07/14/2003 | KB9DBC This year for field day I had a very different idea. Rather than staying with one club's field day, I wanted to visit multiple clubs and see how each club operated. Of course, being a licensed radio amateur, my nature of being outgoing and friendly would come into the mix. I had also hoped to meet new people, learn different operating practices, and of course have a good time.

Because the idea came so close to field day (practically the night before!) I could not obtain the proper legal advice on if I could operate at multiple clubs' field days. I definitely would not want to do anything to jeopardize each club's operation, so I kept myself in the socializing mode rather than the operating mode this year. Perhaps if the ARRL replies to my email and can hand down an "official word" on the topic, next year if I elect to do the same thing, I'll actually operate.

With my digital camera in hand, I set out to the first club where I met Tim McGuire, KB9QYL and Ron Steinberg, K9IKZ, amongst many other friendly faces. Both Tim and Ron liked my idea and asked if they could join me. Of course I couldn't refuse having company through this experience, so they both joined me in a caravan/convoy style trip. (They each followed in their respective vehicles, and we kept in touch on a low-power simplex frequency.)

I took many pictures, I met many great people, learned a lot about each individual club, and we all had a very fun and enjoyable time. I recently completed the website where I've compiled all of the pictures and sound bytes into one page. I encourage you to visit the website, and provide me with any comments, questions, or even suggestions. The URL is: http://kb9dbc.com

Thanks to all of the clubs whom were so hospitable, including providing food, personalized tours of your operations, and of course great ragchew material!

Gregg Sperling, KB9DBC
gregg@kb9dbc.com -- KB9DBC