01/10/2004 | W6SGJ/KL7 I have been operating SKN for several years but this year from my son's QTH in Soldotna, Alaska. My home QTH is in Vancouver, WA. and am up in AK visiting my son. I brought my TS-440 and J-38 with me so as not to miss SKN. On Xmas Eve my son brought me over to a local ham and when I went into his shack I spotted an old dusty key sitting on top of a pile ... I asked my fellow ham if he uses it. He said no, I'm not into CW,take it home with you, Merry Christmas. It turned out to be a spark key with the large contacts made by Signal Electric back in the 1900 mid teen's. It's solid brass and my son is into wood work and made a really nice and heavy oak base for it. The J-38 had to stand on the sidelines while I pounded away with my new acquisition for all 12 QSO's. How's that for being in the right place at the right time!! It really looks nice all shined up and on the new base. Next SKN I'll be modulating my big Valiant with Mr. Big. 73 to all of you straight key men ... and ladies too!

Dick W6SGJ/KL7 -- W6SGJ