01/03/2008 | KD5TXD Straight Key Night in the Wild Horse Desert

This year I got an early start on SKN. I napped all afternoon on New Years Eve. So by 00:00z I was ready to go. I tuned up on 40 meters and was greeted by the chatter of a thousand of straight keys, well, maybe dozens. I copied along for a bit and discovered that I could actually follow along with most of the QSOs unlike last year when I had to hunt and peck for a QSO that was slow enough for me. Still I have trouble when they are all jammed up together picking out the individual signals. I need more practice.

Visited with a lot of great folks. Thanks for all the patience with memy code is a bit slow. My code buddy, Floyd, N5EL, met me on 80 meters. He sure has been a great help. I worked 40, 20, and a bit on 80 meters. Lots of great fists out there.

By 09:00z I couldnt keep my eyes open and feared that I might fall asleep with my hand on the key so I went to bed until 13:00z. Well, that wasnt enough sleep for this old woman but I will make up for it after SKN is done.

I got back on the K2. Warmed up 40 meters for the crowd again. Then I moved to 20 meters and found a spot to call CQ. Slowly the band opened up and I started to get answers and heard folks all over the place. Great to hear so many CW QSOs

About mid morning I called a fellow up in Minnesota. His QTH was near where I grew up. We had a good laugh about the weather. He reported 4 degrees. I told him I was planning on moving souther because it was only 52 degrees in the Wild Horse Desert. How quickly we become wimps after moving down here to Texas.

My husband, WB5IZD, insisted on being fed New Years day so I had to take a break and cook lunch. I cant understandI fed him last yearthat should be good enough, right?? Now, when he is contesting I feed him at his rig. So, why cant he bring me lunch at my rig?? Fair is fair, right??

It was great fun. 73!! KD5TXD -- KD5TXD