DAYTON HAMVENTION...largest in our galaxy

This was an adventure for one which I had not done in a decade. The drive each way was 572 miles. Driving was easy for me....what I did not realise was the work to set up my camping site and tear it down. I drove my Hyundai...not the Jeep....fully loaded....32MPG. I had everything.... a 100' square domed tent, an extra large cot, two collapsible chairs, a three way refrigerated chest, a 1 KW genset, sleeping bag and blankets, food and so much more. This was more than a trip....it was a test of my emergency prepardness AND skills. What I learned will be the basis of my future vacations. Future trips will be better.....I plan to go to Cape Hattaras Seashore and will have a ton of radio equipment along with the ten sections of aluminum antenna mast I purchased at Dayton.....about 38' high.

Food is important.......yahgottaeat! Using a 12VDC oven I had French Toast! Had hot coffee (propane burner), cold cereal with milk, orange juice, yogurt, walnut bread with cheese and egg biscuits. Cold water/juice/soda/beer was always available from my three-way Dometic refrigereated chest....it ran on 12VDC from my car when driving, 120VAC from my genset and LPG bottles when I was away. I work railroad and always carry a 'food bag' with my hand-held TV...I don't suffer!

Dayton Hamvention was not as good as it used to be: economics/gas prices/internet but I was glad to be there....thanks to my crew who encouraged me to make the trip. Special thanks to 'Loby' WA2AZT from the K2IRT group/Ragchewers Group who gave me the incentive to go knowing I would not be alone.....Mothers Day was Sunday before.