Hello, I arrived at my operating location north of Strausstown, PA where the Appalachian Trail and Rte.183 intersect. During my short hike into the area I found a box turtle on the trail. I took a couple of pictures and started to hike on the trail. I bumped into a Thru hiker doing the entire Appalachian Trail. He asked me a few questions and I was happy to help the hiker. He asked me what I was doing with a fishing pole and a small table. I told him that I was a Ham Radio operator. That was a good 15 minute talk about the hobby and what I have been working from the area. I took down his e-mail address to a message to his wife.
I was on the air calling CQ by 12:00 UTC on 14.060. I knew the bands were not in the best of shape but I did not hear many signals. I switched to 10.117 around 12:14 UTC and called CQ. No replies so I moved to 7.060, I really thought I was on 15 meters. :-o I worked Dain - NI9Y in IN. Wow, signals were great until the QRN started rolling in on the band. I moved down to 7.040 and worked Pail - N8XMS in MI and Gene - W2BXR in SC. Everyone had the QSB and heavy QRN from the storms in the East. I called CQ for a little while longer but I did not have any luck. So I went back on 30 and 20m calling CQ. While calling CQ I noticed the dark clouds rolling into the area. I had cell phone coverage so I checked the radar. A large heavy line of rain was just upon my location on the radar. As soon as I closed the cell phone the rain started at 13:30 UTC. I packed up quickly and headed back to my car. The rain stopped for a little while and I debated about going back and setting up. I took a short hike North bound on the AT. When I got back to the car I notice all the vehicles going south bound were wet and wipers were still turned on. I got into my car and the rain was coming down. I started my drive home around 14:00 UTC. Two of the three stations were running a K2 and a K3. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL K1 - SN 01011 K2 - SN 01392 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
