Club members buzz about at Lake Wailes
July 30th A few members from the club swarmed around the single covered table on the West side of Lake Wailes to participate in the "Flight of the Bumble Bee's QRP CW contest sponsored by the Adventure Radio Society." Several hundred Bees signed up across the country to take to the air waves to contact as many other bees as possible in a four hour span, exchange pollen and Bee number. Jack K4BYF, our Bee leader was Bee number 62. Scores posted here.	Pictured left to right: Jack -K4BYF, John - KC4KLM, Bill KR4ZU, Don WN3USA.
(Right) Members Don WN3USA and Jack K4BYF prepare the 20 Meter dipole for the contest. Having trouble figuring out the the fancy sling shot-fishing pole gizmo, we resort to using sticks and wrenches tied to the end of the twine hoping for a good toss over a supporting branch for end of the 20M dipole.
Here's a picture of the sling shot-fishing pole gizmo. Not the reel, the very short fishing rod, and weight attached to end of fishing string. Ah maybe we'll figure it out by the next time we need it.
Jack K4BYF Says: "This contest is all CW. That is because the hardcore members of the Adventure Radio Society usually get out at least once a month, hiking climbing, etc. Most of their gear is very light and of course homebrew and usually in the milliwatt range." Jack- K4BYF used his his Elecraft K2 that he built himself, powered by batteries. Jack was the only operator this day. Being the band was very poor, he was only able to contact other Bees, noting that it seemed like a short path day on 20 Meters.
Jack also says: "This is an outdoor event where the participants are supposed to walk, bicycle, canoe, etc. to the operating site." Okay, LWRA member Don WN3USA cruised over to the operating site on his Harley. As with any of our laid back 'get together's', it's about more than just the contest. It's folks with similar interests getting together. Snacks and refreshments were on hand, and chatting went on about many topics such as fascinating aerospace history, 'bikes, future club activities, and Amateur Radio in general. ~Hope you can participate next time. There's no need to be inactive when you are amongst friends of a feather, or in this case a stinger!