[ILQSO] ILQP comments

[Michael Schrowang]

Really enjoyed this years QSO party except for our portable sight being so
c-c-c-cold most of the day. KN9T and I wore all the clothes we had with us
and my bones are still cold today. Murphy stayed away from us though and
the new generator worked to perfection. Only had to gas it up once and it 
powered the TS-850,the HF amp and all the VHF gear with no problems. We
finally worked Alaska and also worked some good DX. Logged a CT on 40 cw
for a nice surprise. The only states we missed to the best of my
recollection were Delaware(?), both Dakota's and Hawaii but haven't been
through the logs to really see. We did not experience big pileups on 80 cw
and was dissappointed in the activity there. We stayed away from 75 phone
all together, too much of a mess. Did real good on 20 and 40 cw and had
some good runs on 20/40 phone. I wonder where everybody was after 7 pm? I
kinda agree with KI9A on the start/stop times for the contest. I look
forward to it every year but it would be nice to start a bit earlier. KN9T
and myself did not get back into our area until 12:30 am as we both live
so far from the site. Sure worth the drive though. Thanks to all the
mobile and portable stations/ops and the great out of state activity. Also
nice to hear so many familiar out of state calls such as K4BAI,WA3HAE and
NE0P among others. It was also and honor to work the contest with
Mike,KN9T who was my Elmer over 22 years ago. He has been an inspiration
to me in Amateur Radio. Next year we will take a kerosene heater with us!!
Thanks RAMS on the great contest. 73, Mike N9GZ