The Maine POTA Day, held Saturday, May 16, is an annual event that many operators look forward to. Just like last year, the weather was a major influence. Unlike the rain we had last year though, this year it was the solar weather that proved to be a challenge. It’s a safe assumption that there were many EAWA members and friends who activated a park and/or were POTA hunting from home. Below are some activation summaries.
Rob W8HAP had a successful activation at Lamoine State Park, working CW on 20 meters.
Stan W1BOY and Marion W1GRL activated the Blueberry Hill area on the Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park. They struggled for two hours to complete 10 phone contacts, moving between 40 and 20 meters.
Joan W1DLC activated the Strong Wildlife Management Area. She also worked for two hours to complete 14 QSOs on 20 meters.
Barbara KC1SSY and Tracey AC1UN operated from two parks. Their first location was Lily Bay State Park. Struggling as everyone did, they worked for an hour and a half to complete 17 contacts. They also spent two hours at Spectacle Pond Wildlife Management Area, completing an additional 2 contacts.
Matt KC1VLH and Sue activated Roque Bluffs State Park. Matt made 31 contacts on 20 meters. His signal made it out to Texas and Utah.
Wes AA1CX managed 35 contacts over two and a half hours while activating Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park. He found more success operating CW than phone. During his activation Wes made contacts with Stan, Marion, and Rob.
Some operators gave a great effort, but in the end, technical challenges, poor solar weather, and difficult terrain won the day and prevented the activations. Jeff KA1DBE and Bernie KI4VCR made a valiant effort to activate Donnell Pond State Preserve. After many struggles, the adventure ended with a plate of Irish Nachos. John KQ1P also tried an activation. Between a limited time frame in a busy day and technical issues, he also had to abort the activity.
It’s always a learning experience, and usually a fun one(!), when we set up to activate regardless of weather and environmental challenges. Whether it is a POTA, Field Day, a contest, or a net, all of these activities sharpen our skills and put our equipment through the paces. When it’s fun we call it “a hobby” and when it’s an emergency we call ourselves “ready and willing.”
Written by Marion W1GRL
W1TU 