11/29/2008 | K7MM I had a business trip to Western New York just after the Sweepstakes weekend. So, I left a day early for my trip. I was only 4 hours away from the rare Northern New York section, so I arranged a bed and breakfast near Watertown, NY. The owners let me erect my OCF (off-center fed) dipole in the trees. Here is a photo of me working outside (after a recent snow) attaching a sky hook with fishing line, then twine, then rope, then antenna.

I operated from my rented room using the side of an overturned chest of drawers as a desk. I was literally on the edge of my seat for the whole contest because I sat on the edge of the bed. Note that I brought a "real," external keyboard instead of using the laptop keyboard.

I got part-time packet spots from the Internet via my mobile (cell) phone modem in my logging computer. However I got VY1EI because that station happened to start CQing on the frequency on which I was CQing on 20 meters. I quickly and gladly deferred to the VY1 after getting the multiplier logged! After I spotted VY1EI came the huge pileup!

Managing all the luggage and taking my Icom IC-756PROIII in a carry-on case was a chore, especially with airline rules today. But, it was all worth it for the Clean Sweep and new SSCW NNY Unlimited record.

Dan at K7MM, VU3MMW -- K7MM