06/30/2005 | W5PC ARC of Parker County operated 2A NTX again this year from Cartright Park. It's the second time we've used the park. What a nice location - up on a hill above a lake. We had a great turn out including a few local dignitaries, the media, a couple of young prospective hams, a local patrolman who stopped by to check on us, and a raccoon who was interested solely in our chocolate cookies. Everyone had a grand time and we ate almost as much as we QSOd.

Field day in north Texas in July is an experience not for the faint of heart. But when the bands open up one tends to forget it's 100 plus in the tent. OK, who brought the fans. Oops. Hey Dave, can you call your YL and have her bring a fan. Or two or three. A couple dozen should do it. Ah, the sun's been down a couple of hours now and it's beginning to cool off. Only in the nineties now. At least it's not pouring down rain like last year. And oh yea, we do have a fan now blowing that 90 degree 90% humidity around in the tent.

We operated two stations - CW on 15, 20, 40, and 80 and SSB on 15, 20, 40, and 80. We even managed to work 7 states on 6 meter SSB. And as usual, the CW guys thoroughly trounced the SSB guys with over 800 contacts. I still say they were sneaking out and disconnecting our wire now and then. I did learn a thing or two though. This was my second field day. Last year I was a visitor. What I learned was the importance of finding a frequency and camping out. I also learned I can't type as fast as I can talk. Fortunately we had plenty of folks to keep the logging going. Next year it's gonna be voice keyer and vox all the way for this guy. Of course somehow I don't think that'll improve my typing speed.

Thanks to all who helped make Field Day 2005 a success. The list is long but special recognition goes out to James Adams AD5KG, club president; Bob Gill K5BG, field day chairman; and Beth K5BLT and Jerry W7JT Thompson for keeping us fat and happy. Nothing can compare to the dedication, teamwork, and good ole fashioned fun of a bunch of hams on field day.

-- See ya next year. 73 de W5PC -- KD5TCP