The Journey, The Destination, and the "T-Shirt" Philosophy

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They say a picture is worth a thousand words. If you saw me today in my favorite t-shirt—the one that says, "Life is not about a destination, it's about a journey"—you might think I’m just a retired teacher enjoying the slow lane.

But in amateur radio, and especially in the ROTA mission, that phrase has a double meaning.

The 50-Year Scenic Route (The Journey)

I started this "journey" at age 15. In 1970, I was a Novice hunkered over a CW (Morse code) key. Today, at 71, I’m still tapping out code, but I’m also navigating digital waterfalls on the laptop from my recliner.

The "Journey" is the Fun. It’s the 50 years of evolving with the tech. It’s the rhythmic "dits and dahs" of HF CW, or the keyboard-to-keyboard handshake of a JS8Call contact. If the process wasn't enjoyable, I wouldn't spend my limited time doing it. But the journey isn't just for me—it's practice for when the "Destination" becomes a matter of life and death.

Ground Zero: When the Destination Matters

While I love the "scenic route" of a casual chat, I also have a specific Destination in mind.

Living in Fort Myers, I was at "Ground Zero" for Hurricane Ian. I saw what happens when the commercial grid—the phones, the internet, the power—simply vanishes for two weeks. Today, as the Communications Leader for my neighborhood CERT team, my "Destination" is clear: Connection.

  • The PACE Plan: Working with my partner Mark in Texas, we’ve built a "Digital Tunnel" using Starlink and HF Winlink.

  • The Mission: When the next storm hits, my destination isn't a DXCC trophy; it's passing a "Health and Welfare" message for a neighbor who has no other way to tell their family they are safe.

Why the Recliner? (The Balanced Life)

At 71, I view my time differently than I did at 15. I am a spouse and a caregiver. My life is a balance of duty and passion.

By operating ROTA (Recliners on the Air), I can run a disaster drill with Mark or check into "Winlink Wednesday" while sitting three feet away from my wife, Sue. I am "on the air" for my community, but I am "in the room" for my family.

Whether I’m in the literal recliner, sitting on the lanai, or parked by the lake on my golf cart, the goal is the same: Staying present for the journey, so I’m ready for the destination. 

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