2011 Field Day

No hiking this weekend.  Once again, it's Field Day, the weekend that we break out the big radios.  As in year's past, I've done the cooking for our amateur radio group and it's a big job since we usually have about 40 people show up.

 

So even though I didn't hike this weekend, there was a lot of running around, and otherwise being on my feet all weekend.

 

This year, I only camped out on Saturday night.  Friday night, after helping to set up all of the equipment and get dinner, I departed our Field Day site to attend the San Jose Giants game with Duane and our son, who was having a Cub Scout night at the Giants.  Loads of fun, I always enjoy going to the local game.  They are always so much more interesting than the major leagues, with lots for the kids to do and see in between innings.  When we walked into the stadium, we had a bit of a start since instead of their usual orange jerseys, the Giants were wearing pink jerseys.  Apparently it was breast cancer night (with fundraising as well).  A good time was had by all, but there was no joy in Mudville that night.  The Stockton Ports won.

 

Saturday was spent cooking, attending a class on packet radio, and after dinner was over, getting a chance to work the HF phone station.  So much fun, but a lot of work and very tired!

Boy Scouts and Field Day

Today I finally had a chance to slow down a little and catch up with myself. I always enjoy these days because it means I get some housework done, the paperwork piles are reduced, and I get ready for whatever happens to be coming next.

I didn't get any training in today, because I had promised to give a presentation to the local Boy Scout council about the American Radio Relay League's 2009 Field Day exercise. That took up all of my time after dinner. The meeting went well. I made my presentation, explaining that Field Day is a combined emergency preparedness exercise and contest. Contestants have a few hours to set up their equipment followed by 24 hours to make as many contacts as they can. It is the biggest amateur radio event of the year in North America. This is usually a good time for hams to show their stuff to the public, who are allowed to operate under an amateur radio operator's supervision.

Tomorrow is a rest day, so I suppose I will get a double rest before taking on Mission Peak for a second time.