A beautiful afternoon in the park on Sunday – and to make it even better, I had a buddy join, NZ5K, Mike Mitchell.  Our radio goals couldn’t be more different.

I’ve always approached my activations from the “solo” perspective.  It’s just something I’ve always done on my own.  My methods, procedures, and maxims are things I’ve evolved within the tiny bubble of my own experience. 

Mike is a tried-and-true shack operator with a well-appointed and organized command center specifically for radio.  He runs through a legal limit amplifier, a mother of all tuners, and permanent antennas.  There’s a desktop PC, internet connection, several giant monitors on the wall, and even a recliner and fridge.  He chases DX with a passion and everything in his equipment, processes, and plans focus toward that.

I, on the other hand, have a backpack, a water bottle, and a folding stool.  I don’t really have a DX goal, I just want 10 contacts to make my activation.  I don’t care who or where they come from.  Dallas is it the same as Istanbul in my book. 

Because I’ve evolved in this POTA bubble, I’m always a little surprised when I poke my head out and meet someone with a different perspective.  While Mike ponders the possible directional properties of my EFRW, I worry about how much extra junk I’ll have to pack and how much activating time I’d lose finding out.

Surprisingly, not everyone registered with POTA – Mike will come back to an activator if he hears one but only because I’ve told him how much we appreciate it.  Other than that, neat-o, whatever floats your boat – have fun.  I feel like a Texan in France, learning for the first time that indeed, not everyone remembers the Alamo.

Point is, there’s always huge opportunities in that intellectual real estate I might call “The Different”.  More often than not, we humans see what we want to see and are limited by where we stand.  The list of denied and delayed innovations is endless, shut down or died on the vine because truly smart people simply couldn’t see any benefit – no return on the investment. One goal for the year might be to try things we’ve never done. Try CW, try WAS, try DXCC, try QRP, and even maybe try POTA.

The weather was superb, warm enough for short sleeves but too cool for skeeters. 20m was pleasantly open so hunters were clear and frequent.  We passed the key, shared the log, and paused for conversation.  Hands down, I had a great time with an accomplished and respected radio buddy.

I’m sure we’ll do it again.

While breaking down and packing up, I heard Mike mumble, “I don’t have the gear for this – I guess I could bring my 7300…”  AH HAH!  GOTCHA!  ‘cause we all know where those thoughts lead.

CU AGN ES 73,

KA5TXN Mark
DitWit