[ILQSO] AA5JG initial obsevations

[John Geiger]

This was one contest where I had to "play myself into shape."  For some reason, I wasn't too excited about the ILQP this year, and really had no motivation even this AM for it.  Don't know why.  Maybe it was being bummed out about the Detroit Tigers and their performance, or lack of it, in the ALCS.  After all, there are other things in life than ham radio (can't believe I just said that).

Anyways, the motivation hit once the contest started!  I got as much as possible done yesterday to clear the day for operating, and it was worth it.  Conditions were excellent today.  Stations from IL were booming in here on 20m at the start of the contest.  Only heard one station on 15m (K9CT) and he couldn't hear me.  20 had good levels of activity for several hours. 40m and 80m were unusually quiet as well, which was nice.  K9BGL was the big signal winner, he was hitting 50 over 9 at times on 40CW!  

Activity definitely seemed less than most years, especially from the mobile stations.  I probably worked more SSB than usual also, since there were fewer stations than usual on CW.  

Missed quite a few counties I usually work: JODA, GRUN, LASA, BOON, WBGO, DUPG.

Never heard Kevin, K9IUA on.  Usually get him on 20 for a couple of counties-I could have used him in JODA and WBGO if he was there.

Finished with 186 QSOs (134 CW, 52 SSB).  Don't know how many counties yet, and I am too tired to figure that out tonight.

Thanks to all of the stations for participating. Can't wait until next year.  Don't forgot the ILQP spring training, which is disguised as the Oklahoma QSO party in March.

73s John AA5JG