08/06/2003 | KI0SK/R With only a barefoot FT-817 and a home-brew 12 element yagi on 432, N0BAF and I set out on a lightweight rover expedition. Started out on a hilltop just over the Wyoming border in DN71. Next we drove to Snowy Pass and worked the front range gang from that great rover spot in DN61. From there we headed for the NE corner of DN60. While back in DN71 we worked N0SWV/R. Jesse was roving in DN72 and having a bit of bear trouble. (One of the many extra hazards faced by Wyoming rovers). Our planned location in DN60 didnt pan out. Rather than give up, we crossed the divide, drove to the SE corner of DN60 and found a jeep trail leading to a mountain top. From there we watched the sunset and worked all the front range hams hungry for a new grid.

On Sunday, we activated the populated grids DM79 and DN70, then headed out East to the sagebrush and sandhills of DN80 and DM89. With only a bit over 90 minutes to go, we made a dash for DN81 in Nebraska. Got there just before the contest ended and worked a few stations, giving us a total of 8 activated grids. A fun contest, but next time we will be set up for at least one more band. -- KI0SK