KØOV's Photo Album
of the 2011 USA and IARU-R2 ARDF Championships
Page 4 of 5
After finishing, competitors downloaded their electronic scoring sticks. Their results were immediately available to everyone, thanks to the new FjwW software and a Wi-Fi broadcast. Jerry Boyd, WB8WFK (closest to camera) operates the FjwW computer. Next to him is Marvin Johnston, KE6HTS operating a backup scoring system with SportIdent software. Observing is Matthias Kuehlewein, DL3SDO.
Mike Pendley K5ATM (left) and Scott Stevenson KC5VVB check the 2m scores via the continuous Wi-Fi broadcast. Mike was in charge of lodging and transportation, including the buses. Scott was in charge of the starting sequence each competition day.
Competitors continued to discuss their routes and their performances as they waited for the last competitors to come in.
Ardee Fox and Hamlet, USA's official ARDF mascots, presided over the finish area as always. Ardee is getting neck strain from all of his medals from previous USA championships.
The traditional championships "banquet" took place at the event hotel on Saturday evening. The Canadian team posed with its flag. Left to right are Nick Roethe DF1FO, Stevie Van Skiver VE7SMX, Grant Van Skiver VE7GVS and Keith Witney VE7MID. Although Nick lives in Germany now, he was born in Canada.
Co-chair Mike Pendley K5ATM presided over the awards ceremony at the banquent, where medals for the two-meter competition were presented. Co-chair Jerry Boyd WB8WFK wanted to be there too, but he was busy getting ready for the next morning's 80-meter course.
Marvin Johnston KE6HTS handed out the medals and congratulated the winners. Nick Roethe DF1FO received R2 silver in M50 category, finishing less than one minute behind the gold medalist.
Susanne Walz DG4SFF received a visitor gold medal in the W35 category.
Ardee Fox also received another medal for his collection.
On Sunday morning, the coach made a brief stop at the barricaded entrance to Sulphur Canyon, about 350 meters from the finish area. Just days before, that canyon had been closed due to multiple bear sightings..
Rangers had noticed that a certain berry, found in abundance in Sulphur canyon, was attracting bears in unusually large numbers. Everyone was told that they were not only in danger in Sulphur Canyon, but they risked a $10,000 fine if seen by a Forest Service official there.
The organizers gave participants a special map page showing the closure area and the detour that they would have to take to get to the finish line.
80m ARDF sets in the impound area. Most had loop antennas, but there were a few with ferrite rod antennas.
Mounting and marking maps at a picnic table near the starting line.
The first group of 80m starters is ready. Left to right are USA competitors Dale Hunt WB6BYU, Bill Smathers KG6HXX, Karla Leach KC7BLA, Bob Frey WA6EZV and Matthew Robbins AA9YH.
The 80m starting corrodor was a trail that led off into the woods. Leading this group are Thomas Krahn KT5TK and Brian DeYoung K4BRI.
Kostiantyn Zolochevskyi sets out on 80 meters on his way to a visitor silver award.
Leaving the 80m start, Vadim Afonkin KB1RLI is followed by Alla Mezhevaya.
Zhen Shuyi BD6NX from China in the 80m start corridor.
Bob Cooley KF6VSE, followed by Nicolai Mejevoi and Nick Roethe DF1FO.
