07/15/2004 | K9SP/R We had a great time roving this year. Operated all bands through 10g.

Driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway (FM07/FM08) in Virginia, a park ranger cruiser passed us in the opposite direction. The car did an abrupt 180 and followed us for a mile or so to our destination. When we got out of the vehicle, two park rangers got out of their car and said, "We just HAVE to ask..."

The next day we were in FM19 in Sterling, VA. We were positioned in a shopping center parking lot, making contacts when K9SP looked up and found we were flanked by two Loudon County Sherriff's vehicles. After they ran the tags, they came over and told us someone had called 911 reporting "an SUV with all kinds of antennas and stuff on it." The two officers were very friendly, and enjoyed the "tour" of the rover station.

I'm thinking an investment in a magnetic decal sign, something like "EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS TEST STATION" might not be a bad idea.

Overall, a good time. Looking forward to September. -- N9SP