The RARS Portable Operating Group met on May 28, 2022 at Blue Jay Point County Park in northern Wake county to activate the Mountains to Sea Trail (K-8313), as part of the Parks on the Air (POTA) program. Attendees included over a dozen hams, some experienced and some new, who came to enjoy the mild May weather and HF propagation.
Several hams generously brought their portable stations to share with participants. Icom was well-represented with an IC-718, IC-7300 and two 706’s present. Yaesu was also represented with the FT-857, FT-757, and FT-817 rigs. Vertical antennas were the most popular with a variety of Chameleon, Wolf River Coils, and TN07 antennas deployed. Deployment of an end fed half wave antenna was attempted, but ultimately unsuccessful when after several attempts with an arborist throw line, a zip tie failed resulting in a pile of wire on the ground.
The propagation was good and the camaraderie was better. It was nice to see faces that are commonly heard on the nightly 2 meter nets. In one case, a QSL card from a recent contest was hand-delivered. One new General licensee, Isaiah KQ4AAR, made his first HF contact, then followed it up with 20 more. His first HF experience resulted in a successful POTA activation. Congratulations Isaiah!
Thanks Tom N4TL for the snapping pictures before we dispersed.
The next portable operating event will be Field Day, June 25-26, at the Carroll farm. We hope to see you there!