06/18/2005 | K0NR I had a pretty good time during the contest, operating from the Rampart Mountain Range in DM79, west of Monument, CO at about 9300 feet. I tent camped in the Pike National Forest. Again this year, operated Single Op Portable, with 10 watts output (50 MHz, 144 MHz, 222 MHz and 432 MHz).

I started operating about 2100 UTC on Saturday, enjoying the nice conditions on 6 meters. Actually, I had a blast...this is what the June QSO Party is all about. Worked into the west coast and into Texas, Alabama, Louisiana and Florida. Best DX was XE2K in DM22. I focused on 6M and felt bad about ignoring the rovers and others showing up on 2M and 70 cm.

This started out as a nice sunny day but I got rained on Saturday night, followed by several rounds of pepple-sized hail on Sunday (see photo). I guess that's called June in the Rockies.

On Sunday afternoon, things really slowed down so I started tearing down around 3 PM. Some time later I heard stations coming in via aurora on 6M and tried working some without any luck. The 10 Watts was not enough juice to make a contact. Later I heard one particularly strong station and did manage to work N0UD (DN86) via aurora. (I was quite surprised...I guess you never know until you try.)

QSO Points 245
Mult 67
Score 16415
(my personal best for QRP in June)

Thanks to everyone for a great contest.

73 Bob K0NR

P.S. Single Op Portable enthusiasts may want to check out the VHF QRP Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vhfqrp/
-- K0NR