[Granny Bear]

What is ham radio? There is no good short answer because are so many different branches of the hobby. I like tinkering with antennas and digital modes, which use very little power to communicate over thousands of miles.

I am wanting to combine hiking with ham radio, and there two large groups of ham radio operators that specialize in operating from parks and mountain peaks (Parks on the Air and Summits on the Air).

Amateur radio operators have their own constellation of communications satellites. You can use a hand held radio and antenna to talk to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Most astronauts are licensed amateur radio operators and regularly communicate with ham radio operators on the ground.

In this area, there are many local ham radio clubs that are very active. The Vienna Wireless Society just celebrated its 55th anniversary. Their meetings are usually attended by 35 or 40 members.

I had no idea! Wow!! Just wow!!!