11/23/2009 | W6TAI It was interesting to work '09 SS--with a check of '09! Although it was intimidating to jump into such a big contest as a beginner, I found it enjoyable and addicting! Thanks to everyone who took the time to welcome me to amateur radio with words of encouragement. Special thanks to Wayne, N6NB, for being such a patient mentor and motivating me to yell into the mike all weekend. See you all next year!

Equipment: FT-857 transceiver, AL-572 amplifier

Antennas: 2 ele. tribander (TH-2) at 25 feet, 75
meter inverted vee up 23 feet at the apex,
40 meter ground-mounted vertical.

QTH: My cabin near Joshua Tree, CA.

-Carrie Tai -- W6TAI