Estimated score 1106

I was at 4 originating grid squares

1. FN20 - 18 points / 3 terminating grids worked
2. FN30 - 20 points / 3 terminating grids worked
3. FN31 - 30 points / 2 terminating grids worked
4. FN21 - 11 points / 2 terminating grids worked

Score = total points x (total originating grids + total terminating grids)

            =       79          x (                  4                   +                   10                 )

            =       1106 

Weather was an issue coming up as per forecasts so I had to start at the far grid square to start and work my way home.  We are lucky here in the NNE NJ with 4 close grid squares to work.  I was at Garrett Mountain (FN20) 15 minutes before the start to be ready.  I was suprised there were no other rovers.  I had a few QSO's before I had to leave.  I was in a rush to get the other 3 grids in before it got cold with snow and ice starting.  This was the first time using SSB during the VHF contest.  I had the addition of 50, 144 & 432 side band.  All preveous times I was FM only on 144, 222, & 432.

Off I went and saw W2KBF/R at the lower parking lot and also caught him while driving for him to be in grid FN20 while I crossed into FN30.  Next stop was State Line Lookout (FN30) who I met KA2YRS/R and then came along N2YTF/P who was doing SOTA.  I did my typical contacts and checked out what N2YTF/P was doing.  He had some very long UHF antennas pointed toward Long Island and making 1.2GHz contacts.  I had to get to the next grid as the weather was going to get worst soon and I had 2 more grids to do.

Next stop was Nike Overlook Park (FN31) at the top of Clausland Mountain (aka Mt Nebo) in Orangeburg, NY.  It was starting to get dark and no one was up there.  I parked so the antennas faced south.  I had several contacts as far away as 50 miles from Nike on 50, 144, and 432 USB.  Others were following us around the different bands and I got their call and grid.  By time I was done at Nike it was starting to get late so I went back home to FN21.  No contact were made on FN21 so I figured tomorrow may be another day after the storm.  I also took down my mast with horizontal antennas and alll mode radio back in the house.

Sunday there was some snow / ice on the streets so I tried FM contacts from the driveway.  Only one heard and logged.  I waited until about noon to go out.  I remembered a local gym had a multi level parking garage which if I could get to the top I maybe able to make some good contacts.  Had to fold down the antennas and got to the top but the far end was blocked off.  I cound not make contact to the south as the gym building was in the way.  Off again to the local FN21 high spot at Tice Corner.  There I got the 2 more bands for our local club and back I went home as I heard no other FM activity.  I did not remount my horizonatal antennas or bring by all mode radio.  Later in the day when weather was getting better I had only a couple more contacts in grid FN21 from KA2YRA/R.

Some things I will do next:

• Give more time per grid location.
• Modify mast so I can rotate the antennas (I needed to point the car this time as the antenna mast was fixed.)
• When at a grid make sure I get all other local grids before next grid.
• Get headphone / mic so I can hear better.
• Need practice on SSB (I just got an all mode radio)

73 from KD2BKD,

- Bob H.