07/01/2008 | K5WNH K5WNH 1B QRP

This year's Field Day was loaded with thunderstorms in North Texas (Cooke County-Red River Area). I spent a total of 8 hours with the rig shut down and moved to a dry safe location while waiting for the lightning to subside. This was very frustrating and disappointing but what can you do. Sunday morning seemed to have better propagation than the previous day and even managed a few contacts on 10 meters with my 5 watt QRP rig. The storm eliminated the use of the tri-band beam and my only other antenna was a Double Extended Zepp designed for 40 meters; thanks to 450 ohm lead, it was now used on the remaining bands (10-40M). With 16 hours of operating time on primarily 20 and 40 meter CW, I managed 390 contacts and as always, I can't wait until next year, once I'm rested and the Field Day hangover is gone. Thanks to all those participating in Field day 2008! Field Day always teaches you something...preparedness, humility, patience, and an appreciation for the amateur radio brotherhood shared by all!

Terry -- K5WNH