I’ve been fascinated by “the magic of radio” ever since I was a young boy. Living in the rural Appalachians in Virginia I spent countless hours enjoying the “magic” on the night time AM broadcast band. By my early teens I became a devoted shortwave listener. I subsequently worked part time in commercial broadcasting while preparing for a career in medicine.
After letting professional endeavors crowd out my radio interests for over 2 decades, I became a Technician Class operator in 1994. I particularly enjoyed working VHF/UHF SSB, SSTV, and satellite modes. Along the way I developed some very special friendships. But ultimately I again allowed professional demands to crowd out time for the hobby.
Finally, I committed to upgrading so “I can ride the next solar cycle” and again experience the “magic of radio” enriching the friendships I have while developing new friendships through the hobby. I got my General Class ticket in July, 2010 and upgraded to Extra Class at the Dayton Hamvention May, 20012.
I’ve just upgraded my antennas and am really enjoying the enhanced propagation on all the HF bands from 80 meters up. Even though I’m in my mid sixties, I’ve found the little boy inside me is still alive and being energetically drawn back to “the magic of radio”. We hope to have lots of fun with the hobby for years to come.
Thanks to WD4GSM, KB4DFK, and KC4ATS for mentoring me and for our special friendship.
Deep appreciation to W4HV (sadly now a silent key) for his invaluable suggestions and assistance installing the tower and antennas as well as producing the amazing cage antennas.
And a very special thanks to my wife Vicki, who remains supportive in spite of the tower and all the antennas that are in plain sight for all to see.
Thanks for visiting.
Gary
In beautiful Powell Valley near Big Stone Gap, Virginia (see pictures)
