Time To Quit POTA?

Is It Time to Quit Parks On The Air?
The rising cost of fuel in the Maritimes, currently hovering around $1.65 per litre, is making it increasingly expensive for amateur radio enthusiasts to participate in Parks On The Air (POTA) activities. With new parks located several hours away, the financial burden of frequent activations is becoming a significant concern.
The Financial Strain of POTA
For many, the joy of activating parks and making contacts is tempered by the reality of high travel costs. The fuel price can quickly add up, making each trip a considerable expense. This is particularly true for those in the Maritimes, where distances between parks can be substantial.
Adjusting to New Realities
Stuart VE9CF, a dedicated POTA participant, has decided not to quit but to scale back his activities. He acknowledges that while the recognition and awards from POTA are enjoyable, they don't hold significant value in the grand scheme of life. Instead, Stuart focuses on balancing his hobby with his responsibilities at home.
A New Approach to POTA
Stuart plans to continue with POTA but with a more strategic approach. He aims to activate unique locations and experiment with new equipment, turning these experiences into content for KZbin videos. This shift allows him to maintain his passion for amateur radio while more effectively managing costs and responsibilities.
Conclusion
While the high fuel cost is a valid concern for many POTA enthusiasts, it doesn't necessarily mean the end of the hobby. By adjusting their approach, participants like Stuart VE9CF can continue to enjoy POTA more sustainably and more fulfilling. Stay tuned for more exciting adventures and innovations in Parks On The Air!
#ParksOnTheAir, #AmateurRadio, #HamRadio, #POTA, #RadioActivations, #FuelCosts, #Maritimes, #UniqueLocations, #RadioEquipment, #KZbinContent, #HobbyBalance, #TravelCosts, #RadioAdventures, #SustainableHobby
----
Check out our 2024 POTA Expedition to Grindstone Island CA-1239 on October 12, 2024. www.ve9pota.com
Join our Parks DX Facebook Group - / 453123950574917

[@deankq4adj125]

Thanks for hunting me last week, great contact from middle Georgia.

[@outnaboot]

Hunting it a lot of fun 🙂

[@VA3OSO]

Thanks for the park to park contact from the states on Saturday.

[@outnaboot]

My pleasure

[@donmurphy3916]

NO!!!!!!! Maybe slow down a bit!! But keep it going!!

[@outnaboot]

Thats the plan

[@ve3pcp]

Just slow down, stay close to home.

[@outnaboot]

That’s the plan…we’ll at least combine with other event like this weekend in New Hampshire.

[@ve3pcp]

I got out of POTA several years ago for reasons I won't get in to. I have a Provincial Park literally in my back yard and a national historic site, lighthouse, about 20km south of me. Those were the two I activated most and had a kilo award from both.

[@outnaboot]

@@ve3pcp Thanks, I would love to know more. POTA is great for the fun of portable ham radio...which I love...DX and working portable; however, working rare DX is more fun for me. I would rather take that $300 in fuel and invest into better antenna systems and power 🙂

[@ve3pcp]

@@outnaboot I can sure understand that. Here is a video from 2019 from my local park. I did two that day. One in the morning from the lighthouse. I was using a Kenwood TS 850 on a deep cycle battery and a Hustler mobile antenna on 20M in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGmoaoiBgdyJn8ksi=QuFtojZHEuxi-Amm

[@nicolaiitchenko7610]

Holy cow! "hovering around $1.65 per litre" in Canada! Here in Australia we are being told we have some of the cheapest fuel in the world by Labor Party (read Democrat/socialist/union controlled) politicians at an average of $2.00 (Diesel) and $1.80 (no the Premium ($2.10) gasoline) per litre. AND we here are always travelling many, many kms between towns because the distances between and within states is extreme with most of the population spread up and down the East coast from Cairns in the North to Melbourne in the South - a distance of about 3500km. along the populated route via Sydney and Brisbane

[@outnaboot]

Crazy what politicians will tell you...

[@cabrerajay]

Hope to see you soon in the ☀️ state!! Stop by US-6324!!! K1MCO

[@outnaboot]

One day we'll get down there...have lots of other places I also would love to visit for the first time.