01/02/2007 | KB1LZH Another new year; my second SKN; I managed 11 wonderful QSOs. It was a cold New Year's Eve and a rainy New Year's day here in New England. I could not determine whether I was enjoying the thrill of seeking out SKN QSOs more than I was enjoying Santa's Surprise. You see, Santa really surprised me this year by leaving an IC 756 Pro under my Christmas tree. Well I don't have to tell you how much fun I was having pushing buttons and whirling knobs.

But, I'll have to confess; as much as I am enjoying the new radio, it is the "Ragchew" which makes SKN special to me. If 63 years of life has taught me anything, it is that real satisfaction comes from being a part of something special, with somebody; and that's what SKN really means to me.

I had wonderful QSOs with Bill-VE9WW, Marv-W8AEC, Frank-AC3P, Tom-NJ8D, Ed-W4MYO, Karl-N3IJR, Tom-KU8T, Marek-SP1BXS, Neal-WA6OCP, Don-W2LID and Bob-K8RDN. Eight of my QSOs averaged over 30 minutes. The other three were cut short by poor band conditions or other interference.

It's a daunting task to pick out the "Best Fist", but I think my vote has to go to Bill, VE9WW, up in Moncton, New Brunswick. Bill also had an interesting story about his brother-in-law who worked on the Federation Bridge which connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. It just so happens that the XYL and I had a ride on that bridge last August, on a dark and foggy morning (Quite an adventure, let me tell you).

I think, by far, the most interesting QSO was with Tom, NJ8D, out in Homer, MI. It seems Tom had wired up some banjo fingerpicks as a key. It sounded fine to me, Tom. Being a banjo player, myself, I really appreciated this QSO, even though the picks I use are plastic.

I guess I can't forget to mention the marathon ragchew (56 minutes) with Bob, K8RDN. Bob is also a musician so we had plenty to chew on.

I used three different straight keys, myself. My main key is a Kent which is new. I also had a lovely key with a Corian base. It was hand made for me by my friend Earl, WR1Y. Finally, I used the old Navy key which was my Novice key in the 50s. I rebuilt it with brass fittings. I oftened switch the keys, mid QSO, even mid sentence and challenged everyone to tell me when I was switching.

And so, the evening and the day passed by, too quickly for my taste. I've put some of the keys away, but the Kent remains on my bench. When I get tired of the automated beeps instigated by my paddles, you'll hear the brass clacking of my Kent, for sure.

I couldn't begin to express how thankful I am that all of you guys took the time to pound brass with me. It was truly an honor to work you all.

73
Peter Barbella
KB1LZH
SKCC # 1173 -- KB1LZH