08/09/2004 | N7UW The University of Wyoming Amateur Radio Club held field day activities at Fox Park in the Medicine Bow National Forest about 40 miles southwest of Laramie, WY. All operations were battery powered. We operated primarily on 15 and 20 meters under the club callsign N7UW.

The primary station included the club's beam and portable tower sections, Kenwood HF rig and a dipole erected by the bow and arrow method. Thanks to Fred KS7Q for transporting the antenna and tower to the site. Wayne NQ7Q started off Saturday with nearly a hundred contacts for a good beginning. We took a relaxed approach this year and did not try to man the station for the full 24 hour period.

Field Day at Fox Park ended with some rain. Paul W7MO and Doris KD7RQX were making some final contacts shortly before noon on Sunday when a near-by lightning strike prompted the decision to call it a day. Dismantling the camp proved less than comfortable in the drizzle, but everyone pitched in and made quick work of packing up after waiting out the heavier rain.

Saturday nights dinner off the grill was well attended and everyone enjoyed the pleasant evening. Good conversation continued into the night until about midnight, when fatigue and chilly temperatures prompted us to find our tents and campers. Thanks to Mack WB7K for transporting the grill provided by Tony KD7TA.

344 contacts were logged primarily on the clubs single HF voice station. Doug KD7W operated 6 meters on his rig. Other operators included Wayne NQ7Q, Barry AD7CL and Brent KC0FUP. Dave KY7DR tried some 2 meter operating, but band conditions were poor.

Report from UARC club president John KD7NAE -- KD7NAE