Is it TOO EARLY to.......

[AC0FP]

Not last year, unless you consider the s__t storm, but that was NOT rain.

They changed it from the last weekend of April to the third weekend of May, to reduce the likelihood of rain. And I think it has, for the most part, worked.

I guess this dates my last attendance. I flew in and had a rental car (all free with frequent flyer miles), I also had a great time.

fp

[KA5ROW]

Yes it’s too early; I would wait a week or two.

[WA4BRL]

When are a few of you left coasters going to start up a big hamfest out there! Las Vegas seems a natural location. It's easy to fly in and out of, has plenty of rooms, lots of convention space, and other activities/distractions.

I like driving to Dayton, but I'd much prefer flying out to Vegas for a hammin' good time.

It might take a few years to get on a sound financial footing, but once rolling, somebody might make a killing on this. Why let some club organize it and get burned out on it. Make it a professionally run profit-making venture like the other conventions there. With the huge convention halls you could have full indoor flea-marketing including traditional tailgating. That would allow it to be held any time of year, perhaps in the dead of winter -- even better for most of us.

Come on guys, someone has to take that first step. Find a few wealthy hams to put up some capital for the start-up. Maybe a Saudi or two? Perhaps with major sponsorship from YeaKenCom or Wouxun. Whatever. Just git-er-done!

[N8CPA]

It must not be too early. I just heard from my GB contingent. He liked my proposed Hamvention agenda. So, he and his wife are making their travel arrangements. Then, while he and I are in Dayton, our wives are going to indulge in some "HAMVENTION!!??!! Well, watch how much WE can spend!" mall safaris.

[WA6MHZ]

I have already booked the Motel 6 near the Arena, and it is $49 a night Tues & Wed, and then jumps to $79 a night Thurs/Fri/Sat. The room I had last year was delightful, and the only complaint was poor internet service which was because of a bad WIFI unit they had which was fixed after I left. It was only about 4 or 5 miles from the Hamvention making it very accessible. There is plenty of rooms available according to the girl as no one had booked any when I called. But it will sell out fast now that people are staring preparations. Of course, there are Luxury hotels where you can pay 2 or 3 times that for about the same accomodations.

Gas mileage is important. I get 22-27 MPG in the Luxury car depending on the wind direction. Going up hills messes with me too, but it is mostly flat once we clear AZ. Going up to Colorado would take it down abit for just that portion. There are plenty of cheap motels along the way for $30-$40 a night. So far, I have found the ones free of bedbugs. That would be preferrable to trying to sleep in rest stops as I have found that is very uncomfortable and poor sleep endangers your road travel. 1000 miles a day is quite a hard run, but still possible. I don't see a need to pull a travel trailer if you use the cheap motels.

[N8CPA]

I guess this dates my last attendance. I flew in and had a rental car (all free with frequent flyer miles), I also had a great time.

fp

The last year for April was '95.

What's funny is that I have always lived within 70 miles of Hamvention, close enough to monitor the 2M traffic of the annual pilgrimage, but I have only attended 8 times. I joined the pilgrimage for the first time in
'92 and went the following three years. Of those, I think the only year it didn't rain was '95. I attended my first May Hamvention in '98, but only one day and that was the last time I attended on foot, and my last time for that century. I've only been a few times since I've been in the wheelchair--blisters!!! The fleamarket was practically impassable, except for paraolympians, maybe. And what's Hamvention without the fleamarket? So I only attended in '05 & '10 and only 1 day, each.

My portable scooter has changed everything in regard to HV. Last year was the first time since I got it and I was there all 3 days. I roamed inside and outside, every aisle at will--and look, ma, no blisters!

Some advice: If your routine is sedintary, or in a wheelchair, start conditioning now. And if you're in a scooter, be considerate of the pedestrians while you're there.

[WA4BRL]

...1000 miles a day is quite a hard run, but still possible. I don't see a need to pull a travel trailer if you use the cheap motels.

Maybe consider making the trip with a couple of friends and share the driving. 1000 miles a day would be 15 to 17 hours, which is only 5 to 6 hours driving for each. A 'Chinese fire drill' every 3 hours gives everyone opportunity to visit facilities, stretch their legs, and shake off any 'white line fever'. Only a half hour is sacrificed each day for a big increase in comfort.

Heck, the passengers during any 'shift' can have a ball working the world (one op, one logger) while the driver concentrates on the road. The Town Car offers the room and comfort. You have the technology. Put it all together and make a party of it!

[N8CPA]

Maybe consider making the trip with a couple of friends and share the driving. 1000 miles a day would be 15 to 17 hours, which is only 5 to 6 hours driving for each. A 'Chinese fire drill' every 3 hours gives everyone opportunity to visit facilities, stretch their legs, and shake off any 'white line fever'. Only a half hour is sacrificed each day for a big increase in comfort.

Heck, the passengers during any 'shift' can have a ball working the world (one op, one logger) while the driver concentrates on the road. The Town Car offers the room and comfort. You have the technology. Put it all together and make a party of it!

Hmm. W6D Crosscountry Towncar Technology Trek?

[KB2FCV]

When are a few of you left coasters going to start up a big hamfest out there! Las Vegas seems a natural location. It's easy to fly in and out of, has plenty of rooms, lots of convention space, and other activities/distractions.

Yes, but you just can't replace the beauty and charm of the Hara Arena...

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[N6MEJ]

Never to early to plan ahead and then the anticipation. I made reservations to set up and camp for the duration. As well, I always enjoy the drive time of a vacation. That was all before a recent auto accident that totalled my vehicle and left me with several broken ribs and a cracked sternum. Darn. This would have been my first time to Dayton. Well, there is always nex year. Have fun all.

73

Jerry/N6MEJ