Thanks! Would GMRS be a viable option? Looks like that needs a license but no testing. It does look like there are some repeaters in my area. I need to do some more research to see which are still operational. From the arrl links it looks like a lot of the local clubs have been quiet for the past 2 years.
Thanks for the guidance. I see I have a lot more research to do.
O2
See post 147