03/29/2005 | AK1W This contest couldn't end fast enough. The last 4 hours was agonizing. Aurora and flutter on every band and no new stations to work. :(

The first night was great. For the first time, I got a start that let me keep up with the guys down south. Was on 14025 for first 3.5 hours, then switched to 7054, where I stayed for the next 7 hours!

My last section for the Sweep was WCF! (Next to last was VT.) With the sweep in hand by 0630Z the first night, all the pressure was off and it was just a matter of chasing QSOs. In 30 years for doing SS CW, I think this was only the second time I ever had a sweep before I went to bed.

Was ahead of my best score ever from New England when the solar flare hit at 16z. That was the end of that... kept spending off time hoping things would improve. Finally got in a position where I had no choice but to operate most of the last 3 hours.

Even so, this should hold up to be a new New England division record. Will be interesting to see if I can sneak into the Top Ten again. If the Red Sox can win, anything is possible! -- K5ZD