My day began with a wakeup at 5:00 am ( I know others rose earlier but this is my story). After doing my morning routine I left my house in Coos Bay headed for the Powers County Park. I knew my other Ham at Eden Valley, Dan KI7IWX, was picking up our clipboard but I was supposed to pick up another one for Zach, K7FC, who had camped at Eden Valley the night before as he had one of the further out checkpoints to staff.
County park around 7 AM, give or take a few minutes. I met up with Jerry, KJ7EGZ, Sam, W7GNM and Gary, N6BLU (cue Hail to the Chief music!) After a short conversation I began to drive the 31 miles to the Eden Valley campground.
I personally had last been to the campground in 2017 and the road had been rough then. The years have not been kind to the asphalt but the truck was not bothered.
When I arrived at the campground, both Zach and Dan were there along with one of the SAG pick ups. The SAG driver had started a fire in one of the campground fire pits to have as a warming fire for the riders. We partook of it also to start the day right.
Since this was my first time assisting on the race everything was new. The enveloping tide of riders was met by us trying to get the numbers and reconciling our clipboards to keep track as best we could. The rest stop had been set up and offered a variety of snacks and drinks. The fire beckoned the cold, stiff riders who stayed there anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour. Folk style music emanated from a group of singers who serenaded us for a couple of hours.
The day was long but enjoyable. Drizzle and sun breaks swapped back and forth all day. I left about a half an hour before Dan as the last riders, herded by Gary N6BLU and a SAG truck.
After checking in at the Daphne Grove station and Net Control I made my way home after a satisfying day of volunteering service and “playing radio”!
Kelley W7FCM
Coos County Radio Club 