Summer Fest/Field Day Reports and Pictures

[DaveK]

Use this thread for posting pictures and reports of the event.

[SWbySWesty]

Unfortunately, I was lazy and didn't take any pictures (even when wheeling) except at the Discovery Center of a baby desert tortoise in a display... It was nice to meet everyone who came, shared food, stories, and a campfire. I'm disappointed that I had leftover chicken tinga...until I had it for dinner last night and for lunch today! (it gets spicier overnight!)

[DaveK]

Summer Fest/Field Day 2012 produced a great turn out and a record performance for our Field Day effort.

Field Day

This was our third year entering the ARRL Field Day contest, and by far, the most successful. Initially, we need to give credit to our location. There can be no doubt that transmitting and receiving from a 6800 ft. elevation had its advantages. We selected the mountains near Big Bear, CA for the weekend, and it didn’t disappoint.

Much credit also goes to the new antenna masts that we discovered last year at the Ham Con in Torrance, CA. The new masts (4 of ‘em) are military items and are light weight, sturdy, easy and quick to set up and relatively inexpensive. A combination we appreciated, given the short time we had to set up on Saturday morning. Just to give an idea, the actual mast setup takes about 3 minutes. Support wires and antenna installation do take a little longer, but this was a welcome addition to our FD gear that will see many more years of competition.

Lastly, a lot of credit goes to our radio operators - Hector, Larry, Jon, and Steven. Thanks to their efforts, we nearly tripled our performance over last year. For the most part the bands were HOT - 80 (at night) 40, 20, and 15 (during the day).

We held a memorial service for the 10M band as it was d-e-a-d - a virtual wasteland! Yours truly had the distinction of making this discovery.

The final result was a very impressive performance by the FD team. setting a new record for OAUSA.

Summer Fest

Big Bear was our campsite this year and for the most part, it turned out very well. We made an important discovery on the third day, however. It seems that no one could agree on the number of vehicles that we were allowed to have on site at one time. While we had no real problems, it appeared that the Forest Service internet site specified one number, the rangers had another and the camp host had yet another. The only thing missing from this comedy was a couple of nyuck, nyuck, nyucks from Curly.

Despite this confusion, the location was a perfect setting for a three day camping weekend.

White Mountain Trail Run

Tom led the run, and from all accounts, everyone had a great time. Fortunately, the only trail carnage was a broken shock mount. From the stories around the campfire, the biggest obstacles during the run were the motorcyclists who seemed to be everywhere. Without giving away the details, there was an occasion or two where they needed their recovery straps. We need some pictures and the truth!

Our armed guards

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Early Morning at Camp

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Camp

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Field Day

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Antenna Farm

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[DaveK]

Almost neglected to thank Cris for making the Summer Fest/Field Day stickers. Get 'em while supplies last.

Thanks Cris!

[Crismateski]

Almost neglected to thank Cris for making the Summer Fest/Field Day stickers. Get 'em while supplies last.

Thanks Cris!

I still have some stickers, if anyone needs any, let me know

[BorregoWrangler]

Looks like good times up there. Sorry I wasn't able to make it. Thanks for the report and pictures!

[lehn20]

I have some video of me using my recovery strap to tow a LC up Suicide Hill I think it was. I can email it to someone, so it can be posted:)

[DaveK]

I have some video of me using my recovery strap to tow a LC up Suicide Hill I think it was. I can email it to someone, so it can be posted:)

We'll take it. You can send it to me at k6dtk@oausa.com. Thanks.

[BigDave]

I have some video of me using my recovery strap to tow a LC up Suicide Hill I think it was. I can email it to someone, so it can be posted:)

Send it to me too, I think I was that certain LC.
Ki6lyz@yahoo.com

[lehn20]

Videos sent.

Dave, I used .net of OAUSA. Your email said .com but got kicked back