I had a phone call from FTI , the antenna tower constructor, yesterday and was told they had planned to do the work today, which I ordered them before.
They, 5 people, have arrived here from Tokyo late in the morning. They have done all the job in a couple of hours. So fast!
Having cold tea we prepared for them, they have left for home early in the afternoon. A too quick process to get sentimental to say farewell to the tower I have used for 40 years. Their boss JF1IST seems to have retired and have his business taken over by his son. He used to build this tower in '80s.
With the big chestnut tree cut down recently, our garden at the south east corner has become vacant and quiet as it used to be. My father has planted various trees and vegetables there 40 years ago.
We had a couple of visitors, W6IJ Tommy, thosedays WJ6O, and his wife. He has taken some photos while JF1IST and the crew have built the tower, while I was at work. having come home, I found the tower and a tribander stacked with a 2 element beam for 40m set on it. For the next decade or two, I was mad at DX chasing and contesting. In 2000s, I have more absorbed in chatting on CW. This tower and antennas have brightened up my life. Through this hobby, I have known a lot of good friends. Besides old elmers whom I have known since '60s or early '80s, with this tower, I could easily talk to friends in the East Coast or in Europe. I won't name each of those whom I became friends with on tower/antenna but sure am reminded of them.
I am only grateful to the tower/antenna and the constructors. There used to be a few friends like JP1DJV who helped me to change or modify antennas.
Maybe, in some interval, I would come back to it with a tiny set up like I used to when moved here in 1979. When a person of the constructor as leaving here, I have kidded him I would aske them to build a new crank up tower. He was smiling at me.
A page has been turned in my ham radio career.
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