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It’s What Hams Do
 
It wasn’t too long ago that I became acquainted with the “inside” of Amateur Radio.  It was the Spring of 2007, to be exact.  Oh, I’ve always known about Hams, but only from the “outside” looking in.
From the moment I received my “ticket” I began to realize the expanse of the hobby.  Joining SNARS as soon as I could while living in Reno, NV…gaining friendships along the way…working events and devoting my spare time to assisting the community through ARES…it’s what Hams do.  And I am a Ham…!
I miss the weekends I’ve spent in the heat of the desert waiting for an off-road vehicle to pass the checkpoint.  I miss the wind blowing down my antennas.  I miss the cold mornings waiting for the Multiple Sclerosis Bike Ride to start.  I also miss the beauty of the High Sierra’s and the wonder of the desert of the Great Basin.
But now I have my Ham Shack set up here in New Mexico…the Land of Enchantment.  From the Gila Cliff Dwellings to the City of Rocks, from the height of the Emery Pass to the vastness of the southern horizon…I now have a new home.
What I now enjoy has replaced all the things I had missed…working with GARS to assist in getting this club active again, devoting my time and equipment when called upon by ARES or GCSAR for the betterment of the community…it’s what Hams do.  And I am a Ham…!

​Dan Dockery, N2RDO

​Steve, K6RYB sent me an interesting photo of one of his wood-creations
Can you name this vacuum tube?