01/03/2009 | NA6DX I decided at the last minute to jump in and give my very first SKN a try (after 36 years of hamming). Having not used my JJ38 key since 1976, I was surprised how quickly my old fist came back. Of course, this time it was plugged into my TS-690S instead of the old HW-16, which isn't currently in operating condx.

I fired off CQ SKN a few times on 40 meters and Bill (K6KQV) came back as my heart started to race. I was a kid again. We had a very nice QSO and I was hooked on CW again. It's been 30 years since my last one! Thanks Bill.

I still had 30 minutes left in the '09 SKN, so I jumped over to 30 meters and tuned up my attic dipole again. This time, Tom (KG4CUY) answered my call and we chatted until the stroke of midnight (UTC of course). What fun. Thanks Tom.

Count me in for next year. I had a blast. Maybe I'll fire up that old Heathkit and re-live a few more good CW memories. 73's...Roger -- NA6DX