Hello Tracy, I have been in the same situation, I was 57-58 when everything seemed like to turn on me, I was an IT Operations Manager in the banking sector, available 24x7 even when on vacation. I was a diver then, I tell you my mobile phone was on until I was kitted up ready to dive and the phone went back on the moment I arrived at the car, before I was taking my kit off. At 59 it was all too much, depression, working on management reports in the weekend. I was tired too of the intriges at work, the backstabbing, the political, the eternal discussions, writing reports virtually all day long. At one Monday I decided it was enough, I was 59 as I wrote and resigned. It took 8 months to be completely free. I wasn't eligible for my pension so I financed myself until I got my 1st pension at 60. That is now 5 years ago, Nowadays going on pension can't be before 63 in Belgium. The young folks will have to work till 67 to have a full pension. The only regret I have is that I didn't quit a year or 2 earlier. I could have financed it, no problem. Think it over Tracy. Perhaps time to start living life to the fullest. Take care my friend. Gust ON6KE
Had missed your very enjoyable videos, glad to see you again. STRESS KILLS, Relax, unwind, and forget any expectations on you. Us FT-897 operators gotta hang around! I was all excited about Field Day, then the weather forecast hit! Severe Thunderstoms all week and weekend, for once they were correct. Oh well I at least got on air on FS8Call with an indoor antenna so I didn't miss it all. I did have some fun and am working toward next year (and winter field day) already. Rest up, You have one of my favorite RUclips channels! 73
Hi Tracy I used to operate 1B portable at my family’s 11 acre farm for years, until my father passed away 4 years ago and the farm was sold. I continue the tradition operating portable in my backyard. I have a good sized yard and a 16x16 shed that I set up in. I put up a 20m ground plane and a EF long wire, and I’m on the air. I’m retired and 65, and have scaled back my operating time and the scope of my operation. I’m like you that Field Day is a weekend I look forward to every year. I did my first FD when I was 16, with a local club, and many years later I appreciated how good these guys were on the air and how lucky I was to learn from them. That’s probably why I still operate Field Day 49 years later. Dave K7DR near Detroit, MI
Hi Dave, thank you for leaving a comment! I'm sorry to hear about your Father's passing. It sounds like you have a very nice setup at home. I have a very small backyard so going out portable gives me the best chance to operate a station with a decent antenna. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Really enjoyed this Field Day/POTA video Tracy! Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Stress can really wear down a body and even cause strokes and heart attacks as I am sure you know. Get some good sleep, eat light healthy meals and go for a daily 30 minute walk. I am glad I was able to retire at 62. Take care my friend...73!
I am 59 this year and am beginning to feel the pace and pressure at work. I have also been told that there may be redundancy in the near future so that in itself brings with it its own pressures. Don't let life drive you down, find time to unwind and relax, good luck.
Man, your videos make me want to get outside and do some camping. Cannot wait to get my Technician license next month. I know about heart problems. I had triple by pass surgery on October 29, 2018. Nearly died on the operating table; am alive only by the miracle of the Good Lord. It took me over a month to come off the respirator and another month in the hospital. Even had a feed tube inserted into my stomach. I had the best heart surgeon in the whole United States of America. He is a retired army Colonel who worked on our troops in Afghanistan and had only recently retired and gotten back from Afghanistan when he operated on me. The very finest surgeon, his name is Dr. Petros Lononan or Pete as everyone called him. He and the Good Lord saved my life.
Great video!!! I love working FD of course since getting back into the hobby in 2017 after being off the air for 11 yrs the local club had fallen apart and no longer did FD. So now I operate FD in my back yard. Also, I found POTA this spring and love it as well, feels like a mini FD. I have activated one park here in WV, a ATNO, Babcock State Park back on September 1st, 2019. I made 13 contacts in 35 minutes running QRP with a FT-817ND and also my uBitx that I built. I have hunted over 44 contacts from my home QTH. Thanks for sharing your time in the field. Juddie WD8WV
Great job getting out there Tracy! I totally get it! You had your Field Day despite adversity and persevered. I appreciate your authenticity and willingness to share your life and experiences just as they are - believe it or not, it helps me cope with what is going on in my life as well as I try to catch all your videos and am a great fan of yours as a fellow QRP operator who's learned a lot from your presentations! I was a 1B as well this year and was able to get to a ridge in Eastern Washington. There was a windstorm early Sunday morning that took out my Elk log-periodic and smashed it to bits against the rocks around my camp. Hey, that's really what it's all about with "emergency ops", as we conform to the elements and not vice-versa. Enjoy your well deserved time off and thank you for all your hard work on getting the message out and sharing your wisdom! 73 David, K7GYB
Thanks Tracy,.. really good to see you here, the modern world has the same effect on many, and I can definetly assimilate, just good to see you here, you have influenced my amateur radio choices, and Im sure for many others as well, take care of no. 1,., all the best.. 73s, thx for the video,.. A92GW
Sorry to hear of the stress Tracy. Hope you're looking at retiring soon like me. Another great video - at least you made some contacts LOL. The radio I tried just isn't any good.
Another enjoyable video Tracy, thank you again for taking the trouble to record and put it togther. Many of us feel your pain and can relate in some way to how you're feeling. I hope you find a blance sometimes soon but please take satisfaction in the enjoyment your content is giving others. You do realise you also just started an new head gear craze ! 😎👍7e de M6IEH
Hi Tim, thank you very much for leaving your comment. It means a lot to me. Love those Buff bandanas, they even fit comfortably on large melons like mine. 73 from VE3TWM.
It is always a joy to see your videos, I agree that Sunday morning is the better day for my QRP station. This year I did both SSB and CW but I found SSB to be a little more intense with discourteous operators. CW was a lot more relaxed and more fun. As I told you last year, Field Day is not over for me until I see your video. I’am already planning for next year. Charlie KM4ZZ
Hey Tracy! Field Day and POTA together! Great outing! I agree with your thoughts about setting up in a secluded spot. Go figure, we want to make contacts! 73 de Chris K2CJB
Nice video. I got out on Saturday afternoon an it was saturated and tough to get through to some stations. Your 40m was a lot quieter. I like the Sunday morning post burn out idea too. Might try that for next time or on winter field day. Also, I learned to rappel when I was in the reserves at Rattlesnake Point. :) de VE3MXU.
de AC7AX: Sir I always enjoy your videos. This one is no exception. I too am using an FT-897, an oldie but a goodie. At our age stress is a bad thing. Take care of yourself and keep making videos. 73
Great job Tracy, wished I could have talked to you on the air. Worked 4 watts battery and solar on field day. Only got 32 contacts. You really inspired me. 73s from Dan n9xck...
Hi Dan, thank you for your comment. I'm still hoping we can link up on a future trip to WI. 32 contacts is an achievement. Congratulations! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
So cool you got a Timmy's lol....I passed that park but never been to it off hiway 25....Either way, amazing video, i loved the story line you gave....Thumbs up!!!!!!
Enjoy your videos, I made one of the PVC supports myself and at one point had the same issue with soft ground, it's our winter at the moment. Using bigger pegs and solved issue. Using the Ft-897D also. Stress is a threat to us all, relax and unwind field day hopefully helped. Keep up the great videos it has certainly got me out portable. Hopefully POTA will become active here in ZL 73 Glenn ZL1MY
Hi Glenn, thank you for sharing your experience and for the advice, it is appreciated. Continued good luck with your portable ops. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Tracy Nice video. I’m glad you got the chance to get out for Field day. I had to work from home but still enjoyed it. I noticed you are Left handed also. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one in their right mind Lol 73’ Ed KC3GHC.
Tracy, the tiredness is a clue your body is sending to your brain that retirement is near and you should begin preparing your mindset that the big R is closer than you think. Don't understand why drive up campers use some of the same light weight radio gear that they do when hiking or backpack camping. My rule of thumb, when using a light duty fiberglass pole, no antenna using larger than 18 AWG wire. Preferably 22 AWG or 26 AWG. The extra weight of the wire larger than 18 AWG plus the balun pulls the thin top of the pole over and nearly a loss of 10 feet elevation. When camping at a campsite that permits driving your vehicle up to or within short walking distance you should bring on the thicker walled fiberglass telescopic mast, e.g. - Max-Gain, Systems, Inc. (mds4u.com) MK-8-H, 50 ft, 7-section mast. Collapsed this mast weighs 26 pounds. Definitely not a back packable mast for us older guys. This mast, MK-8-HD does not flex like a fishing or squid pole. I am 72y and with the aide of a 3-step ladder have no difficulty raising this mast and antenna, alone. Cost of mast is within reason for my fixed pension income, too. I am one, like you, that looks at Field Day as the ultimate amateur radio event of the year. I missed 1 FD, 1999, to attend my Son's US Army Boot Camp graduation Ceremony. That's 1 out of 32 while being a licensed ham for 33 years. BCNU KB8AMZ
I love that 50 ft. fiber glass mast that you use. I'm gonna have to get one after I get my Technician license next month. You must be using an inverted V. What license do you have? Any contacts from China?
For this video, I used a seriously inverted V. You can see more information about the deployment in my HyEndFed Field Day Field Test video. I am in Canada where the license classes are different. I have Basic + 5 words per minute CW. No contacts from China in the log yet. Good luck on your upcoming test!
I typically pack camp food: oatmeal packets for breakfast, wraps with a spread for lunch, freeze dried meals for dinner. Trail mix or fruit for snacks and lots of water. I use a JetBoil to heat water. Easy and fast.
Hello Tracy,
I have been in the same situation, I was 57-58 when everything seemed like to turn on me, I was an IT Operations Manager in the banking sector, available 24x7 even when on vacation. I was a diver then, I tell you my mobile phone was on until I was kitted up ready to dive and the phone went back on the moment I arrived at the car, before I was taking my kit off. At 59 it was all too much, depression, working on management reports in the weekend. I was tired too of the intriges at work, the backstabbing, the political, the eternal discussions, writing reports virtually all day long. At one Monday I decided it was enough, I was 59 as I wrote and resigned. It took 8 months to be completely free. I wasn't eligible for my pension so I financed myself until I got my 1st pension at 60. That is now 5 years ago, Nowadays going on pension can't be before 63 in Belgium. The young folks will have to work till 67 to have a full pension. The only regret I have is that I didn't quit a year or 2 earlier. I could have financed it, no problem.
Think it over Tracy. Perhaps time to start living life to the fullest.
Take care my friend.
Gust ON6KE
Great comment, thanks for sharing
I truly appreciate your advice, Gus. I'm happy you made the right call. Soon it will be my turn. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Had missed your very enjoyable videos, glad to see you again. STRESS KILLS, Relax, unwind, and forget any expectations on you. Us FT-897 operators gotta hang around! I was all excited about Field Day, then the weather forecast hit! Severe Thunderstoms all week and weekend, for once they were correct. Oh well I at least got on air on FS8Call with an indoor antenna so I didn't miss it all. I did have some fun and am working toward next year (and winter field day) already. Rest up, You have one of my favorite RUclips channels! 73
Thank you very much for your advice, I really appreciate it. Glad to hear you were able to participate. 73 from VE3TWM.
Hi Tracy
I used to operate 1B portable at my family’s 11 acre farm for years, until my father passed away 4 years ago and the farm was sold. I continue the tradition operating portable in my backyard. I have a good sized yard and a 16x16 shed that I set up in. I put up a 20m ground plane and a EF long wire, and I’m on the air. I’m retired and 65, and have scaled back my operating time and the scope of my operation.
I’m like you that Field Day is a weekend I look forward to every year. I did my first FD when I was 16, with a local club, and many years later I appreciated how good these guys were on the air and how lucky I was to learn from them. That’s probably why I still operate Field Day 49 years later.
Dave K7DR near Detroit, MI
Hi Dave, thank you for leaving a comment! I'm sorry to hear about your Father's passing. It sounds like you have a very nice setup at home. I have a very small backyard so going out portable gives me the best chance to operate a station with a decent antenna. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Really enjoyed this Field Day/POTA video Tracy! Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Stress can really wear down a body and even cause strokes and heart attacks as I am sure you know. Get some good sleep, eat light healthy meals and go for a daily 30 minute walk. I am glad I was able to retire at 62. Take care my friend...73!
Thank you very much! I know you are right and I will do my best. 73 from VE3TWM.
I am 59 this year and am beginning to feel the pace and pressure at work. I have also been told that there may be redundancy in the near future so that in itself brings with it its own pressures. Don't let life drive you down, find time to unwind and relax, good luck.
Brother, I am completely empathetic. I hope both of us can safely navigate these waters for the years to come.
Man, your videos make me want to get outside and do some camping. Cannot wait to get my Technician license next month. I know about heart problems. I had triple by pass surgery on October 29, 2018. Nearly died on the operating table; am alive only by the miracle of the Good Lord. It took me over a month to come off the respirator and another month in the hospital. Even had a feed tube inserted into my stomach. I had the best heart surgeon in the whole United States of America. He is a retired army Colonel who worked on our troops in Afghanistan and had only recently retired and gotten back from Afghanistan when he operated on me. The very finest surgeon, his name is Dr. Petros Lononan or Pete as everyone called him. He and the Good Lord saved my life.
Thank you for your comment and for sharing your story. Take care, my friend.
Great to have you back ! Really enjoy your honest practical reports with real challenges and helpful advice.
73s g4kww
Thank you, James! 73 from VE3TWM.
You had a wonderful Sunday! Due to a couple of unfortunate events, my Field Day was a wash-out. Seeing your success made me feel better. Thanks.
Thank you for your comment, David! Sorry to hear your Field Day was spoiled. Next Year!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks!
Great video!!! I love working FD of course since getting back into the hobby in 2017 after being off the air for 11 yrs the local club had fallen apart and no longer did FD. So now I operate FD in my back yard. Also, I found POTA this spring and love it as well, feels like a mini FD. I have activated one park here in WV, a ATNO, Babcock State Park back on September 1st, 2019. I made 13 contacts in 35 minutes running QRP with a FT-817ND and also my uBitx that I built. I have hunted over 44 contacts from my home QTH. Thanks for sharing your time in the field. Juddie WD8WV
Thank you for sharing your experience, Juddie!
I get it! Low energy! I'm 55 and still kicking. I'm lagging getting my HF station up and running. Great Videos!
Thank you! Now get that HF station on the air 👍
Good to see back you after a long gap...wish u all the best for your health...
Thank you very much!
Great job getting out there Tracy! I totally get it! You had your Field Day despite adversity and persevered. I appreciate your authenticity and willingness to share your life and experiences just as they are - believe it or not, it helps me cope with what is going on in my life as well as I try to catch all your videos and am a great fan of yours as a fellow QRP operator who's learned a lot from your presentations! I was a 1B as well this year and was able to get to a ridge in Eastern Washington. There was a windstorm early Sunday morning that took out my Elk log-periodic and smashed it to bits against the rocks around my camp. Hey, that's really what it's all about with "emergency ops", as we conform to the elements and not vice-versa. Enjoy your well deserved time off and thank you for all your hard work on getting the message out and sharing your wisdom! 73 David, K7GYB
Always great to hear from you, David. Thank you for leaving your comment. Sounds like you had an adventure. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
good luck with the fielday nice to hear you this is CE4BYV the handle is ALF ,I wish you all the Best ,kind regards ,73s
Thank you, Alf! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Thanks Tracy,.. really good to see you here, the modern world has the same effect on many, and I can definetly assimilate, just good to see you here, you have influenced my amateur radio choices, and Im sure for many others as well, take care of no. 1,., all the best.. 73s, thx for the video,.. A92GW
Thank you for your comment, Thoma. It's greatly appreciated. 73 from VE3TWM.
You are a real trooper Tracy. Way to deal with life and keep on going. If I ever get back home to Maine and get set up, I hope I get to work you. 73
Thank you for your comment, Tim! I'm looking forward to that contact. 73 from VE3TWM.
Really enjoy your videos. Me too, I don't mind even extreme weather except the combination of hot and humid. Take care. 73.
Thank you for your comment, Walter! 73 from VE3TWM.
Sorry to hear of the stress Tracy. Hope you're looking at retiring soon like me. Another great video - at least you made some contacts LOL. The radio I tried just isn't any good.
Thank you, Rick! Hope you are well, my friend.
Hey Tracy. Very interesting video. Love my lightweight HyEndfed EFHW. 73 from UK. M0XMX
Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.
Another enjoyable video Tracy, thank you again for taking the trouble to record and put it togther. Many of us feel your pain and can relate in some way to how you're feeling. I hope you find a blance sometimes soon but please take satisfaction in the enjoyment your content is giving others. You do realise you also just started an new head gear craze ! 😎👍7e de M6IEH
Hi Tim, thank you very much for leaving your comment. It means a lot to me. Love those Buff bandanas, they even fit comfortably on large melons like mine. 73 from VE3TWM.
It is always a joy to see your videos, I agree that Sunday morning is the better day for my QRP station. This year I did both SSB and CW but I found SSB to be a little more intense with discourteous operators. CW was a lot more relaxed and more fun.
As I told you last year, Field Day is not over for me until I see your video. I’am already planning for next year.
Charlie
KM4ZZ
Always nice to hear from you, Charlie! Thank you for your comment. Congrats on your Field Day activity. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Great job sir! I think your FT-897D is great radio. Your doing a great job. 73's
Thank you very much, Gerry! 73 from VE3TWM.
Thanks for sharing enjoyed your video
Thank you, Philip!
Hey Tracy! Field Day and POTA together! Great outing! I agree with your thoughts about setting up in a secluded spot. Go figure, we want to make contacts! 73 de Chris K2CJB
Thank you very much, Chris! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Nice video. I got out on Saturday afternoon an it was saturated and tough to get through to some stations. Your 40m was a lot quieter. I like the Sunday morning post burn out idea too. Might try that for next time or on winter field day. Also, I learned to rappel when I was in the reserves at Rattlesnake Point. :) de VE3MXU.
Hi Mike, thank you for leaving a comment. Winter Field Day is on my to-do list. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
de AC7AX: Sir I always enjoy your videos. This one is no exception. I too am using an FT-897, an oldie but a goodie. At our age stress is a bad thing. Take care of yourself and keep making videos. 73
Thank you very much, Jim! Gotta love the 897. I truly appreciate your advice. 73 from VE3TWM.
I operated 1B QRP from a family reunion as portable VE3. Reunion inevitably falls on Field Day each year. Take care of yourself first. 73, JP, K8AG
Way to squeeze it in, JP! 73 from VE3TWM.
Great job Tracy, wished I could have talked to you on the air. Worked 4 watts battery and solar on field day. Only got 32 contacts. You really inspired me. 73s from Dan n9xck...
Hi Dan, thank you for your comment. I'm still hoping we can link up on a future trip to WI. 32 contacts is an achievement. Congratulations! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir anytime you want we can meet and maybe go to the park to set up and play radio.
So cool you got a Timmy's lol....I passed that park but never been to it off hiway 25....Either way, amazing video, i loved the story line you gave....Thumbs up!!!!!!
Thank you very much!
Enjoy your videos, I made one of the PVC supports myself and at one point had the same issue with soft ground, it's our winter at the moment. Using bigger pegs and solved issue.
Using the Ft-897D also.
Stress is a threat to us all, relax and unwind field day hopefully helped.
Keep up the great videos it has certainly got me out portable. Hopefully POTA will become active here in ZL
73 Glenn ZL1MY
Hi Glenn, thank you for sharing your experience and for the advice, it is appreciated. Continued good luck with your portable ops. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Great video again mate. Take care of yourself and prioritise your health and life over work.
Thank you for the sage advice, Stuart!
Tracy
Nice video.
I’m glad you got the chance to get out for Field day.
I had to work from home but still enjoyed it.
I noticed you are Left handed also.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one in their right mind Lol
73’ Ed
KC3GHC.
Thank you, Ed. Us lefties have to stick together! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Kindred spirit. Field day wass my favorite from the start. Hope to work you POTA park to park. Look for NX1Q or K1YAH.
I'm looking forward to that contact!
Me too. What's a good way to let you know that we are out at a park in case you have a home set up you can turn on?
Sorry if you mentioned it, but I didn't copy how much power you were running with the battery. Nice set up. Glad you didn't miss it. Great video.
20 watts. Thank you for your comment, it's appreciated.
Hey really enjoyed watching your video as usual. I too am a die hard HF field ops tragic:) most importantly, take care of your health, 73s.
Thank you, Avi. I'll do my best. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Loved the vid. Glad you got out on FD. Hope you get to the dr. Soon.
Thank you, Jay!
"HF portable" ...yea !!, so glad he didn't say..."Digital"
LOL!
Thank's for Millwaukee
👍
Tracy, the tiredness is a clue your body is sending to your brain that retirement is near and you should begin preparing your mindset that the big R is closer than you think. Don't understand why drive up campers use some of the same light weight radio gear that they do when hiking or backpack camping. My rule of thumb, when using a light duty fiberglass pole, no antenna using larger than 18 AWG wire. Preferably 22 AWG or 26 AWG. The extra weight of the wire larger than 18 AWG plus the balun pulls the thin top of the pole over and nearly a loss of 10 feet elevation. When camping at a campsite that permits driving your vehicle up to or within short walking distance you should bring on the thicker walled fiberglass telescopic mast, e.g. - Max-Gain, Systems, Inc. (mds4u.com) MK-8-H, 50 ft, 7-section mast. Collapsed this mast weighs 26 pounds. Definitely not a back packable mast for us older guys. This mast, MK-8-HD does not flex like a fishing or squid pole. I am 72y and with the aide of a 3-step ladder have no difficulty raising this mast and antenna, alone. Cost of mast is within reason for my fixed pension income, too.
I am one, like you, that looks at Field Day as the ultimate amateur radio event of the year. I missed 1 FD, 1999, to attend my Son's US Army Boot Camp graduation Ceremony. That's 1 out of 32 while being a licensed ham for 33 years. BCNU KB8AMZ
Great video. Keep up good job! I had only one QSO on 10m...
Thank you, Tom. We will get together, I promise.
Nice video Tracy; greetings from Chile 🇨🇱 CE4UGI Juan David
Thank you very much, Juan David! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Great videos!! Just curious about what brand your clock is? I'm looking for something and that seems to fit the bill perfectly
Hi Greg, I got the clock at IKEA several years ago.
I love that 50 ft. fiber glass mast that you use. I'm gonna have to get one after I get my Technician license next month. You must be using an inverted V. What license do you have? Any contacts from China?
For this video, I used a seriously inverted V. You can see more information about the deployment in my HyEndFed Field Day Field Test video. I am in Canada where the license classes are different. I have Basic + 5 words per minute CW. No contacts from China in the log yet. Good luck on your upcoming test!
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks.
OUF you look very tired. These are a clear warning to take a break. VA2SOB Claude
Thank you for the advice, Claude, it's much appreciated.
Field Day was great, but how 'bout them Tabbies?!?!
3-0, but I'm not forecasting a Grey Cup yet...that's something the Argos would do! 73 Mike.
Is everything ok ? No news or video from you. VA2SOB - 73
Hi Claude, I took some much needed downtime. More videos to come in the months ahead. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
Great video Tracy! 73s KD9JEO
Thank you, David! 73 from VE3TWM.
how do you manage foo0d on these ocations?
I typically pack camp food: oatmeal packets for breakfast, wraps with a spread for lunch, freeze dried meals for dinner. Trail mix or fruit for snacks and lots of water. I use a JetBoil to heat water. Easy and fast.
I loath fielding a bunch of redundant questions about the hobby every time i plant an antenna.
Really enjoyed the video and information.
K4JED
Thank you, John!