I try to participate in SKN each year. This SKN for 2013 was very enjoyable.  I worked 40 and 80 meters using a Kenwood TS-570S at 100 watts and an Ameritron AL-811H if needed. The antenna is a 140 foot zepp at 30 feet fed with 450 ohm ladder line via a MFJ-962D antenna tuner.This arrangement tunes and works well on all bands and have worked DX on 160 thru 6 meters.

   I used my favorite key from my collection of 75+ keys. It was a Danish made long armed, dual adjustable marine/coastal station key. The leverage of the long arm makes sending less fatiguing and more pleasurable. It is claimed by many old time marine operators to be a favorite, the best and smoothest key made. They are hard to find and can get pricey when available. I also have a single adjustable Amplidan which a few Amplidan followers have told me they have never seen or heard of one like this. I think it might be the predecessor to the more recent dual adjustable. I wonder if someone out there is familiar with this key and could forward some info?

   I worked 40 and 80 meters where I made 15 quality QSO's in TX, MD, NH, ME, VA, NY, MA, CT and NJ. I also worked DL0FTZ (DL4FK, Henry) in Darmstatdt, Germany and F6FGB (Francois) in Angers, France. Both had 599 sigs. I listened around 7.050 for K6KPH but there was no trace of activity from the west coast this year.

   I originally planned on putting more time on SKN, but was cut short due to a New Year's Day dinner at a friend's home and that was a good thing.

   I enjoyed hearing some of the excellent fists and the pleasant chirps of the vintage gear. It brought back memories from years past. I like that characteristic chirp. 

   I shall look forward to next year's SKN.  73, DX and Happy New Year to all.

   Bob, Rileyville, PA