We operated as W3U 5A for field day at Welkinweir. The weekend was a scorcher, but we survived and there was great sense of camaraderie and helpfulness among our large group.
In the big pavilion were KE3KQ (Ben) and son KB3SJQ (Ben III) sharing station space and Glenn (WA3LAB) had his CW station. In the left field under summer camp tents were Tom (K3TWL) with a very busy phone setup utilized by several hams, and Robbie (KB3WFQ) with a station setup for CW/phone/satellite. Ron(WA8YIH) setup his station under a tarp near Welkinweir’s MOTUS antenna tower, and Ed (K3YTR) brought his camper and set up by the barn. Ed (N3WXW) ran the K3ZMC GOTA station from a pop up shade in the parking lot. We had a lot of antennas up! Thanks go to Ben KE3KQ for assisting setup with his arborist slingshot.
As with any field day, eating is super popular activity, even in a heatwave. Mel and Ben supplied a cooler full of drinks, a water cooler, and a sandwich tray for Saturday lunch. Joe AA3DF stopped by and brought an extra cooler of ice and cold water. Micky McCoy delivered ice cold watermelon and cantaloupe, plus grapes and bananas that were all a godsend in the heat. Joann Laudadio brought soft pretzels and a variety of snacks, fan favorites! Ron WA8YIH cooked burgers, hot dogs and chicken on Saturday night. He also he made a delicious breakfast of sausage, eggs, and home fries for us on Sun. morning. Everything was delicious! It was team effort, and we are grateful to everyone who kept us hydrated, well fed and entertained! Thanks for the memories!
Preliminary tally of contacts:
– WA3LAB 227 CW
– KB3SJQ 260 Phone, 50 CW
– K3TWL 183 SSB (multiple operators)
– KE3KQ 50 DIG
– WA8YIH 20 SSB
– KB3WFQ 9 SAT, 2 DIG, 10 CW, 7 SSB
– N3WXW GOTA 17
If you operated field day from home you can add your score to the club score when you fill out the ARRL FD entry form (by July 23) and choose Pottstown Area ARC as your club.
More to come including photos in the July newsletter.