This was my first solo attempt at contesting and I had a blast. I have participated with my local club, Alamance Amateur Radio Club, in the NC QSO Party in which we placed second this year. This was an opportunity for me to show my skills on my own. My home QTH is NC, but I brought all of my equipment and set up portable while visiting family in Virginia. Thank you to all of the Rookies and Old Timers out there that made this fun for me.   Lisa de KM4EXZ