01/02/2008 | W0SZP This is the 1st ARRL event I've actually participated in. Contesting does not really appeal to me but the relaxing tone of this event encouraged me to participate. I used a J-38 that was made by Lionel Toy Train Company in WW2. The key was my father's (W4HCM, SK June'07) and SKN on New Years Day seemed appropriate to dust it off and get it going. The key is a dream to use and much easier on my hand than other straight keys I've used. I couldn't wait for 0000Z and actually started at 2200Z 31 Dec... The first legal QSO for SKN was my best accomplishment. 40 meters was crowded as it could get, it being the hottest band for the time of day SKN started and I figured to evade the QRM and see what was doing on the Novice portion where I've had some of my best QSO's, this time being no different. While everyone else was slugging it out in the lower part of 40, Ken (W6FU, 88 years young) in L.A. CA and I in Millington, TN had a FB QSO on 7.108 Mhz even though RST was 559 at it's best. Don't disregard the Novice Bands! Most of the QSO's I had during SKN were 45 minutes to an hour long and very enjoyable. The nicest Fist I worked was a tie between Cecil (K5YQF) and Ray (W2RJJ). Events like this attract my interest, I look forward to making SKN a New Years tradition! -- W0SZP