As we head into the first double-digit month (and last quarter) of the year there are plenty of activities lined up. The California QSO Party, that one weekend where the world wants to talk to 6-calls, starts at 11 AM on the 5^th and runs through 3 PM on the 6^th. I’ll be working CW from home this year, so come find me on HF and get Yolo County in your log.

The second week of October is filled to the top with club events, starting off with our monthly VE testing session at 7 PM on the 7^th. We’ll be meeting at Smokey Pit Barbeque for our pre-session dinner, and everyone is invited to join the fun regardless of whether you’re proctoring, Elmering, testing, or just stopping by. We always have a great time helping new and upgrading hams discover their next step into the world of amateur radio!

Every second and fourth Wednesday of the month we have our “In the Shack” Zoom meeting where we talk about and show off all the projects we’re working on in (and sometimes out of) our radio shacks. On the 9^th, however, we have a special session featuring Kristen (K6WX) who will tell us all about grounding. Whether it’s electrical ground or RF ground, she’s got a lot to tell us about an important aspect in setting up a ham radio station. Everyone is invited, and you’ll likely see some new faces on Zoom at 7:30 PM.

This month’s club meeting will take place at 7:30 PM on the 11th at the Confluence (formerly Crossroads) Church in Auburn. Orion (AI6JB) has prepared a talk about radiosport, complete with tips and hints on how to maximize your score and work contests efficiently. Whether you’re a seasoned contester or new to this exciting side of amateur radio, join us for an informative time. Clyde (AB4CC) has a presentation all about antennas, so whether you’re unsure of which one to buy, setting out to build your own, or want to increase the performance of what you already have, this is one talk you definitely don’t want to miss! If you’re unable to attend in person, we always have an interactive meeting on Zoom where you can join the audience and ask questions just as if you were there.

The following day, we will have our yearly Fall picnic at Recreation Park in Auburn at 4 PM. This year’s event is a potluck, so bring your best and share it with the group while sampling all the great food everyone has to bring. Even though I’ll be at work on the 12^th, I’m not going to miss out on the fun and the moment closing duties are completed I’ll be heading up the hill to join in on the festivities.

We round out the month with our club breakfast at 7:30 AM on the 26^th. After three months of excellent food and atmosphere at Wings we’ll return to the cozy environment of Mels for some great portions and conversations. Following this, the first ever SFARC 24-hour long fox hunt starts at 9:30 AM. Designed to simulate an on-air jammer, this event will take you within 20 miles of downtown Auburn as you put your radio direction finding skills to the test. Remember, you don’t have to hold an amateur radio license to attend, and all you need is a receiver and the ability to locate the hidden transmitter! Have fun, make awesome memories, win great prizes, but first and foremost stay safe out there!

73 DE W6JCZ