This was the 15th annual 13 colonies Special Event and the 13th time I have participated. It was another fun time and unlike previous years I was able to participate all seven days although July 4th was limited time. I managed to contact 5 of the 13 colonies on the first day and added to that amount each day. Some stations seemed very easy and available but several were very difficult to either find operating or hear loud enough to have a contact. New York and New Jersey were both difficult to find and contact unlike previous years when I contacted them usually within the first day. The three bonus stations as always were hard to hear and I didn't manage a contact although the WM3PEN station I did hear but the pile up was big so no QSO for Me!
The last day I had 12 colonies in the logbook and was hoping to find K2I which was the New Jersey station when I found Him on 20 meters and there was no pile up and first call I got Him! I haven't achieved a clean sweep for many years so that was very satisfying. I do wonder if I should try one of the new digital modes like FT8 since this mode was being used by more stations operating than in years past.
Fun time with dedicated operators giving up their time to make this event successful.
73---Tim
