nhmg2015

It all began on Sunday, June 7th. I found listening to the 20 and 40 Meter IOOK nets that John, N5AAA had not checked in. Earlier in the week before, I noted he was camping in Pennsylvania.

Well, after the Net, I got my tablet out and googled the APRS for N5AAA-9.

Well, I was beyond words.   I noted that N5AAA was in Boston, as the CAR icon was parked on a corner.

I found John's card which he gave to me in Dayton, and called his cell phone.   After 3-4 rings, John Answered.

I asked, "John, where are you?" His reply, "On a trolley tour passing Paul Revere's House."
I replied, Wow, only 42 miles from my home.

Jan and John were camping in Connecticut and were heading my way. So, I asked if he got my previous 3 emails which I found I sent to the wrong address. :(

We made plans for a quick visit today, Thursday, June 11th, on their way through towards Maine.   We decided a WALMART would be suitable. We had a new Super-Walmart built and opened last year in Seabrook, NH. This would be easy on and off the highway for John.

Unfortunately, John's GPS sent him to the older Walmart's location. It was an empty lot and he did not have to worry about cars or traffic so it was a blessing in disguise. We connected by cell phone and I met up with them.

John and Jan arrived right about noontime.... :)

Well, knowing the IOOKers, "we travel on our stomach". So, off to the Mom/Pop, called "Linda's Breakfast Place" for lunch.

We had a great lunch "Cordon Bleu Cheeseburger with French Fries, for John and I. Jan was a bit more adventurous so she opted for Sweet Potato Fries. A tall Iced Tea was the chaser. (Cordon Bleu Cheeseburger = Hamburger patty, slices of Ham, Cheese, Deli Mustard) Great Meal!!!!!

After lunch, we had a brief tour of the NH Seacoast. I showed them the location where I met Richard (VK5UK) and his wife Jo-Ann at the Waikada RV Park.

I then drove them to Hampton Beach, which is a resort area, and luckily for us the children are still in school here in this area, otherwise, the travels would have been a stop and go nightmare. Luckily, I made it and we looped around, showed them the RV park at end of the beach in case they want to come and stay a while next time around.

Since they were headed to Maine, I thought it would be prudent to get them back on the road before school buses were running, and en-route to their RV, John and I had a quick Eagle One Antenna discussion, when we arrived at the RV, he showed me the SGC Tuner and container to keep it out of the elements.

I told John I had ordered the antenna, but it has not arrived as of yet. (John also mentioned he had heard the Man of the business was ill and hospitalized a while back. He suggested I call the business and check the status of my order.)

I wished I took pictures when I was in Dayton when Lou, N8KXM showed me the antenna and "Tuner-In-A-Can", so John let me quickly take a few snaps of the box, tuner and power source. Thank you John.

A great trip was had by all, we wave and said "So Long" until next time. Maybe Dayton next year. ;)

We parted the parking lot, John in a northerly direction, and me in a southerly direction.

John had the waitress take a few pictures of the trio on our way out. He will provide his picture soon.

Well, off to work I go, Have a great day,

73,

BILL P, WZ1L

New Hampshire Mini Gathering 2015

A short while ago, Bill - WZ1L sent out a note to the IOOK News telling about this IOOK Mini Gathering.

Here is what Bill had to say...