Field Day: The Tear Down

As in any event, Field Day 2013 had to end. With about an hour or so left to operate, some club members began tearing down the sleeping tents, canopies, tables, and chairs used for dining. All other equipment, gear, and paraphernalia no longer in use were also set aside and loaded on the different vehicles for transport.

With a few minutes left, the only one that remained standing and in operation were the 3 tents. The 40m and 20m stations were pounding out the last few contacts on CW, while the 15m station was dishing out the final exchanges in SSB. By 11am, it was all over. QRT !!!

40m Phased Array Vertical Antenna

As some club members began dismantling their equipment, I helped bring down the 40m phased array vertical antenna. I also tore down the tent James slept in the night before. As the various equipment were packed and moved out of the 20m tent, I assisted in moving them towards the parking lot for loading.

With fewer people helping out with the tear down, the process took longer than in past years. It was past noon by the time we took down the 40m antenna. There was still the 15m and 20m yagis that needed to be dismantled. By then, James and I had to meet up with the wife for lunch.

At a little past 12:30pm, I excused myself, and we headed home, tired. Pooped.