Package for Newington

After My nice suprise from the Zero bureau, I took some time to go thru the QSL cards and determined which needed return cards.Some I had already exchanged with but some were from Hams asking for return confirmation. Oldest card was from a QSO from 2010! Patience is much needed but the cost is just right!:)
I also took some time to examine My recent log and pick some contacts I would like a card from. Some I bypassed because they only wanted direct mail or even money. Bureau members and QSL managers are My preferred mail options unless its a Dxpedition or very rare. Then I'll send direct!
I'm an ARRL member and the cost to send thru their Outgoing QSL bureau is very affordable. Twenty cards is three dollars-a great deal.
I enjoy exchanging QSL cards but I can't imagine just that option for verifying new DXCC's. Very glad for LOTW and EQsl.
73--Tim

Route 66 Special Event 2014

I happened to be in the shack and hear a station with a 1 x 1 call and checked on QRZ and realized He was part of the Route 66 Special event. I had heard some local Hams discussing this event last weekend but had no time to check it out at the time. Having some time this weekend I decided to check out the particulars and maybe make some contacts.
This event is sponsored by the "CITRUS BELT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB" from California and they have a nice Website for information. It is the 15th Year of the event and this Year it runs from September 6th 0000z to September 14th at 2359z on the 80m to 6m bands, even WARC bands, using CW,Digital and SSB.
They are operating 21 unique callsigns for this event-- W6A thru W6T, the last two being mobile stations. All are positioned along the old Route 66 Highway route or there about! A single contact with any of the stations makes one eligible for a nice certificate with a $4 donation. I like wallpaper so I will be sending My money!:)
Missing the first week of this event did lessen My chances of a clean sweep but My goal was to make as many contacts as I could fit in. Most of the stations were busy and had nice signals. Propagation was up and down and I only had several spotted I could not hear.As of this writing I have 5 in the log but the event is not over....
73---Tim

I ended with 8 total--even one mobile. Not too bad with limited time!

More Zero Bureau QSL cards.

Mailman delivered these this week from the Zero Bureau. Not alot of cards but still fun to receive. I have a blog post from August 25th 2012 explaining the bureau process I use if interested. The bureau is just one of the many tools a Amateur has to enhance the Hobby. Not alot to add- this blog has lately taken a back seat to other endeavours but I have no plans to abandon it for now. Please check back now and then- contest season is just around the corner so I will have write-ups on some of those radio  weekends!
 73--Tim

13 Colony Certificate arrived!

Several weeks after this special event ended and I sent the required monetary amount and information- here's what showed up thru snail mail!!A very well done certificate- each Year I participate I'm amazed at the quality of the event. Thanks to all who make this possible! Eleven states and both special event stations-- not a clean sweep but not too Shabby for a single day's participation! Wait till next Year :)
73---Tim

A Turtle and other happenings.

On a recent walk with Our Dog on the main road in front of Our House,I happened to see a turtle trying to cross the road. Traffic can be very busy so I decided to "help" the turtle cross. This ended up being not too easy since Bella- Our very curious Dog decided to help! Well We did eventually make it to the other side and I was very happy to have a break in Cars while We attempted this operation. The turtle wandered off towards the little stream running thru Our property and I felt good about saving a turtle.I felt even better when I later identified it as a Wood Turtle which according to the Minnesota DNR website is considered threatened.
Summer appears to have finally happened in northern Minnesota and along with it the many thunderstorms that accompany the hot,humid weather. Several severe storms has passed thru the area and We have been lucky with no damage. My Job with Communications has been busy with lightning damage but thats a Yearly summer event!
Our three chickens have been laying eggs again after the long Winter and after seeing many predators on several game cameras , We have kept then in the two chicken runs and not free ranging without standing guard. The birds actually seem to enjoy the company.
I have not been in the radio shack much although i have tried to participate in some 6m openings when I can. Last weekend I listened for VHF activity for the Wordwide VHF contest but heard nothing.I had also set up the radio to participate in the CQ RTTY contest but ran out of time and energy but did read several email comments about conditions being s0-so.Maybe didn't miss too much but,dang I do like those RTTY contests!!
73---Tim