Yesterday (Saturday) I went to PacifiCon.
This was the first time I’d went and I figure since I just moved to California, why not get to know the local ham community.
I knew that although this was a relatively popular conference, it’s dwarfed by the HamCations, etc. None of which I’ve been to.
I drove down from Santa Rosa and it took me about an hour and 15 minutes to get to the San Ramon Marriott, which is in a nice part of town right next to some shopping and restaurants
Here’s the video if you’d rather watch it
I registered ($35 which was for Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and walked around to look at the booths. I also took a walk around outside as it was gorgeous out and I love the tall redwoods and all the other flora in Northern California since they’re still out, unlike our home in Colorado where things are falling asleep for the winter.
I talked to people at almost every booth/table and sat and listened to some really good talks. I also shook hands and chatted with (i.e. eyeball QSOs) Steve Goodgame, K5ATA, Gordo, and Dave Casler, KE0OG.
I wasn’t able to QSO with the Parachutes on their air jumpers this time but I’ll definitely keep abreast of their activations. I also didn’t find the fox but my excuse is that while I was hunting the easier one, I got sidetracked and just took a walk amongst the woods and then realized there was a farmer’s market still going on in the town center area, which I got drawn into and had a look around.
All in all it was a fun day. I’ll probably go for a few more days next year and bring the XYL since she’d have a good time shopping nearby.
73,
KV0N
