On behalf of the Chickasaw Amateur Radio Association, I would like to thank everyone in attendance this year. In all the years that I've been licensed, this is by far the wettest Field Day I have ever attended. These sentiments were echoed by several of those in attendance.

It rained the entire weekend and started clearing up about the time Field Day was coming to a close. While we didn't make a huge amount of contacts, we brought back a huge amount of memories that will live on for years.

We were set up at Dub Patton Campground on the North side of Lake Arkabutla. Several members brought their campers and stayed the entire weekend. A few also brought their tents.

KF5MYP probably had the most memorable tent experience. His tent was setup on the downhill side of what turned out to be one heck of a flood. Needless to say, the tent caved in. While helping take the rest of the tent down, N5PYQ says "Hey, that looks like poison ivy!" Turns out he had set it up right next to a big patch of it. So here we are soaking wet trying to dig this thing out of all the mud and ivy. A good laugh was had by all!

Malcolm W5XX came up on Friday evening. It hadn't started raining yet. Linda W5REB made a cake and we had a surprise birthday party for Malcolm up at Linda and Denver's (W5LJD) campsite.

We only lost one antenna in all the storms. One of the guy anchors pulled out of the soft ground and caused the dipole and fiberglass mast to come crashing down. The only damage done was to the center insulator and possibly the mounting bracket.

Tracy N4IL had a flat tire on his camper on the way to Field Day. He lost an awning in the flood. He had a few other challenges before it was all over. But, he was determined to keep his station on the air and he did. Way to hang in there Tracy!

Desoto County provided the use of their communication trailer for the weekend. They are a great supporter of our ARES/RACES team and their support is greatly appreciated!

We had a great pot luck on Sat evening. We kept an eye on the radar and caught a short break between storms. Everyone got the food out and made a plate, then had to run to their vehicles to have somewhere dry to eat. The screen room just couldn't handle the deluge of rain that we were provided.

Did we have a great time in spite of it all? We sure did! We found out that you can only get so wet and after that, a rain coat is just hot and gets in the way.

How many emergencies happen during perfect weather conditions? After all, what is the purpose of Field Day anyway?

We are so looking forward to next year.

73, Ed