It is a gorgeous Saturday morning in Dayton, Ohio. We couldn't possibly ask for better weather for Hamvention. Not a cloud in the sky.

I did a stupid thing last night. To be brutally honest, I assumed that a couple of dozen people, at most, were reading this Hamvention blog. So, when I made my solicitation for photo requests, I expected a handful--if I was lucky.

This morning I logged onto my office e-mail to find 300 photo-related messages! As Phil Rizzuto would say, in his calmer moments, "Holy Cow!"

Fortunately, many people requested the same things. What do you think is the number-one most-requested photo? The new Yaesu FT-2000 transceiver. On the way to our booth this morning, I ducked into the Yaesu area and snapped the attached photo. According to the Yaesu people on the scene, the radio will list for about $3000.

I will work my way down the most-requested photos as the day goes on.--WB8IMY

It 'twas a long slog back to the car, parked about a mile from the arena behind a seedy "sports bar" with bizarre plastic palm trees at the entrance and a hastily spray painted slab of plywood that screamed "Welcome All Hams!" No thanks. I'll pass.

I've been resisting the appeals to park at the Salem Mall and take the shuttle buses, but maybe that's not such a bad idea after all.

Despite the stiff breeze, things were hopping outdoors in the fleamarket and all around the arena. Tomorrow (Saturday) will be a zoo. There were LOTs of boatanchors of the military and commercial land mobile variety. One guy was selling a truck load of huge speakers for the audiophile who does not quite have everything. One cabinet was nearly 6 feet tall.

If you can't get to Dayton and there is something in particular that you'd like me to photograph (a new product, a close-up view of a hot dog . . .), drop me an e-mail at sford@arrl.org, but please do so before 10PM this evening (Friday evening). No promises, but I'll do what I can.

I finally managed to break free and do a bit of roaming. As I mentioned in a previous entry, I've never seen crowds this large on a Friday. I can't imagine what Saturday is going to be like.

Off the cuff observations . . .

Is it my imagination, or are more people driving electric scooters than ever before?

Mighty windy in the fleamarket. Flags are snapping and tarps are ballooning.

Among the early Hamvention "hits" are brilliant scrolling LED badges and belt buckles. Names, call signs, whatever. I'll have to bring one home for my daughter.

The Antenna Forum was standing room only--at least 400 people.

It is amazing who you run into. Joel Hallas, ARRL Technical Editor, met a kindergarten classmate that he hadn't seen since kindergarten!

It sounds like the HQ staff at the Hamvention are keeping busy. While Steve and the others kick up their heels, some of us had to stay at HQ and get work done! Today we are sporting our "Hello" t-shirts, in honor of the ARRL Expo and the year-long Hello campaign.

By the way, Steve, it rained all morning here in Newington -- since you seem to be obsessed with weather. -- KE3Z

Hey, I thought Fridays at Dayton were supposed to be more "sedate!" Not so. We have nice wide aisles in the ARRL Expo booth, but getting around is akin to playing bumper cars. I can now say "excuse me" in 10 different languages.

Our official lightning rod...er, I mean CEO, Dave Sumner, K1ZZ, hasn't been able to site down for the last two hours.

Weather is wonderful for a Hamvention! Overcast and cool. No rain.