Only problem I see is the possibility of importing a non-indigenous species that has unintended consequences.? And perhaps a serious discussion with the customs and agriculture folks.? Checking beforehand might save a lot of trouble.? Kinda like the Salt Cedar tree?
Before the band police jump on this, let’s tie it to the FT-817.? If you drop a 20-pound melon on your 817, ?it will probably dent it badly.? Something that started with Sir Isaac Newton and an apple, but it applies to melons too.
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Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas.
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The canyons are calling, colorful and deep.? But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go still in my Jeep...?? And miles to go still in my Jeep...
Not even some old-timers in the Florida Ag departments knew of these, but some GA folk do. The search has become interesting and is not over yet! ?History is interesting, but these are the very best melons for eating!
Probably could grow them in many areas of OZ. ?Burpee seed company has "Black Diamond" melon seeds.
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Chuck
K4TZO
-----Original Message----- From: Doug Jackson Sent: Aug 11, 2020 11:08 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Thank you Chuck .
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I love these lists.? ?As an Australian I had no idea about the historical significance of these melons.
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I hope you find the melons you are looking for.?
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Doug? ?VK1ZDJ
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On Wed, 12 Aug. 2020, 6:43 am Chuck Cole, <cncole@...> wrote:
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it .? Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
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Very happy with my 2 FT-991As.? Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond).? These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960.? These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each.? They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities.? The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find!
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Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)