Over the past 7 years of being involved in this contest, this has to be by far the worst yet.  Travelled into 4 grids but could only activate 2 grids.  Only local contacts, few 6m DX, only 10 grids (51 6m contacts, mostly local), only local 2m SSB (nothing beyond 50 miles), no FM contacts whatsoever.  220 faired even worse, 3 contacts, followed by 432 with only 10 contacts.  Only made 102 total QSOs with roughly 90 percent local.  Operating rover around the third largest city in the US (Chicago) can only leave a sour taste for the state of VHF/UHF simplex operation in this neck of the woods.  Guess most just use there equipment to operate the abundant amount of repeaters in this area, and that is all.  Never heard simplex (6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm, 23cm) so completely and utterly dead.  Burst of local activity at the start of the contest, then once that was used up, nothing.  Moved to different grid around 6pm on Saturday, high ground 30 miles northwest of Chicago, dissappointing.  Gave up around 9pm on saturday, went home, checked equipment to see if there was a problem, and all checked out.  Sunday, 6 am to 1 pm, operated in en61 around chicago, made several contacts on 6m and 2m from local die hards, but not much else.  Home by 3pm, took down rover equipment from vehicle, and debated whether or not to list it all on ebay.  This contest was definately not worth my time, expense, or effort.  Probably my last VHF/UHF contest, just not enough interest on the simplex side of the house.  Won't even bother submitting a contest log.  Was my hands, and done.  73