[3830] SS SSB KL8DX Single Op HP

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                    ARRL Sweepstakes Contest, SSB

Call: KL8DX
Operator(s): KL8DX
Station: KL8DX

Class: Single Op HP
QTH: Alaska
Operating Time (hrs): 8.25

Summary:
 Band  QSOs
------------
  160:     
   80:     
   40:     
   20:   22
   15:  358
   10:   22
------------
Total:  402  Sections = 71  Total Score = 57,084

Club: North Coast Contesters

Comments:

A weekend of extremes here in Alaska!  I started out the contest
at 21 degrees below zero and by the time it was over, it peaked at
31 degrees above zero!  It was fun to experience a rare (for me)
10 meter opening just prior to the contest. 10 meters opened for me
around 1945z and I worked 10 up through the beginning of the contest.
Prior to the contest, I had contacts from the Midwest to the West
Coast. I was having so much fun I nearly forgot about the start of
the SS! My final pre-contest QSO was with Tim, K7XC and he volunteered
to be my first contact of the SS. Once the contest began, I worked
another 22 QSO's until the band finally folded.

My goal was only to operate a short while and to hand out AK to those
that needed it. I did not expect the bands to be in great shape since
the AU levels peaked and there was lots of absorption going on with the
increase in the solar wind. Once 10 meters closed I threw in the towel 
until Sunday at 1800z. 15 meters was in such great shape I had to stay.
But, as luck would have it, 15 meters turned out to be the band of fun.
I was able to find a clear frequency and called CQ and the flood gates
opened. I'm not much into SSB contests anymore but the biggest thrill 
for me was to hear several stations thank me for their sweep. To me,
that's cool!

I stuck with 15 meters until there was not much left and then popped
over to 20 meters but did not stick around there long. The band was
packed and I was also hearing the modern version of the "woodpecker"
on the band (I actually recorded a bit of it when I was attempting 
to work WY7SS). I have since retreated back to listening to the
comforting sound of CW and digital mark and space. I received 
several comments about the number of Alaska stations on so it sounds
like the 49th was well represented. It was great to put a voice
with so many familiar callsigns and to hear from some long time
friends.  For those that celebrate it this week, Happy Thanksgiving
and hopefully see ya's in the next one. 

73,
Phil
Denali National Park, Alaska
http:///www.nps.gov/DENA


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