into town from the North. The next one on our itinerary is located on Lincoln Square in the center of town on the West side of the roundabout. Lincoln is standing with a citizen and holding his hat aloft as if to say “Behold! A Bright Future”. From there we continued South a few blocks to the Library where Lincoln is standing holding The Gettysburg Address in his left hand as his right hand is raised to the sky as if he is giving a speech. From there we drove out Baltimore Pike to the Visitor’s Center. The parking lots were empty, so we didn’t have to walk far. Here Lincoln is seated on a bench gazing to the future. Lastly, we went to the Pennsylvania Memorial to the Northwest of Little Roundtop. Lincoln is there to the right of the monument, standing with his hand raised in a pose of benediction.

Since it was still early and there were no crowds around, we decided to do an activation. We went to my favorite activation spot: Culp’s Hill. We started at 11:41 UTC (7:41 EDT) and by 12:12 UTC (8:12 EDT) we had worked 39 stations. The calls were coming at a good rate and then tapered off. We had the hill pretty much to ourselves with the exception of a drone flying overhead. As we were packing up, a car stopped and asked my if the antenna I was holding was a fishing pole and where there would be any fishing around the area. I informed him that it was a radio antenna. He laughed and said he had fishing on his mind.

We heard the following birds in Gettysburg: House Sparrows, Chimney Swifts, Northern Cardinals, House Finches, European Starlings, Tufted Titmouses, American Robins, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, Gray Catbirds, Northern Mockingbirds and American Goldfinches. A nice assortment for a Summer morning.

Well, that is my update for today. I hope all are well and as always, namaste and keep your stick on the ice.

Abe and I hanging around the visitor center

A few QSOs from Culp’s Hill

Discretely Valorous

July 28, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Sometimes it is too easy or comfortable to focus on success or on positive outcomes. Today I am taking a different path.

SWMBO and I set out to have a picnic style lunch and to activate the Vista at Three Square Hollow. We proceeded to Jaymee Lee’s Quick Stop in Newville, PA. This little store with rustic charm makes the BEST chicken tenders. I can’t say enough good about their chicken, especially the tenders. Hot and fresh and moist with the perfect coating. They are fresh because they are constantly having to make more as they sell out fast. Anyway, we got a couple tenders and some coleslaw and took a drive up to the Vista. As we ate, I watched with trepidation as the clouds lowered and the temperature also dropped. We finished eating and before I could set up my radio and antenna, the thunderstorm hit. Sitting on top of a ridge in a lightning event while using a transmitter is not the best of ideas. We un-assed the area.

As we drove down the gravel mountain road, the rain got more and more intense. We could hear the thunder from within the car. We made it back home, but I had to venture back out into the storm as we had forgotten an important item from our grocery list: toilet paper! After I got back from the store I stood on the porch and recorded the video I am linking to below.

I cannot stress enough the importance of safety in the ham radio hobby, especially in a lightning storm. Aside from the loud static crashes, there is always the possibility of a nearby strike. It is a good idea to disconnect your antennae from your home station and to have surge protection. Lightning can take some surprising paths in its search for ground. Always make sure the grounding on your tower is good (if you have one) and make sure your station is bonded to a single ground point suck as a cold-water pipe or a long ground rod (at least 2 meters pounded into the ground).

Ok, there will be other opportunities for a safe activation, and I foresee at least one coming up in the not-too-distant-future. In my usual fashion, Namaste kids and keep your stick on the ice!

The image features a photo-realistic 2021 Subaru Outback with a ham radio installation as lightning dramatically strikes the vehicle during a powerful storm. Amazing what you can do with AI. 🙂

A still shot of the run-off flowing past.

Calamitous Virtue In The Face Of Vapid Indifference

July 23, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kids! It has been a few since I have inflicted my blog on you. Things got very busy. Due to a fellow employee taking off for a few days, I had to work 6 consecutive nights. Let me tell you, the older I get the less fun these long stretches are.

As usual, plans can change. SWMBO and I had planned on going camping in Maryland and playing tourist and activating a park or two, but that got washed away by some weather. Sitting in a tent trying to play radio during a thunderstorm or slogging through cemeteries in pouring rain were not activities that appealed to us. We could have gone down yesterday evening, but then what fun would it have been to set up, spend the night, and then come back? We will try the camping thing again in a few weeks.

We spent yesterday doing necessary chores to include the first stage of eradication of some unwanted flora. I know I have mentioned before wanting to get rid of the bamboo I planted so now we are in the process of destroying it. I got some super-duper exfoliant which is supposed to be true death to all living plants, so we are giving it a try. We also did some of the other basic stuff that needed to be done.

This morning it was a bit chillier than it has been for a while. When we left to go do an activation it was 12.7 C (55 F) and it had warmed up to 15 C (59 F) by the time we got to the ATV lot in Michaux State Forest. The sun was shining bright and the temperature was on the rise. There were a few people camping there and others offloading their ATVs for some trail riding. We set up and between 11:43 UTC (07:30 EDT) and 12:33 UTC (08:33 EDT) we worked 29 different stations stretching from Maine to Mississippi. We did get chased off of a frequency by the sad hams who occupy an infamous frequency on 40M, (I was down 2 from said frequency but they came on and started splattering over my signal) but that was not a big issue. We just hunted other parks for a bit and then found an empty spot on the band. After a very successful activation we went to the Dickenson Restaurant in Carlisle for a great breakfast. Now I am contemplating taking out the trash as I drink my coffee.

Our newest cat, Muffin. is growing and full of mischief. Our next oldest, Scout, has taken her under his wing and they have bonded. If she isn’t in the room, he will go look for her and is very protective. Last night I was tickling her as she sat next to my chair, and Scout was giving me dirty looks. Muffin likes to climb up my legs which I have the scars to prove, and to jump into the refrigerator every chance she gets.

Now this is where I assert myself as a non-expert with ship-loads of experience. I am going to mention some stuff I take in my car that is not related to activating or to radio in general. I always have at least one first aid kit. The reasons are self-explanatory; I believe everyone should carry one. Next, I have a small fire extinguisher. I also carry window cleaner and cloths to clean dirty windshields and side windows. You never know how dirty your windows are until you see them through strong sunlight. I have a small survival kit that I received for Christmas (from SWMBO) that contains all sorts of items that would help to survive in a wilderness area such as fire making tools, a knife, fishing gear, a flashlight, a compass, some parachute cord and other items. I have a flashlight in my kit box along with duct tape.I have some orange cones in case of a breakdown. I also keep a pair of binoculars in case I want to binocle. It sounds like a lot but all this doesn’t take much room.

One more thing to mention, when driving in PA it behooves you to keep your eyes peeled for those pesky 4-footed ruminants (mentioning them by name summons them) that run out in front of your car and cause damage upon impact. This morning on the way to the restaurant a 6 pointer ran out right in front of us which made me test my anti-lock brakes and verified that I have a functional heart.

Ok, kidlets, I have rambled on too long, I think. Namaste and keep your stick on the ice!

Ollie and Hubert the Gnome are helping me operate

For no reason, a Rose-Of-Sharon growing next to the restaurant.

Successful Recon And Some Antenna Thoughts

July 9, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Today, 9 July 26, SWMBO and I went on a recon to a new park. We are looking at doing a camping trip later this month and wanted to check out Rocky Gap State Park US-1593 in Maryland. This is a nice park which adjoins a resort and casino. As you drive into the park you pass a very large golf course. The park is easy to find and to access.

We pulled into the parking lot for the park office and it was pretty much deserted. As I was setting up a couple of rangers passed us by in pickups but didn’t stop. I guess they had seen activators before. It only took about 7 minutes to get on the air and I received responses to my CQ calls immediately. It didn’t take long to work 17 stations on 40 Meters and then I closed down as we were only here for a recon and I had found the info I wanted.

Next we drove up to the campground area but could not get in as it was gated. No problem as the maps on the reservation page are detailed and include pictures of the campsites. Tomorrow I will go onto the site and reserve a spot. I am looking forward to it.

Now some antenna thoughts. I could pull into a park and set up a wire antenna (G5RV JR) and I have done that, but my philosophy has changed. I could also set up a tri-pod mounted vertical such as my “Buddi Stick ” which I have done in the past also but I choose not to. I do carry those antennae with me but I keep them as a back up. My “Ham Stick” antennae work fine and allow me to complete activations on a minimal level, not disturbing anything and leaving behind no trace of being there. One of the things that brought me around to this way of thinking is that I am not in a contest; I am not competing with anyone. I am satisfied with a successful activation rather than trying to make or break a record. I do this to relax and to get enjoyment out of the outdoors. Bigger or “better” antennae would probably net me more contacts, but what I have is satisfactory to me. If I want contacts out to about 600 Kilometers or so, I choose 40 Meters. If I want to work European stations I choose 17 meters or 12 meters. I have antennae for all bands from 80 meters to 6 meters but have had the best of luck on 40 or the WARC bands.

You may have noticed that I didn’t mention 20 Meters. I do work it occasionally but due to the crowding on that band, I do not get on often. There are a lot of nets and a lot of other usage on 20 and it is easy to step on someone’s toes (or have your toes trod on). I guess it is an age thing, but I prefer not to make waves.

Anyway, I have prattled on for too long. Namaste, kids and keep your stick on the ice.

Rocky Gap State Park ranger station

Vacation And Other Nonsence

June 30, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kids. This entry will be written over several days.

Today is 21 June 2026, the first day of summer (don’t argue) and the longest day of the year. SWMBO and I are up in NH for a week of relaxation and blatant tourist activity. We drove up on the 18th (Thursday) and the trip was uneventful, thankfully. The weather was cloudy and I believe we outran the rain. We took a drive up to Errol NH and then came back through Grafton Notch ME, down to Fryeburg ME, through North Conway NH and back up Crawford Notch NH. We also took a drive up Jefferson Notch Road to the highest elevation of a highway in NH. We did stop in Errol at Cote’s store and had our annual slice of pizza.

On the 19th and 20th, Friday and Saturday, we did some driving around and visited some thrift shops. It was raining off and on but not too badly, just enough to stop any yard sales. On Saturday a bear crossed the road in front of us but was too fast to get a picture of.

I did manage to do an activation yesterday: US-2653 Franconia State Park. It took me some driving around to find a good spot to work from but I managed 11 contacts in about an hour. One of my contacts was the president to the Perry County Amateur Radio Club, KB3PSN.

So far, for birds, I have heard Chipping Sparrows, Song Sparrows, American Crows, Black-capped Chickadees, Indigo Buntings, Chestnut-sided Warblers and Red-eyed Vireos. When I hear more I will post them.

Monday the 22nd, we started the day off right by seeing a moose right off the bat. We watched him for a few minutes and then SWMBO reminded me not to hog the moose as other cars were stopping. I pulled away and let others have their turn at ogling nature. We then went to an aquarium where we fed stingrays and tortoises, had our hands nibbled on by some small fishes and walked around gawking at various aquatic critters. After this, we drove into Vermont to the city of Montpelier and visited a couple cemeteries. Green Mount cemetery was really worth going to. We had been here before but wanted some pics of a couple monuments such as the one dedicated to Little Margret. Her memorial statue is something special to see. Her tragic story can be found at: Margaret Caroline “Little Margaret” Pitkin (1892-1899) – Find a Grave Memorial

Tuesday the 23rd, we set out early and went to Portland Maine to visit Portland Head Light. The rain kept the crowds away, as we had hoped. When we got back we activated White Mountain National Forest US-4512. In 12 minutes we worked 10 stations and then went for a ride to Zealand Road.

Wednesday the 24th was almost a bittersweet day. We knew we were leaving for home on Thursday and we were sorta wrapping things up. First we took a drive into VT and went to Lyndon State Forest US-5556. Over the course of half an hour we were able to work 22 stations (4 of them park-to-parks) and we even worked our club president, KB3PSN who was back home in PA. We heard Red-eyed Vireos, Black-throated Green Warblers, Ovenbirds, Alder Flycatchers, Black-capped Chickadees, Common Yellowthroats, Black-and-white Warblers, White-throated Sparrows, Chestnut-sided Warblers, American Crows, Blackburnian Warblers, Hermit Thrushes, Veerys, Northern Yellow Warblers, and Common Ravens. We were well serenaded!

Thursday we drove from 3am until around 2pm. We had a couple of traffic slowdowns and then had to deal with our bank as I found some bad charges to SWMBO’s card. We got that straightened out quickly.

We are back, now, trying to relax and getting ready for Field Day, which is tomorrow.

28 June 26 I admit I have been resting up from vacation. lol. Yesterday I went to the PCARC Field Day site and helped set up and then made a few contacts. I also spoke with a ham who wants to join the club and learn as much about radio as he can. Enthusiasm is nice. It is hard to believe that I have to return to work tomorrow. Time has flown past and I was glad to get home and sad to leave New Hampshire at the same time. Well there is always next year. Now we are looking forward to doing a camping trip or 2 and exploring some new areas.

I guess it is time to close out this entry. I hope everyone is having an enjoyable day. Namaste and keep your stick on the ice.