11/22/2008 | NX3P This was my first participation in the November Sweepstakes in quite a few years and my first from my QTH in northern Alabama. I had decided that this would be a good year as a couple of my friends (K9TEN, K4XOX) are always up to making a few contacts and a lot more socializing. In addition, my 9 year old daughter Kaitlyn KJ4GPG wanted to try her hand at contesting. She recently earned her Technician license in September 2008 and her General on day after her 9th birthday in October 2008.

My friend Craig K9TEN called Kaitlyn our secret weapon. When she threw out NX3P, we immediately had seasoned hams go from contest mode to Elmer and assist her with the exchange. The old timers knew she was not check 81 on her own. Kaitlyn is thrilled and busily working on earning her Extra class.

Our station was a Yaesu FT-450AT running 100 watts into a homebrew elevated vertical antenna installed in a willing oak tree in the back yard. I had a great time and hope to due it all again next year. Maybe even under my daughter's license.

Thank you for a great experience.

73 Stan NX3P -- NX3P