Ham Radio Portable Resources - in no particular order

Buddipole    http://www.buddipole.com
All sorts of nifty, lightweight portable gear.  Check out the new batteries too. 

DX Store    http://www.dxstore.com
All kinds of goodness; check to see if at a hamfest near you too!

DX Engineering   http://www.dxengineering.com
Good prices on lots of things, and if you order enough, they'll send you a hat!

HF Pack  http://hfpack.com
Fun and insanity and good information, all on the same page

Buxcomm  http://www.buckscom.com
Lots of stuff, including baluns and some nifty wire for homebrewing antennas

M2 Antenna Systems  http://www.m2inc.com
Check out the new 2m and 440 beams, perfect for portable VHF/UHF work.  M2 is known for high quality and excellent service. 

Wave Node  http://www.wavenode.com
Usually you see this in the home shack, but the Wave Node also can use DC and be run off a battery for portable use.  Hey, you've got your netbook there for PSK anyway, right?

SignaLink by TigerTronics  http://www.tigertronics.com
If you plan to use a digital mode, you need this!  Easy to operate, well made, and with clear instructions.  See you on the waterfall! 



Lighthouse Resources

Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society  http://arlhs.com
Great resource, especially its World List of Lights and other information.  It's a great one for lighthouse aficionados, even if you don't plan to work portable or even visit.

Lighthouse Friends  http://www.lighthousefriends.com
Another great resource for all things related to lighthouses.  This one includes reviews from folks who have actually traveled there, including ratings of lodgings.

BLM  Piedras Blancas Light Station http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/pbls.htm
A very detailed site that contains not only the history of the light, but many of the blueprints used. The tower has been reopened for tours, and I highly recommend it.  It's not in pristine condition--yet--but it is fascinating and one of the few original lighthouses that are open for tours.

Pigeon Point Light Station SHP  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=533
Make sure you check out the Virtual Tours of the tower and grounds, especially as it is not open for tours.  The grounds are nice, and the ocean views breathtaking.  There is a hostel on site as well.

Point Montara Lighthouse and Hostel  www.norcalhostels.org/montara
The light itself is not open for tours.  It doesn't have the imposing stature of its sister lights, but it does have a very interesting history which hostel staff have researched and made available in a notebook at the desk.  The hostel itself is fun to stay at--there are "private" rooms with shared baths or the standard dorms--and a fraction of the cost of a hotel. 

Point Arena Lighthouse  www.norcalhostels.org/montara
The original tower was damaged in an earthquake and had to be replaced. Tours are available, as well as accommodations in the historic keepers' houses.  We'll review further after our trip this summer!