Also note that we will normally get together after the event at Sizzler's Restaurant. Marvin, KE6HTS ******************** The first southern California on-foot transmitter hunt of 2008 will be this coming Saturday (2/2) at Lake Los Carneros Park in Goleta, CA. This will be the first in a series of events leading up to the USA ARDF Championships in Texas this May. But this course will be suitable for both beginners and experts. A ham radio license and knowledge of radio equipment are not required. Bring the kids and grandkids, then go out on the course with them! This event is being hosted by Marvin Johnston KE6HTS. The site area is slightly less than 140 acres and relatively flat. Full-color orienteering maps will be available. Some practice transmitters may also be on the air for you to find. The main 5-fox hunt begins at 10:30 AM. Hunters may start any time until 12:30 PM. Courses close at 2 PM. Electronic scoring will be used for the international-rules hunt. If you have an "e-stick," be sure to bring it. There is a $5 fee to cover expenses related to the use of Los Angeles Orienteering Club's e-punch equipment and maps. There will be no charge to hunt the beginner transmitters. Bring any 2-meter RDF "sniffing" gear you have. If you don't have any, just bring your handi-talkie or scanner. If you don't have that, come anyway, because a limited number of RDF sets will be available for loan. Also be sure to bring anything you'll need while going after those radio foxes, such as munchies, bottled water and sunscreen. Bring your own compass, protractor and pencil if you plan to use them for map marking. Make sure that all batteries are fresh. Meet at the Stow House Parking Lot just off of Los Carneros Road.

From US 101 about 8 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara, take the Los Carneros Road exit, head north about 1/4 mile and turn right into the parking lot. There should be plenty of free parking. Look for the orange-and-white orienteering flag. A map for navigation to the site is at www.homingin.com.

In case of rainy or very wet conditions, the event will be postponed for two weeks. If the weather looks uncertain as the weekend approaches, watch your e-mail for any follow-up announcements on this list. 73, Joe Moell K0OV