Jerrymrc - no problem... edit as you see fit.

Yep, basic license and 2meter rig for about $200 with antenna. Simplex (radio to radio) you can talk about 1 mile per watt depending on terrain. Even if local power is out, many of the repeaters here along the front range are on mountain tops, which usually have power when the metro area might not. So using a repeater you can talk from cheyenne to colorado springs usually. (depending on factors)

^^ as for that metal bar and grounding the cb antenna, yep, need to get it attached better to the body/frame for good ground. (or grounding strap from the mount to something better)