[Elecraft] WB3AAL on the AT

[Ron Polityka]

Hello,

 I arrived at my operating location north of Strausstown, PA 
where the Appalachian Trail and Rte.183 intersect. During my 
short hike into the area I found a box turtle on the trail. 
I took a couple of pictures and started to hike on the 
trail. I bumped into a Thru hiker doing the entire 
Appalachian Trail. He asked me a few questions and I was 
happy to help the hiker. He asked me what I was doing with a 
fishing pole and a small table. I told him that I was a Ham 
Radio operator. That was a good 15 minute talk about the 
hobby and what I have been working from the area. I took 
down his e-mail address to a message to his wife.

I was on the air calling CQ by 12:00 UTC on 14.060. I knew 
the bands were not in the best of shape but I did not hear 
many signals. I switched to 10.117 around 12:14 UTC and 
called CQ. No replies so I moved to 7.060, I really thought 
I was on 15 meters.  :-o I worked Dain - NI9Y in IN. Wow, 
signals were great until the QRN started rolling in on the 
band. I moved down to 7.040 and worked Pail - N8XMS in MI 
and Gene - W2BXR in SC. Everyone had the QSB and heavy QRN 
from the storms in the East.

 I called CQ for a little while longer but I did not have 
any luck. So I went back on 30 and 20m calling CQ. While 
calling CQ I noticed the dark clouds rolling into the area. 
I had cell phone coverage so I checked the radar. A large 
heavy line of rain was just upon my location on the radar. 
As soon as I closed the cell phone the rain started at 13:30 
UTC. I packed up quickly and headed back to my car.

 The rain stopped for a little while and I debated about 
going back and setting up. I took a short hike North bound 
on the AT. When I got back to the car I notice all the 
vehicles going south bound were wet and wipers were still 
turned on. I got into my car and the rain was coming down. I 
started my drive home around 14:00 UTC.

 Two of the three stations were running a K2 and a K3.

72 and Thanks,
Ron Polityka
WB3AAL

K1 - SN 01011
K2 - SN 01392