[ILQSO] K9DUR/P Report - Hardin County

[Ray Andrews, K9DUR]

This was my 1st time going portable for the ILQP.  Had a very BAD experience
in the INQP last May (1 QSO), but a new antenna system fixed that for ILQP.
Except for the 4-hour drive home pulling a camper in driving rain, the
weekend was WONDERFUL.

We set up our camper in one of the highest elevation campsites in the
Cave-In-Rock State Park campground.  It just happened to be directly across
the road from the showerhouse/restrooms.   I have a 21-ft telescoping mast
from K1CRA which sits in a flagpole mount secured under one of the
stabilizing jacks for the camper.  On top is a 144/440 MHz J-pole & a dipole
mount for a pair of HamStick-type antennas.  I brought antennas for 75m,
40m, & 20m with me.  I hooked everything up on Saturday evening & made
contacts on all 3 bands to make sure everything was working.  

On Sunday the weather was so nice that I set up outside.  Had to fight the
wind during the daylight hours & had to juggle a flashlight after dark.  (I
didn't think about a lamp 'cause I wasn't planning on operating outdoors.)
But, it was a LOT more enjoyable than being cramped in our small camper.

Started out on 20m.  After 1st contact found out that N1MM thought I was an
Indiana station & wouldn't let me log exchange for other states.  Took about
15-20 minutes to hack a fix & get back into the fray.  I made 12 Q's on 20m
SSB before moving to 40m.  Shoulda stayed on 20m a bit longer to try to snag
2 more DX stations.  Oh well, I am still learning.  Spent the next 3-1/2
hours on 40m SSB before moving to 75m for the rest of the contest.  My wife,
Pam, KC9JMA, took over the microphone (I was control op) during the last
hour of the contest & she snagged several new counties for me.  Had several
stations thank me for activating Hardin County.  It sure is nice to feel
wanted.

Final numbers were:

20m = 12 SSB Q's
40m = 51 SSB Q's
75m = 54 SSB Q's

Total Q's = 117

27 states, 3 provinces, 34 counties, & 3 DX for a total of 67 multipliers.

Total score = 7,839

Not stellar by any means, but I feel it is respectable for my 1st time out.

By the way, heard someone on 20m calling "CQ Illinois QSO Party" half-hour
before starting time.

Wife & I definitely plan on making the trip to Cave-In-Rock State Park again
next year.

73, Ray, K9DUR