Field Day 2007

Field Day is on my mind today.

There is no more engaging activity for the ham. If you are really into radio, and like the athletic aspects of the hobby, Field Day is for you.

Now how does "athletic" fit into ham radio? Sitting in front of a radio late at night intently listening to small signals coming from the ether is more accurately described as sedentary, not athletic. Field Day is different.

Try going 30 hours without significant sleep, climbing- pulling- pushing- trodding involved in erecting temporary antennas, surviving the elements, slapping bugs, troubleshooting, and 24 hours of operating. Then tearing it all down in a whirlwind leaving the area just as you found it, only your footprints as evidence you were ever there.

Everyone has a different perspective on what FD (Field Day) is, for me its the shared experience with like minded hams. Fellowship, shared adversity, teamwork, and most of all intense radio activity is what gives me the biggest charge. Some people say I try too hard and need to throttle back. Maybe so, maybe not. Hopefully there will be a place for me this year!

See you in the pile ups!