One of My Last Evening Ham Radio Activations Before Winter Darkness - VEFF-3809 New Brunswick

As the autumn days grow shorter and the familiar embrace of early darkness begins to settle over the Maritimes, amateur radio operators know that the window for comfortable evening park activations is rapidly closing. It was with this sense of seasonal urgency that I made my way to River Of Fire Park in Richibucto, New Brunswick, for what would be one of my final evening VEFF activations before winter's early sunsets take hold.

Racing Against the Dying Light

There's something particularly poignant about these late-season activations. The urgency of setup becomes more pronounced as you watch the sun's arc grow lower and the golden hour arrive earlier each day. Soon, darkness will "cast its ugly head around dinner time," as any Maritime ham operator can attest to during the mid to late fall months. These October and November evenings demand efficiency and a certain acceptance that Mother Nature sets the operating schedule.

River Of Fire Park (VEFF-3809) provided the perfect backdrop for this seasonal transition. Located in the heart of Richibucto, this park holds special significance as a tribute to the local fishing community that has shaped the character of this New Brunswick coastal town for generations.

Honouring Maritime Heritage

What makes VEFF-3809 particularly meaningful is its dedication to the local fishermen. As I set up my portable station, I couldn't help but reflect on the generations of Maritime fishers who have worked these waters. The park serves as a living memorial to their contributions, and something is fitting about making radio contacts from a location that honours those who made their living communicating across the waters and depending on reliable communication for their safety and livelihood.

The VEFF (VE Flora and Fauna) program, as part of the broader World Wide Flora & Fauna initiative, encourages amateur radio operators to activate parks and protected areas while promoting awareness of Canada's natural and cultural heritage. (source: QSL.net VEFF Links) River Of Fire Park perfectly embodies this mission, combining natural beauty with cultural significance.

A Perfect Evening for Radio

The evening proved to be exceptional for both the activation and personal reflection. The crisp fall air provided excellent propagation conditions, and the peaceful park setting made for comfortable operating. As contacts rolled in, each exchange carried a bit of the park's story across the airwaves – from this small corner of New Brunswick to stations across North America and beyond.

The success of any VEFF activation isn't measured solely in the number of contacts logged, but in the connection formed between operator, location, and the broader amateur radio community. Each station worked becomes part of the park's amateur radio legacy, and each QSL card that will eventually be exchanged carries with it the story of River Of Fire Park and its tribute to local fishermen.

Seasonal Transitions and Radio Reflections

As I packed up my gear in the fading light, I was reminded why these late-season evening activations hold such appeal. There's a bittersweet quality to knowing that the comfortable shirt-sleeve weather and extended daylight hours are behind us for another year. Soon, park activations will require heavier clothing, earlier starts, or acceptance of operating in the dark.

But this seasonal transition also brings its own rewards. The approaching winter months offer different opportunities – snow-covered parks that take on entirely new characters, the possibility of enhanced propagation conditions, and the satisfaction that comes from successfully operating in challenging situations.

VEFF-3809 may have been one of my last comfortable evening activations of the season, but it certainly won't be my last park activation of the year. The program's emphasis on celebrating Canada's natural heritage while promoting amateur radio activities provides year-round opportunities for adventure and learning.

73 and see you in the parks!

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