I enjoyed the annual meeting and appreciate all the work that went into to it.    All the presentations were good and the info about various DXCC entities show why the program shouldn’t be watered down with unnecessary deletions.  Getting to the top of the Honor Roll is a lifetime achievement.  POTA takes parks off the list when access is limited.  I like POTA, but this ain’t POTA.

The best thing about these meetings is always seeing lifelong friends.  

I was very surprised and honored to receive the DX Hog award!   Lanny and John never sleep, and Dennis Tune has a phenomenal record of moving up in the standings.  I don’t know if I can live up to their examples, but I’ll sure try.   

The BIC comment I made last year referred only to myself and my need for motivation, but it drew a surprising amount of interest.  I credit John and George for my motivation, because looking at their totals showed how much catching up I needed to do.  Now, Charles is pushing up the ladder, so the Russellville bunch is very competitive.  

We have some young hams who will be pushing all of us and that is great.  We hope ham radio and DXing becomes a lifelong pursuit, but it will be beneficial to them and the hobby in any case.  Much is ahead for them!

I haven’t given a status report in awhile, but my goal for 2024 was 1600 Challenge points and 100 entities on 80 meters by the end of the year.  I am currently at 1599 so that one is in the bag.  I think I will make it from 93 to 100 on 80 if I can pick up a few in the CW DX contest.  That will also make 8 band DXCC.   The guy wire verticals (slopers??) seem to be playing well on 80.

Advice to myself - stay in the chair - I may not see conditions like this again.   I am going to check out that HamAlert thing, though……..

In the enigmatic words of Cass, WA6AUD - DX IS!

73,

Dennis/RZ