Bands do not sound good here at EM48.  In the last 2 hours, I've only worked 6 stations.  I'm using a dipole at 25 feet that I put up for this event.  I was listening to my neighbor about a mile away who has a 4 element beam at 35 feet calling CQ in vain.  I'll keep at it and hope the bands improve.  Thanks, 73, and good luck to everyone in the contest.