This was my first contest of any kind, ever.  I was operating portable from the top of Mount Herman near Monument, Colorado.  My station was set up near K0NR's, and we were happy to have company from K0JJW, KD0MFO, and N0OLD.  It was a bit chilly up top after a long uphill hike loaded with gear, but James / KD0MFO warmed us up with some hot noodles and cocoa.

No startling propagation, but I worked several local grids and multiple bands and had a nice afternoon with a good view over the eastern plains.  My FT-857D and Arrow directional performed well, but I had some troubles with my hastily homebrewed 6m dipole -- should have checked it out better before the contest.  But I still snagged several 6m contacts and grids.

I had a blast contacting a herd of recently licensed technician boy scouts from my local Troop 6 in Monument.  Thanks fellas!

Overall, a terrific and exciting day for my first contest experience. Looking forward to June!