de W3HGT, 1A, NTX

Field Day 2009 was our ninth consecutive gathering since we instituted the rotating host concept in 2001.

This year the crew was the smallest the 570-V has been since 2006. As in 2006 only four could make it, K5AEM, WB3AAC, W3GQ, W3HGT.

KA3AIN, KA8FAN, WA3ZOE and especially W2EEW were all present in spirit. W2EEW has never actually made it in person but we try to make him our first official contact. Unfortunately that did not happen this year. W3GQ navigated while WB3AAC piloted his motor home from Tennessee. Then connected with W3HGT at the DFW Airport made the short 2 hour drive to the 'Rockin' B' spread 5 miles west of De Leon, Texas, EM02qc.

This year marks the first time we've operated 1A which presented a new set of logistic challenges with the highest priority going to FOOD, what else. Then lodging and equipment following closely in a tie for second. Needless to say we didn't go hungry and we had cool dry beds in the RVs of WB3AAC and K5AEM. Even with the thermometer well into triple digits! Copious amounts of water were consumed erecting the 80M horizontal loop and 6M Moxon beam.

QSO count was down this year and we totally forgot to copy the ARRL Field Day bulletin and sending NTS traffic. We completed our primary objective of getting together, eating, and operating so 'Mission Accomplished' with all participants getting home safely.

W3GQ won the golf match.

73 es C U in 2010 from Tennessee.

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