No. 108 D-Shaped Beavertail Cowhide Pouch

Cowhide D-shaped beavertail pouches have that iconic shape that folks easily recognize. This one is lined with red linen and features a small pocket inside. The pouch is fully welted, and the welt is decorated with small scallops that run all around and throughout the bag. A cowhide strap adorns the pouch and is adjustable with a hand-forged buckle.

Soda Lake POTA Activation US-10808

A Quiet Wyoming Gem for Ham Radio Just north of Pinedale, Wyoming, beneath the jagged skyline of the Wind River Mountains, lies Soda Lake — a broad, turquoise-colored basin that glows under the high-altitude sun. We’ve returned here a few times over the years, drawn back each time by the quiet solitude, the sweeping mountain views, and the wide-open radio horizon. This trip was no exception — two peaceful days of camping, hiking, and low-power Read More …

No. 104 Simple Cowhide Pouch

Sometimes simple is best. This cowhide pouch is built sturdy and straightforward. The body is made from solid cowhide, lined with goat, and trimmed in matching goat for a clean, sewn with linen thread. It’s a practical piece made for everyday use. The strap is cut from thicker cowhide for strength and durability, and it features a hand-forged buckle that adds both character and reliability. Inside, there’s a small pocket for keeping the little essentials Read More …

2025 Field Day

Field Day in the Shoshone National Forest – 2025 Recap This year’s ARRL Field Day found me traveling through the scenic wilds of Wyoming, specifically in the Shoshone National Forest at Fiddlers Lake Campground (grid square DN52np). Despite being off-grid and running solely on emergency power, I was able to jump into Field Day and make the most of it. Day 1: Digital Start, SSB Wins I operated 1B battery on my 12 amp hour Read More …

Sinclair, WY POTA US-10857

POTA at Dugway Recreation Site – Two Days, Two Activations, and Plenty of Fun This weekend I had the chance to activate a new-to-me POTA location: the Dugway Recreation Site BLM Management Area, a quiet and scenic spot tucked right alongside the North Platte River. I ended up activating the park twice over two days, and both sessions turned out to be short but satisfying. Day 1 – FT8 Contact Run For the first activation, Read More …

POTA Activation – Medicine Bow National Forest (US-4403)

Today marked my ninth activation of Medicine Bow National Forest (POTA Park US-4403) over the past two years. This place never gets old—quiet surroundings, good elevation, and reliable propagation make it a go-to spot on the map. I split the activation into two sessions, one before brunch and one after. In the morning, I logged 15 confirmed FT8 contacts, which was more than enough for a valid activation. But the bands were still open, so Read More …

Backyard Portable in Maryland

Ham Radio Station Report Location: Odenton, Maryland (operating from our daughter’s backyard) Operating Mode: FT8 & Phone Radio Equipment: Xiegu G90 Antenna: 20-meter dipole Transmitter Power: 10 watts RF My portable ham radio station in Odenton, Maryland, setup in our daughter’s backyard, is a remarkable example of how a minimal yet intelligently configured setup can yield impressive results. By employing the Xiegu G90 radio, 20-meter dipole antenna cut to resonance, and leveraging 10 watts of Read More …

Winter Field Day 2025

Winter Field Day + POTA: Activation at Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Reserve (US-7659) This year’s Winter Field Day was one to remember! I decided to combine the excitement of Winter Field Day with a Parks on the Air (POTA) activation — something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. The chosen spot? Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Reserve, park number US-7659. Despite the cold, the setup went smoothly. I ran with an ICOM 7300 as my transceiver Read More …