07/01/2007 | W7VMI The Vashon-Maury Island Radio Club combined technical challenges, operating exercises, organizational "opportunities", social networking, and victual management into that grand melting pot known as Field Day! Joined by members of the Federal Way ARC, nearly 30 hamsters and their associates populated right field of the island community's Sunrise Ridge baseball diamond. Adroitly evading the line drives and overthrows of tee-ballers, we put together a 2A effort, including the bonus VHF and GOTA stations.

This year, we managed a clean sweep of every bonus category, including alternative power and modes. With the solar flux gas tank gauge resting firmly on 'Empty', CW skills proved to be the best way of getting other stations to hear our low-power signals from low dipoles. The GOTA station also attracted a steady stream of young folks, coached with patience and kindness by veteran GOTA-guy, Phil W7PDZ. The result is a 10% improvement over last year's score, despite the sleepy bands cutting our QSO totals.

Even a shower on Saturday night failed to dampen our considerable enthusiasm due to good planning for tents and cover by Phil and co-leader, Jim WA7KYI. Our Food Czar, Viv Ilo, kept our gas tanks on Full with a culinary treat from Al K7NHV who delivered fantastic BBQ ribs along with a side of digital station and a basket full of CW operating time.

All of the VMIRC and FWARC operators, visitors, and helpers are to be congratulated on their enthusiastic support of this very successful Field Day exercise. We'll see you next year!

73, Ward N0AX -- N0AX