[PaQSO] NK8Q/3 heading to Snyder

[Mark Schreiner]

Hi all! 

My normal vehicle for hauling all my radio stuff is really not very 
drivable at the moment anymore (11 years old with 217k miles, I have a 
gas leak which I don't want to risk driving until it is fixed).  I hope 
to get nearly 250k miles out of it yet, though, but no miles on it this 
weekend!  My XYL was nice enough to let me use her vehicle instead, and 
I was surprised that everything fits!  Hmm, I must not have packed 
enough stuff!  Maybe I can find a few more things to take, just in case.

Anyway, except for packing my clothes and cold food and beverages, I'm 
all packed up and ready to go.  I'll be getting on the road from 
Allentown, PA around 8 AM with stops at the convenience store to get a 
bag of ice, then I'm on my way to Snyder County.  I plan to spend the 
daylight hours on Friday to set up at least three antennas on HF and the 
radio/computer equipment after dark (I'll see if I can find a good place 
to eat for dinner first, though).  I should be on the net on 75m Friday 
night just to see what folk have to say and to check out the equipment.  
On Saturday morning I'll set up some VHF/UHF antennas as well, just 
simple ones as I don't expect much luck on those bands while running QRP 
anyway.  Of course whatever I haven't finished on the HF antennas will 
be done first.

I should be on 160 - 10m throughout the contest, both CW & SSB, with 
minimal time spent on 15 and 10m, I'm sure.  I'll have capability of 
USB/CW & FM on the VHF/UHF bands.  I'm renting a cabin at the Mountain 
Dale Farm located just north of McClure, PA, a few miles north of PA-522 
(less than a 5 mile drive), between Lewistown and Selinsgrove.  Whoever 
is going mobile through Snyder, probably along PA-522, please give me a 
call (I should have one or more of the VHF frequencies that I'll be 
monitoring).  I'm sure I'll desperately need to work my own county! 
Also, if passing through and you want to take time to look me up, please 
stop in for a short visit.  It is located just a bit northeast of the 
intersection of Ulsh Gap Road and Back Mountain Road, I'll be staying in 
Marks Cabin (isn't that appropriate!).  There is room for sleeping 6 and 
I'll be the only one there, so if somebody needs to crash overnight, 
feel free to stop in.  My cellphone (if it works there) is 484-894-6948 
if you can't get me on 2m while passing through.

Wishing all a great time, good propagation and lots of FUN!  Most 
importantly, especially for rovers and mobiles, please be safe. 

73,

Mark, NK8Q