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This is on my list of things to attend. The “boys from Oklahoma” better get their fishing poles cranking. I can eat some catfish. lol.
I’m looking forward to it!
73
Mark W5PTX
Thanks to everyone once again. The TdP 2026 was a success. I will meet with the event coordinators and emergency services once the debrief meeting is scheduled and let everyone know the details. We will definitely look at the options to figure out the last rider dilemma. That’s been one of the harder things to determine over the last couple of years. I like the rest stop “hand off” idea, as well as having 2 chasers from the start of the rally. Other agencies have done it in the past, but I don’t think they were there this year. I will put it on the list to confirm in planning for 2027.
If you have any pictures, please send them to me or Phillip, or post them here. Let me know any comments you may have. The TdP recap will be a discussion topic at this Saturday’s RRVARC Monthly Meeting. (July 25, 2026 @ 10am @ Paris PD Courtroom).
The Chamber of Commerce expressed their gratitude for all of our volunteers. This event would not be as smooth without your help. Thank you to the members of the RRVARC, Fannin ARC, & Choctaw ARC. I look forward to working with you again.
73
Mark W5PTX
107 is a fantastic place. One of my favorites. The best place in town for Fish & Chips (get the lunch portion, unless you’re super hungry, the dinner comes with 3 large pieces of fish). The pulled pork sliders are also a top choice. Get the fried pickles for an appetizer. They’re spears not slices, it’s greatness. Or, you can go lighter with fruit, meat, and cheese slab. They also have at least 10 different beers on tap, and many more in bottles. Along with a selection of wines. They have a fairly large menu, and it’s all good. Michelle absolutely loves they’re garlic fries. But beware, you must love garlic. Lots of it. I just get the regular fries.
We should all make a plan to meet up for lunch one day.
73
Field Day is a wrap. I had a great time this year. I saw some complaining on Facebook about band conditions, but this was the best I’ve ever seen them for Field Day. However, 15m was a little moody. When it was good it was good, but it would fade in and out during contacts. Thank you to Charles and Cindy for operating with me, and to everyone that came out to visit. The conversations and fellowship where great, and I was glad you were there. Our logs will be compiled and submitted soon. Here are some my pics from the weekend.
1st – Beware of the locals!
The Star of the show!
The truck is packed
Pota Performer & Random Wire
Operating position & gear
Cabin
Hey Dan…I really do have Spiderman covers!
I hope you will join us next year!
73, Mark W5PTX
The weekend is complete. I had a fun time at the cabin making contacts. I ran 80m ft8. The band conditions weren’t great for voice on Saturday, but we powered through. We ended up with 464 contacts, and we’ll wait to see our final score and placement in a few months. I’m already looking forward to Field Day. 73.
Nice. Yes, the pile ups come hot and heavy. It’s a lot of fun. I don’t know when the next time I’ll get to do an activation will be. Let’s get something something set up when you get the chance.
73
Mark W5PTX
The RRVARC operating location for the ARRL Field Day 2026 is set for Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek Unit. Charles and Cindy will be at cabin 4, and Mark will be at cabin 2. We will arrive on 6/26/26 and check out on 6/29/26 (we stay an extra night so we don’t have to leave before the event ends). These are the only two cabins available in this unit. However, there may be some screened shelters or campsites available. You’ll need to check the park reservation page.
We hope you will make plans to join us. Everyone is welcome to come out and operate the FD event or just come to visit. This is a fun event with a lot contacts all over the U.S. If you would like more info please call, text, or email me.
73
Mark W5PTX
903-495-2445
Our plans are made. We will be at Cooper Lake South Sulphur Unit in the Eagle Point Area. PDF Link. We’ll be in cabins 14 & 18. Cabin 16 was still available last time I looked, but they usually book pretty quickly. You are welcome to come and operate with us for the TX State Parks on the Air event. We hope you will join us. If you need more info, please contact me. You can call, text, or email. 903-495-2445 or mark@w5ptx.com
73
Mark W5PTX
Last year we worked TX Pota from Lake Bob Sandlin. We placed 4th in the Multi OP Multi Transmitter category. Band conditions were rough, but we had a good time. Hopefully this year they will be better.
FD is June 27th & 28th. As of right now Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek has both cabins and some screened shelters available. I think these will get booked quickly, so we need to decide if we want to operate FD from there.
This is my preference for Field Day. If we make this decision, I will book my cabin for June 26th and checkout on June 28th. If you plan on operating FD, please let me know your preference or better options.
We may try to make a decision as soon as tonight 3/2/26
73
Mark W5PTX
I think some more positives are the ARRL audio news, the magazines, publications, contests, and digital bulletins. I like using those features.
Interesting. Those total member numbers are lower than I thought they would have been. If AI is correct (i didn’t fact check it) and there are 744,395 amateur radio operators in the U.S. Then total membership is around 15%. Seems like we would want to get that percentage much higher. I don’t know the best way to do that, but maybe there are some ideas out there.
