Saturday, May 19, 2007

Dayton update, May 19, 2007

Well, it certainly did not feel like Hamvention today - the weather was actually quite nice! Apart from a bit of late morning cloudiness, we were treated to partial sunshine and very comfortable temperatures.

Attendance continued to appear diminished compared with years past, although I met at least three "first-timers." Despite less traffic, most of the merchants appeared to be happy.

The MARCO booth remained a busy place. We ran out of membership applications and nearly ran out of sample newsletters. Please welcome seven new members:
Gavin Roberts W9EYE
Bill Davidson W9SWW
Jose Vicens NP3JG
Thad Juszczak KD8CGS
Janelle Hideg KD8CTU
Brent Haskell AB8DG
Jerry Hermell N4UEV

We also had notable visits from John WD8MNV, Bill WA9HIR, Rich N1IXF, and Marc K9PET (who might make an interesting speaker at the banquet next year).

The major purchase of the day belonged to Keith, who picked up a new used Yaesu handheld.

I was able to attend a portion of the DX Forum, where a new DXpedition to Ducie Island, to take place in February 2008, was announced. See www.vp6dx.com. I also heard my old friend Ramon, YV5EED, do a presentation on the 2006 Aves Island operation, and stuck around for part of the report on Swains' Island.

I also stopped by Pietro Begali's busy booth to ogle his newest creation, the "Sculpture" paddle. This keyer paddle is fashioned from stainless steel. I'm not sure that it has quite the elegant look of the "Signature," but if anything the action is even smoother. Another winner from this fine gentleman.

After packing up for the day, the three musketeers (N3IM, N5RTF, and KM2L) headed to Outback Steakhouse for a libation and some grub. We then said our farewells. Bruce wull head back to Clarence in the morning, Chip has an afternoon flight to New Orleans, and Keith will pack up the display and head for home.

See you at the 2008 MARCO Annual meeting, in fabulous Dayton, Ohio!

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