FROM THE WHITNEYS 2011 |
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Greetings, We usually wait until the first fall of snow to write our greetings. No snow here as yet, but have decided we can't wait any longer. In many ways, this year has been similar to 2010. Lu's shoulder and legs condition continues to limit our joint life style. However she continues to handle most of her household functions. During the year, she was able to attend a few major outside events and make weekly trips to Port Hadlock for hair dresser appointments, grocery shopping and to attend the Port Ludlow Amateur Radio Club luncheons. Fortunately, Bill has enjoyed fair health during the year and has maintained somewhat of his normal activity level. He enjoys participating in the CCA (Cruising Club of America) and the ANA (Association of Naval Aviation). He maintains a website for the local ANA Squadron which can be accessed at: http://www.anaolympic.org He shares webmaster responsibilities with a friend for the Pacific Northwest Station CCA website at: http://www.toandos.com/pnwcca.html Bill has continued his lifelong ham radio hobby. He checks in each day to the Seattle Yacht Club VHF net and the Northwest Boaters Net on 3.865 Mhz. He also maintains daily contact with a friend sailing down the Mexico coast. He has now erected a second radio tower and is presently assembling another beam antenna to install on it. The new "dream beam" antenna will provide additional frequency bands. When the new beam is operable, the designer and manufacturer plans to come over and experiment in phasing the new beam together with Bill's existing beam to provide increased signal gain to and from Europe. In May, Bill was guest crew aboard Alan Buchan's beautiful vessel "Radiant Star" for the CCA Station cruise in the Canadian Gulf Islands of British Columbia. The vessel is a converted 75 foot Scottish North Sea fishing trawler which has been refitted as a cruising yacht. They had a wonderful time and Bill has again been invited to join Alan for the CCA national cruise in the San Juan Islands in May of next year. Immediately following the Gulf Island cruise, Bill and friend, Bob Fuller, went to Dayton, Ohio to attend the national Hamvention, which is the world's largest amateur radio conference and gathering. In addition to lectures, all major "ham" radio equipment manufactures have extensive displays in the buildings and a huge flea market of individuals and commercial enterprises adjoins the builcings on the outside. While there, Bob and Bill both bought "dream beam" antennas. They also visited the Air Force National Museum which houses the only flyable Martin "Marauder" B-26, which type Bill flew in WW2. Bill's usual flying trips with son David were cancelled this year and they were unable to make their planned Alaska trip. David had prostate surgery in March and his pilot medical was suspended until late in the year. His medical has now been approved and they plan taking normal trips in 2012. On the Sunday following Veteran's day, Bill's CCA friend Dave Utley arranged for them to experience 4 hours in Alaska Airlines latest Boeing 737 flight simulator. Alaska Airlines considered it a Veteran's recognition event and they received a special welcome. The simulator was a tremendous experience. It was so realistic that Bill recognized our old Anchorage home on one of the takeoffs. During the year , we had a pole shelter built to house our small powerboat, our Ford pickup, and Bill's dozer. We currently have another major outside project in progress. We are installing a microhydro electric generation unit. A 750 foot penstock is in place providing about 30 gallons per minute of water flow from our irrigation water dam at about 100 feet of higher elevation. The flow will be directed into an impulse turbine powering a small generator which in turn will charge a 12 volt battery bank. From the battery bank an inverter will provide 110 volt ac power. It is a "fun" project but will provide a small amount of usable power to supplement winter heat requirements. It will also give valuable experience for a possible future larger size installation. We hope all is well with you and yours. Our very best wishes and may 2012 offer a memorable, rewarding and enjoyable year for all of us. MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Bill & Lu Whitney
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| Please visit Bill's Home Webpage at: http://www.toandos.com |
| Page background photo is glacier near Valdez, Alaska |
