Following up on my request, 40M at 2P did the trick for the 200mi QSO.  S9 signals both directions with a little bit of fading.

Thanks to all who responded.

73, Pete, K2PS

From: K2PS Pete Stafford <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2023 3:29 PM
To: 'TVARC' <[email protected]>
Cc: 'Robert Ness' <[email protected]>
Subject: Short Path QSOs

I just found out that my old college roommate recently got his General license.  I’d like to QSO with him on HF, if possible.  He lives in Tequesta, FL, which is on the east coast, about 200 miles southeast from here.  I tried 20M and 12M this afternoon but, not surprisingly, heard nothing.  I’m guessing that it’s too far for groundwave, and too close for short skip, but maybe there’s some time of day and band (80m – 6m) that might be possible.

Does anyone have a suggestion?

73, Pete, K2PS