I checked out a WiFi hotspot from a local library, so I will be updating this post all day!
I am planning on leaving in about an hour for Wildcat Mountain; right now I am making a lunch, lots of coffee, and some hot cider for the day’s entertainment, alternating with thinking of something else to bring along “just in case”.
What am I going to do when I get there? Plans are still kind of loose; probably I’ll set up the Buddipole 20 meter vertical to start with, and run the X6100 on it’s own batteries. I have two sets of 18650s to fall back on.
2:39 pm, (2039Z) all set up, all working! making contacts! even got one park-to-park! Got internet! this is fun!!
2051Z, just worked W1AW/5 in Oklahoma! Hot apple cider!
4:19 pm, (2219Z) just logged my 10th contact, W4T in GA. Going to have to start packing up soon. 16 degrees F and a breeze from the NW; antenna is visibly bending.
2227Z, just got my 2nd park-to-park! and my antenna just blew down!
2238Z, the MFJ 12′ whip antenna broke in 2 places, so that’s it for today.


6:55 pm local time; 11 degrees out on the deck and snowing lightly. Looking forward to an early start of operating tomorrow!
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