08/23/2004 | W1AUV 8-22-2004

The first weekend of the 10 GHz and up contest, at least, here in the northeast, was wet. How wet? Here is a picture of my setup taken in FN22 on Saturday; clear garbage bags and all. For all the wet I made only 9 contacts.

The next day on Greylock was quite different although I am sure many will say conditions could have been better. I didn't mind though as I made 29 contacts. My best DX so far was K2TXB at 341 km (thanks Russ). Not bad for my 200 mW. I was also heard near Toronto in FN14BA at over 400 km. My thanks to Bill VE3CRU, Steve VE3SMA, and Murray VE3NPB for the attempt. I agree Bill, we will complete this qso!

I'm ready for the next weekend. Thanks to everyone who fought to make the contacts with me.

9/19/2004 The Next Weekend

Ivan-thinking that I wish Saturday was less wet. I am sure we ALL do. I made the best of it and at least made a few contacts.

Sunday I was on Mount Equinox. I got there right as the toll road opened at 9:00 AM. It may be possible that I have never been that cold before in my entire life. I know it froze on White Face (and my heart goes out to KT1J) but between the cold and the wind Equinox was deadly. I forgot gloves which didn't help but had winter gear. It didn't seem to matter. Maybe I'll be warm again by next year.

Thanks to everyone who I worked and all the people who helped relay messages. My only regret is that I didn't spend more time looking west from the saddle. Maybe next year I'll have more power and I can work some Western New Yorkers and Canadians!

Oh, and thanks to everyone who went roving to Mountains and Islands.

73
Tommy -- W1AUV