[Fourlanders] Fw: [SECC] 2004 ARRL Spring VHF Contest

[Jim Worsham]

Hello everyone.  Just an update before I disappear for the next couple of weeks on my European excursion.  I wasn't able to get up to Bob's place this weekend.  We didn't get back from David's graduation from Middle Georgia College until Saturday afternoon.  After we unpacked it was too late and I was too tired anyway.  I did go ahead and break out my 4 kw generator Sunday with plans to change the oil and check it out.  Too make a long story short, my generator has bit the dust again.  You may recall that it quit running after the September contest last year.  I had the carburetor rebuilt and it was running fine when I stored it in the garage for the winter.  Now it will not crank and the carburetor is leaking gasoline again.  Sigh......  I am going to take it on Monday to a small engine shop in Buford that I have used before and have them look at it.  At this point in time I don't know if it will be repaired and available for June.  Unless you hear from me otherwise all planning for the contest should assume that my generator WILL NOT be available.

Now onto another subject.  I received the following email Friday.  Normally, I would jump at the chance to recruit a new member but I am a little concerned about his comment about being in "pretty bad shape physically".  This brings visions of wheel chairs and oxygen bottles to mind.  I have no desire to have to give this guy CPR on the mountain. How do you guys think I should respond to this guy?  Does anyone know him?

That is it for now.  Talk to you guys again when I get back from Europe.

73
Jim W4KXY

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Ny4n at aol.com 
To: w4atl at earthlink.net 
Cc: w4kxy at bellsouth.net 
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 9:31 PM
Subject: Re: [SECC] 2004 ARRL Spring VHF Contest


In a message dated 5/7/2004 5:22:00 PM Central Daylight Time, w4atl at earthlink.net writes:


  The Fourlanders VHF contest group heads up to the Smokey Mountains for June
  VHF contesting.  They are always looking for operators.  They are going to a
  nice campsite called Mile High Campground near Maggie Valley, NC where they
  rent several campsites at the top of the mountain.  Great views.  Restrooms
  and showers are on site.  They have 6M through Microwave.  I think they will
  also have a cook to provide food this June.  Contact W4KXY Jim,
  w4kxy at bellsouth.net, for the details if you are interested.


   Well, I think my first time up on the mountains should be with expeirenced hill toppers. If you still need extra operators, I wouldn't mind helping out. I am in pretty bad shape physically, climbing large hills would not be good, but could help with some equipment set-up and operating. I like CW and don't mind using it.
   Also, is this a male gender operation, or do you guys bring your wives? My wife is a ham too, and has some contesting expierence. She like NC and wants to get out of the house too.
   I have a 2001 Dodge Van set-up for mobile contesting, don't mind using it. Carry a ICom 746 with 100 watts at 6 and 2 meters if needed. My first pick was the Balsam Mountain campsite, not knowing much about the area.
   So, if you think you can use an extra hand, let me know. I don't mind taking pointers on VHF contesting, and willing to learn. Thanks and good luck.  73  Jeff   NY4N