[NLRS] 10gig Contest : Output from various discussions

[w0zq at aol.com]

Hello all 10gigers.   As you know I have been attempting to facilitate a discussion around what our plans are for this years 10gig contest.   Most of the discussion has centered around what to do for the first weekend, August 20/21, and whether we would do the MN Northshore - MI UP plan again.   We need to move on this decision in order to secure NS/UP reservations.
 
I have heard from W9FZ, W0LMS, VE3KRP, KC0IYT, VE4MA, KD0JI, WA2VOI, N0AKC, and K0MHC.   There have been others that I have verbally QSOed with as well.    Almost everyone has established that they are flexible and go where the group goes.   Most Op's are looking for an opportunity to get out and play 10gigs.  
 
My conclusions are that the group will go with "Plan B" and look to utilize Sisseton for both 10 gig weekends (Aug 20/21 and Sept 17/18).    We will not do an organized NS-UP effort.   
 
My hope is that our northern friends can still participate via the Red River Valley paths and that the W9's can participate via SE MN paths.   Last year we worked Bruce and Glen all the way to the Canadian border, worked Wally and Bill, and heard VE4MA (but no two way).   We also worked Mel and Gary in SE MN on weak CW at over 330km.   Perhaps Al, W0PUF, can join us in Sisseton ... all are welcome to join us as a fixed or rover station.
 
We will have a planning session or two before the contest to discuss strategy.    Sisseston has at least two good operating sites (one for Sat, one for Sunday) with the possibility of the two groups (a rover group and a Sisseton group) reversing roles on the two contest weekends.   Sisseton is a fair sized SDak town with a new Super 8 hotel, and is a little over four hrs from the Twin Cities.    
 
73, Jon
W0ZQ