We operated three stations on 10, 15, 20 and 40 meters as well as one GOTA (Get on the Air) station on 2 meters. We ran several modes including phone, CW, RTTY, as well as digital modes like PSK. To the knowledge of the club this is the first time we have run 3 stations. Propagation was fair thanks to a wonderful hula performance to kickoff the event by Club President Tom Worthington's wife Leslie. The hula was story of Maui coaxing the the sun to produce sun spots that promote radio propagation. 

We had about 25 operators and visitors throughout the 24 hour event. A highlight of the event was when a club member was able to make contact with NASA astronaut, Reid Wiseman KF5LKT, operating as NA1SS from the International Space Station. Although it was a short pass over Hawaii, she reported clear communication with the space station. By the end of the exercise Sunday morning we made a total 2391 QSOs and 3462 points.Both are higher than last year despite experiencing poorer solar conditions. 

Friday night as the sun was setting, club members enjoyed pizza and salad after a hard day setting up for Field Day.  Wife of the Club President, Leslie Gise, performed a traditional hula selected to entice Maui to walk back up to the top of Haleakala and instead of slowing down the sun, put sun spots on it and encourage good propagation for the following days exercises. Tom reported on Monday that the hula must have worked because the sunspot count increased from 37 to 112. It really made a difference. 

This last Saturday, club members were invited up to the club president's, Tom NH6Y, shop to help build the 15 meter beam antenna we are going to use for field day. In the images below you can see Tom uses the most intricate of tools for such a sensitive piece of equipment. What was that saying? "Work softly but carry a big mallet?" Anyway, we almost finished the whole project until we realized we were missing an important part and decided to stop there for the day. Tom provided a nice home cooked lunch of split pea soup and his very own recipe, chard and rhubarb savory pie. Despite what you may be thinking, it was a delicious meal. After lunch we took down the 10 meter beam put together the previous week. Tom reports that the 10 meter beam performed flawlessly and required no further adjustment. A testament to the new ARRL Antenna Book and the updated specifications for these builds. As a new ham it was a perfect day for learning the ins and outs of antennas and really get some hands on experience. I am looking forward to heading back up to finish the job.