AD7GM

 

I don't often get a chance to do any camping.  After serving 4 years in the Army I really was "camped out" for awhile.  Now that I've been living in Washington camping has been something I've wanted to to more often.

 

Well, I got my chance!  My church had a weekend camping trip planned so I packed up my gear and headed out for an overnighter.  In the morning I got up early and right after breakfast struck out on a beautiful morning hike.  I've uploaded some pictures to my Photo Album.  Peace and quiet, great ambience and spectacular weather!

No, it's not my license plate (yet), it's my new, FCC-assigned Ham Radio callsign!  I recently fulfilled one of my teenage dreams of becoming a Ham Radio Operator and passing the last exam I ever need to take.  My station is rather modest, just two radios:  one for HF and a handheld for VHF and UHF, but the thrill of being an Extra Class licensee--with full priviledges to all U.S. Amateur frequencies--is a great feeling, definitely a sense of accomplishment.

 

So what do I do on the air?  Most of the time it's just a matter of listening.  I'm also trying to work on my Morse Code because I do prefer communicating on CW.  That just takes practice.  I'll post more when I get some more time on the air!