Amateur Radio Station WD8RIF | 2007 Flight of the Bumblebees

Two members of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team returned to Rock House in the Hocking Hills State Park for the 2007 Adventure Radio Society's 2007 Flight of the Bumblebees. Participants were Mike Hansgen, AA8EB, and Eric McFadden, WD8RIF.

The pair of Radio Adventurers parked their cars near the chosen operating location and hiked lower trail loop past the Rock House formation while carrying complete stations. The path was short but was quite challenging vertically, making the hike somewhat strenuous. Mike carried his Ten-Tec Scout station and battery, while Eric carried his QRP Station in a Bag and 20' Black Widow pole.

Eric and Mike erected Eric's 55' version of the NorCal doublet using the 20' Black Widow for support. Eric set up his QRP Station in a Bag and Mike set up his Ten-Tec Scout station.

Both Mike and Eric had registered for Bumblebee numbers prior to the event. Mike operated as Bumblebee #204 and Eric operated as Bumblebee #186. Mike and Eric took turns operating on 20m and 40m. Eric made thirteen QSOs with his Index Labs QRP Plus and LDG Z11 tuner. Mike made ten QSOs with his Scout and LDG AT-100Pro tuner. QSO were found to be hard to make. Eric and Mike agreed that the 55' compromise antenna was part of the problem. The duo examined the trees and agreed that should this location be used next year a real antenna will be used.