Friday, April 25, 2025 was a busy early morning in PAPA land. From Glendale, Burbank, LA, Tustin, Temecula, Perris and San Marcos, people left at or before 6 AM for Big Bear and the 2025 HamEscape.

The weather was cooperating (cold at 4000 ft but dry) so we got to the convention center in time to set up the booth and be ready by the time the doors opened at noon. Friday was a little light as far as attendance goes, which was expected but we had a constant flow of visitors to the PAPA booth. Some of us attended workshops and seminars. At 5 pm the doors closed and we were ready to check out our cabin that was going to be our home for the weekend. Other than a missing remote control for the TV I believe everything was there. I think we could come back next year. We all met up at a Mexican restaurant for dinner and like good piglets we were ready for bed afterwards. Or was it the long day that did us?

Saturday morning started off with a breakfast and you’ll have to ask those present in person how that went. I’ll report one thing here: Cecil’s coffee cup with content spilled all over the table. The handle was still in his hand; the cup just broke off. This guy REALLY has super powers in everything he does. There were people waiting at the door to get in at the convention center so that was very promising. We sold some radios, had an iPad set up for people to sign up for a free guest membership and it wouldn’t be PAPA if there wasn’t a raffle. The PAPA booth attracted Josh, KI6NAZ, from Ham Radio Crash Course and he spent some time on PAPA during his live stream.

Our own Michael, AF6FB, presented the PAPA system from history, over technological advancements, to attracting and retaining members. Around noon the promised snow flurries came in and that got us a little worried. Or in my case more than a little being I rode in on a motorcycle.

The day at the convention finished with the raffle drawing and the room was packed with happy people and some that were maybe a little disappointed.

For those that stayed at the cabin, we had another local dinner waiting. We chose to go to a grill/bar/restaurant that also had a band playing and 5 of us had to put in everything we had to hold RJ from starting a line dance. We spent the night at the cabin listening to the Saturday Night Round Table with Gilbert.

Sunday morning was time to pack up. Some of us went back to the swap meet at the convention center, others went straight home. Being on the motorcycle I decided to just stay at the cabin until 9 am hoping it would at least go above freezing temperature before hitting the road.

Everyone made it home safe and some more excited than others: two brand new HF radios went home and couldn’t wait to be installed. Keep your ears open for more HF activity from PAPA members!!
I’d say the convention was a success for the local organizers AND for PAPA. Only 52 more weeks till the next one.

Thank you RJ and Ivo for the images!