A Fun and Fulfilling Parks on the Air Activation with GSARA
This past weekend, our Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) had the pleasure of hosting a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation—a special event that turned out to be a true testament to the spirit of amateur radio, despite some pretty challenging band conditions!
This past weekend, our Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) had the pleasure of hosting a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation—a special event that turned out to be a true testament to the spirit of amateur radio, despite some pretty challenging band conditions!
The day started off on a high note, with the rain holding off until about 12:30 PM. By then, most of our club members had already begun packing up, mainly because the bands were just not cooperating. It was a tough day for making contacts—conditions were quite horrible, to say the least—but that didn’t dampen anyone’s enthusiasm or the overall vibe of the event.
In fact, the challenges only highlighted the resilience and camaraderie of our club members. We took the opportunity to support POTA during a special weekend, known as SYP (Support Your Parks), and to enjoy some much-needed social time with fellow amateurs—both those we’ve known for a while and some new faces we were excited to meet for the first time. It was wonderful to see everyone sharing stories, asking questions, and exchanging tips—all in the spirit of ham radio.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was working with our newer GSARA members. Several of these newcomers had never activated a park before, and they spent over an hour walking from station to station, soaking in the experience, asking questions, and engaging socially. Seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity reminded us all of why we love this hobby so much—there’s always something new to learn and new friends to make.
Despite the rain and less-than-ideal band conditions, the day was a true success in my eyes. It was a fantastic opportunity to give back to the club and the hobby I love most. Moments like these reinforce the value of community, learning, and sharing the magic of amateur radio.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, helped out, and made this event special. We’re looking forward to many more activations, new faces, and good times on the airwaves. Here’s to supporting POTA and growing our club’s community—see you on the bands!
Parks, People, and POTA: A Day to Remember with the Granite State Amateur Radio Association
The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) recently hosted an unforgettable Parks on the Air (POTA) Meetup, and the airwaves were abuzz with excitement. With 26 members in attendance, the event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of the spirit that amateur radio embodies - camaraderie, exploration, and the thrill of communication. Set against the serene backdrop of one of our local parks, we unfolded our antennas, tuned our transceivers, and set out to make waves, quite literally! Here's a recap of the fun we had and the memories we created.
The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) recently hosted an unforgettable Parks on the Air (POTA) Meetup, and the airwaves were abuzz with excitement. With 26 members in attendance, the event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of the spirit that amateur radio embodies - camaraderie, exploration, and the thrill of communication. Set against the serene backdrop of one of our local parks, we unfolded our antennas, tuned our transceivers, and set out to make waves, quite literally! Here's a recap of our fun and the memories we created.
As the day progressed, the park was alive with the sounds of Morse code (CW), the clarity of voice communications, and the digital pings of Winlink. The rhythmic tapping of CW, the enthusiastic calls of CQ, and the digital tones of packet radio painted a picture of diversity in operation modes that our club members thoroughly enjoyed.
The excitement was particularly palpable among several of our members who, for the first time, activated a park. Their calls were met with responses from across the country, marking their inaugural foray into the POTA program with success. The sense of accomplishment and the smiles on their faces were a testament to the joy that amateur radio brings.
Between making contacts, our event became a treasure trove of shared knowledge. The park turned into an open-air classroom where experienced operators and newcomers alike exchanged a wealth of ideas about gear setups, go-boxes, and antenna configurations. From the simplest of wire antennas to the more sophisticated directional beams, there was much to learn and admire. The hands-on experience provided invaluable lessons that manuals alone could never convey.
More than just an opportunity to log contacts, our POTA Meetup was a chance to strengthen the bonds within our community. Old friends caught up, new friendships were formed, and stories from the ether were shared. Laughter and good-natured banter complemented the crackle of radio static, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship.
As the day came to a close and our last QSOs were logged, it was clear that our POTA Meetup with the Granite State Amateur Radio Association was a resounding success. We not only celebrated the joy of amateur radio but also embraced the beauty of nature and the strength of our community.
The good news is, this isn't a one-time event. We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding a fall event for our next POTA Meetup. The anticipation is already building for another day of outdoor radio fun, and we encourage both seasoned hams and those new to the hobby to join us. Keep an eye on our club's announcements for the date and location. Until then, 73, and keep the frequencies alive with the spirit of POTA!
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