Despite the windy and stormy conditions, thirteen volunteers signed up for a slotted time on the radio. Additional volunteers brought food and hot beverages to keep everyone warm and motivated as the waves pounded the cliffs a mere 40 feet from the gazebo where they were operating.

Those volunteers who were there waiting their turn on the radio or just hanging around giving moral support also answered questions from the public who ventured in out of the wet and cold or were curious as to what was going on. Brochures were handed out explaining amateur radio and information regarding the county’s emergency communication capabilities. There was an information board with pictures of past club events and an explanation of upcoming radio license classes at the local college.

Carl, WA6JOW, spearheaded the event asking for volunteers from the Coos County Radio Club and ARES/RACES group. He spent the entire weekend there, arriving in the wee hours of the morning and leaving at 10 pm each day when the park ranger came to lock the doors.

Brett, KE7BAY and Barb, KE7GRL were instrumental in bringing radio equipment and setting it up. Sandy, KE7CNA and Bill, KE7CMX were a great help mailing out the QSL cards. Dell Mansker, KE7EIB, even took some vacation to help with the antennas during a particularly stormy period with wind gusts to 70 mph. Many thanks to the operators who volunteered to staff the special event, keeping a steady flow of CQ’s over the airwaves.

A special Thank You goes to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for allowing the special event to be held in the park and to the Friends of Shore Acres for the donation of the QSL cards. Thank you also goes to the Coos County Radio Club for the postage and allowing the group to hang their club banner during the event.