13 Colonies Special Event 2016

This is a sample of the certificate for this special event.

I have participated in this special event for five years in a row.This time I also remembered and started chasing QSO's on the first day. Several Years I only remembered towards the end and had to scramble to try and get a clean sweep.I did manage a clean sweep in 2013 and 2015 but both those years I missed the bonus stations --only managed both bonus stations in 2011 but missed the clean sweep. Sorry- the clean sweep is having a QSO with each of the associated 13 colony stations on any band or mode.
This year as always the station calls were K2A thru K2M representing the original 13 colonies plus bonus stations WM3PEN in Pennsylvania and a new one-- GB13COL in Durham,Great Britain.The event is run from July 1st at 1300 UTC and ending July 7th at 0400 UTC. Just happened to have Vacation from work July 1st and July 5th and of course here in the good old USA- July 4th is a National holiday. Plenty of days to chase these stations and still spend time with My family!
The first day -Friday ,July 1st I managed 5 stations including a bonus station- WM3PEN.The very first QSO was K2A from New York and the operator was Ken. I think this "Ken" is actually the event organizer but definately a good operator! Over the next few days I managed more contacts between chores and family time. Finally on July 5th managed a contact with K2H from Massachusetts for the 13 colony clean sweep. During this entire time I also was chasing GB13COL from Great Britain who was usually on 14285 but could only hear the state side stations clearly. Definately a disadvantage not having a better antenna or more propagation.I only have a ground mounted vertical or dipole for 20m and with sunspots hovering at zero most days, no propagation for 10 or 15m to level the playing field for a small station.
A very fun event overall and I congratulate all the operators who gave their time over a Holiday weekend to make this event bigger and better every year. If You haven't participated I suggest putting it on Your calendar for Next year! I'm sending for the certicate with the $5.00 donation so this event doesn't disappear from lack of support.Besides its a very nice certificate!!
73--Tim

Caribbean Trip 2016

Curaçao - one of the Islands We visited during Our cruise on the Royal Carribean ship "Jewel of the Seas". We also had ports at St Thomas,St Kitts and Aruba. It was another fun trip with My family and was very nice to have warm temperatures and fun in the sun.
We came back to snow and cold ! Not fun but April in Minnesota so not entirely a surprise. Had several Hams inquire if I had any radios with Me on vacation! There was no time for radios but maybe in the future. I have been watching the email reflector and realized I was missing several DXpeditions. oh well! Maybe next time.
73--Tim

More QSL cards

W0 bureau sent more QSL cards.Only a few requested return cards so those I filled out and have set aside till I have more.The oldest card was from 2012- which isn't the oldest requested/sent but close.The bureau is slow but can't beat the price!
Remember the DX contest this weekend!
73--Tim

CQ WW 160m SSB contest 2016

I had not planned on operating this contest because of limited time but decided Friday night to check out the activity. The bands actually seemed very good with many signals S9 and above so I thought what the heck--I started My logging program and entered the necessary information and started making contacts. I haven't had the chance to operate a contest for some time and found it again-to be very enjoyable.Top band is called the "gentlemans " band for a reason and the pace was very comfortable. I also reasoned how nice it would be to add some new states toward 160m WAS-- don't know if I did but at least I tried.
I didn't have a huge QSO total but only operating for a short time Friday night gave Me a contest "fix" and an enjoyable evening before calling it quits.No operation Saturday because of prior committments but there is always next year.The bands like 160m should improve as the rest tank with the solar cycle.
No DX but My inverted "L" radiating 100w performed satisfactory!
73---Tim

Serbia for #127

I contacted YT0Z during the CQ WW SSB contest on 10m in October of 2015 and He was a LOTW user- so his confirmation makes for # 127 ! Nice to have ATNO before the sunspot cycle tanks!
I've missed several contests and DXpeditions due to Family committants but hope to be able to start some radio fun times again soon. Winter is slogging along and Spring is within sight-- can't wait!
73--Tim