Nice PR for contesters

It was nice to read this on the ARRL Web site today.

Hurricane Watch Net Manager Mike Pilgrim, K5MP,
said he was pleased to report that participants in the IARU HF World Championship contest July 9 and 10 posed no problems for the HWN, although less-than-optimal band conditions and solar flares did complicate things.

"We received total and complete cooperation from the contesting community and were left with virtually a clear frequency on which to conduct our business," Pilgrim said. "Thanks to all those who demonstrated their respect for and belief in the ultimate value of Amateur Radio Service--our ability and dedication to render support and assistance during times of emergency."

Red Cross Duty

Spent Saturday night and Sunday morning, pulling a shift in the radio room at the Red Cross. Hadn't worked there in a few years, so it was nice to see some of the "old gang"! Wasn't much going on ... but was there just in case. While everyone else slept, I spent some time llistening to some music, watching a little TV, or keying in FQP logs into the computer! They closed the shelter at 7 AM Sunday morning, and I left about 7:45. After a little breakfast, I got in a few hours sleep.

As far as Dennis, he wasn't a big problem. Just the usual rains and sometimes gusty winds ... a more "typical" Hurricane experience for us.

Hurricane Dennis

Been keeping an eye on Hurricane Dennis the last few days. Currently riding out, what isn't much ... a few rain bands and winds that come with them. Other than that, not much else.

Do have one shelter open and staffed with radio operators and 12 "guests" (workers and evacuees), as well as Red Cross Headquarters. If the shelter remains open, I'm scheduled for a radio shift at the Red Cross tonight. If I do end up having to go over, will probably take a laptop and my stack of Florida QSO Party logs, and start keying those in.

Listened for about 30 seconds, to the IARU contest underway this weekend. Do miss not participating ... and had I know the minimal effects we'd have from Dennis, I probably would have gotten on this morning when it started. But at this point, it's too late in the game, and am not motivated enough to get on ... even for a short time.

Hurricane Dennis & IARU Contest

Been keeping an eye on Hurricane Dennis the last couple days ... since it's expected to be in the neighborhood over the weekend. Have a meeting at the EOC later this afternoon, to discuss ARES/RACES functions during activations. Since there have been a few personnel changes at Emergency Management, this might just be to bring the new folks up to speed on what we do for them.

Besides a passing visit from Dennis (we hope), this weekend is also the IARU Contest. Will probably get on some ... just not sure how seriously. I suppose if conditions are good, might play a bit more ... if they are bad and I get bored, may just get on from time to time.

Field Day 2005

Finally got around to getting all the paperwork together, and submitted everything to the ARRL today. Our combined Sarasota Ememrgency Radio Club and Florida Contest Group 2A effort, finshed with 1287 CW contacts and 1045 on phone. With 770 bonus points, we ended up with a score of 7,238.

Our group was a bit smaller than usual, so we had to scale our effort back a bit. Even so, things went well and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Even the weather cooperated ... no rain!

New Blog

Decided to start a new blog, to highlight some of my Amateur Radio activities ... and who knows ... maybe get a visitor or two interested! Plan to post stuff about some of the activities I'm involved with ... contesting, emergency communications ... and who knows what else! Stay tuned.