09/21/2008 | W1AUV I had a great time again this year. Thanks to all who participated.

On Saturday of the first weekend I went to Hogback Ski area on Rt 9 near Wilmington Vermont. It's a great spot. The guy who owns the gift shop came out to talk to us. He's a great guy who's Dad was a ham way back in the spark gap days. He said to come by any time. He is happy to have us operate there. He even said we can go up into the parking lot of the Restaurant (now closed) and operate. K2AEP, Pete, joined my buddy Alan and me and we stood on the side of the road and made contacts and told stories. I demonstrated the art of the metal roof bounce to Pete. I think he was impressed.

After Hogback I went to Mt Equinox. I only made 10 contacts. I wish I had more but I am grateful for what I did work.

On Sunday of the first weekend I went to FN22wi at the top of the Catskills in New York. I have a great shot back at New England from there but it is blocked to the South/Southwest/West. Still, a good place to operate. I left there around mid-day and went north to FN22xp in John Boyd Thatcher State Park in Voorheesville New York. I didn't make a lot of contacts so I decided to return on the next weekend.

On Saturday of the second weekend I did return to John Boyd Thatcher State Park but didn't make as many contacts as I did the first time I was there. The lesson: bring an amplifier so you can make sure everyone knows you are there.

On the way home on Sunday I went to Olivia's Overlook above Stockbridge Mass and worked AF1T and W1MKY on Martha's Vineyard.

On Sunday I went to Mount Wachusett near (or maybe in) Leomenster Massachusetts. I made more contacts in 40 minutes there than all day Saturday. I decided to stay until things died off and that was about 1:30 for me. I spoke to everyone who asked me about what I was doing. Always good to spread the word...especially to kids. I did a short stand-up comedy act on raising children and picking them up at school in minivans covered in antennas to a group of middle-aged men with their motorcycles. I had them doubled over at one point. I'll be taking the act on the road soon.

I left Wachusett and headed to the Westboro Water Tower (FN42fg) and made a bunch of fast contacts with all the regulars. I wanted to make up for the day before so I headed toward the Pioneer Valley near Holyoke Massachusetts. I stopped at the North-bound Rest stop on I-91 in FN32qg. I managed to work a whole bunch of folks: AF1T, W1MKY on Martha's Vineyard, W1GHZ and W1AIM on block island, KA1ZD on Mt Wachusett as well as K1WHS in FN43mj. Still not happy I rushed back toward home to Olivia's Overlook to work W1GHZ and W1AIM one more time.

Again, thanks to all. I hope to hear you all next year! -- W1AUV