[Elecraft] Appalachian trail Activation Today

[Ron Polityka]

Hello,

 Despite the bad band conditions Mark, NK8Q and I had a great time. We 
arrived at our location and got on the air by 16:15 UTC. Next time Mark and 
I go out we will setup farther away from each other. I heard marks second 
harmonic from 40 meters on 20 meters. He moved up to 7.043 and called CQ for 
a while with no luck. I called CQ on 20 meters and worked Tom, AC7A, in AZ. 
QSB was real bad today. After we lost each other in the QSB I called CQ for 
a while on 20 meters. After about 20 minutes of CQ's and no replies I moved 
to 30 meters. I heard a real strong signal, it was Mark, NK8Q, who was about 
20 feet away. So I made a quick Q with Mark. Then I moved onto 40 meters. I 
called CQ for about 30 minutes and I had no replies. I went back to 20 
meters and looked for any calls in the lower 25 kHz. I heard a G3 stations 
calling CQ. I tried going back to his call a few times but I had no luck. He 
liked calling CQ for 15 minute intervals. When he signed the propagation was 
bad and his signal was only a 229 at the time.

 The weather was foggy and overcast. We had a light shower and the 
temperature was around 52' F. Around 17:30 UTC I asked Mark if he was 
thirsty, he said yes. So we packed up and hiked to our cars. Then we headed 
to the local water hole for a meal ad a few beers.

Right now I am listening for the Elecraft Net, no signals to be heard. Guess 
I will try 40 meters later this evening.

72 and Thanks,
Ron Polityka
WB3AAL
www.wb3aal.com
www.n3epa.org/

K1 - SN 01011
K2 - SN 01392