Saturday, May 18, found several Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association (EAWA) members and friends out in area parks for the Maine-Wide Parks on the Air Day. The event was organized by the Assistant Section Manager for Maine and EAWA President Jeff Hanscom KA1DBE.
The largest group of EAWA members gathered at Thompson Island, part of Acadia National Park (US-0001). Bob AB1EP completed his first POTA activation on phone, while Mark W1ABY activated the park using FT8. Greg KC1RID and Barbara KC1SSY also took turns operating phone. Dick W1KRP, the one behind the camera, played a critical role in keeping the operation running smoothly.
Egypt Bay Wildlife Management Area (US-8498) was activated by both Jeff KA1DBE on CW and Andrew N1WMR on phone. Fighting overgrowth by bushwhacking their way in, and then feeling the assault of mosquitos, they persevered for the 10 QSOs each.
Joan W1DLC, operating phone, activated Rangeley Lake State Park (US-2406). Scout assisted with the antenna. As was the case with several activations, rainy weather encouraged operating from inside a vehicle. (On Sunday Joan completed her first CW activation at Strong Wildlife Management Area, US-8478).
Rob W8HAP operated CW QRP to activate Lamoine State Park (US-2393), using his KX3 and a 17’ vertical antenna.
Marion N3OA, with her husband Stan K3PW doing the logging, completed her first POTA activation at Fort Point State Park (US-2389). Frequent rain showers kept the operation in the vehicle.
John KQ1P battled the poor conditions sending CW QRP from Sandy Point Wildlife Management Area (US-8446).
It’s likely a few operators were missed in this review. Also, it’s a safe bet that there were numerous hunters as well. This was a great day to celebrate Maine parks, Maine amateur radio operators and introduce a few EAWA members to activating. Even though both the weather and band conditions were challenging, it was great fun. As the organizer, Jeff KA1DBE said, “All in all I think it was a success!”
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 