KLARA 2012 Field Day

KLARA 2012 Field Day

This event was held on a rural property owned by Don Whitehead.  It was my first Field Day in New York state, and certainly with my first “Camper Club” group.  Previous experience in Kentucky and Tennessee had to do with sparse, spare, and heavily public.  No competition–just demonstration.  But here in Steuben County, this location was ideal–elevation, space, and a superb place to cook–something that KLARA had a reputation for!  The place had worthy trees for the hoisting of wire–as well as a place for those who did not have a camper.

That year, my grandchild and I landed in a small A-frame building with a sleeping loft.  This in previous years had been the domain of Ralph Baker, AA2CJ/SK.  That year he had decided not to go–another minor drama in the life of most AR clubs.  This benefited me though–and a wonderful time was had.

I brought no radios–just a tennis ball launcher and a ratty G5RV.  What was the best though was a cooler with many fine cheeses, breads and meats, an excellent Pinot Noir, and a Malbec to die for…  Grandchild frolicked about with Rick Torrey’s granddaughter, and I spent my time visiting different stations.  And it was indeed a contest of conditions, wills, equipment, and recognition!

Soon Don moved away, and the location shifted.  

I have not been to another since then, and this will always be my ‘Maslow Moment’ for field days.