03/13/2005 | W1JQ This contest was an exercise in thrills and frustration. The first night was rougher than I had expected; had trouble getting going on 40, and probably didn't put as much time into 80 as I should have. Saturday wasn't spectacular, but things rolled along OK: I was surprised how long 15 held out, and there was a good opening to South America and the Carribean on 10 late in the day. By dinnertime, I realized that, with a decent evening, I had a good shot at a great all-wire low-power score.

But Saturday evening was another story, with very heavy QRN. I made some progress, and was still hopeful--until Sunday morning, when the bands were just broken. It was one of those "where did my antennas go" days. I ended up taking the morning off; conditions were better in the afternoon. Fun, but frustrating. In the end, everyone gets the same propagation.

Mike -- W1JQ