This contest started at 21:00 UTC November 18th and continues until 03:00 UTC November 22 and I forgot until 22:00 on Saturday to participate. It really didn't matter much since I only wanted to operate for a short time at the beginning. I've found being the new guy on the second day improves My chances of breaking pile ups. My actual operating time was short with many breaks helping decorate for Christmas some outside chores and other distractions. A nice casual contest which is how I like it!
The exchange for this contest is a challenge for Me to keep straight and type correctly so I usually never attempt to get a run started but use search and pounce instead. My typing skills are very bad! I also do not have a HF amplifier and only have a 10m Yagi at 25 feet and no tri bander in the air. So, I always hope for a good 10m opening. My other go to antenna is a ground mounted HF6V ground mounted vertical which at times surprises me with its ability to cut through pile ups.
I quickly checked the bands and settled on starting with 10m, eventually towards sunset changed to 15m before that band closed. Then I decided to pull the plug till the next day and head upstairs. Sunday conditions started rather slow and I almost called it quits but checked back later and had some renewed success on 20m which is usually difficult and eventually went to 40m after dark.
I ended up with 105 QSO's and 54 sections for a total score of 11,340--not a great score and less sections than I've achieved in previous sweepstakes but it was still a lot of fun! I'm always grateful when My radios and antennas perform well.
73---Tim
