[VHFcontesting] CQ VHF Contest From VA

[David A. Pruett]

I've just discovered that I will be in Virginia for the weekend of the CQ 
VHF Contest, and so I'm seeking advice which might be useful to get on the air.

I am an electrical engineer for DaimlerChrysler, and in that capacity will 
be attending an off-road weekend called "Camp Jeep" in Charlottesville, VA 
the weekend of CQ VHF.  Looking at the map, Charlottesville is right on the 
E/W border between FM07 and FM08, and not too far from the N/S border with 
FM16/17.  Now I don't imagine that an FM08 operation would raise much 
interest, what with the fine job K8GP usually turns in, but FM07 and 
perhaps FM16/17 would be popular.  Also, depending on the route chosen to 
drive home on Sunday we might be able to activate EM98/99 (although the 
computer says the northern route through FN00 is faster).

Does anybody have any knowledge of the area who could recommend some good 
operating sites?  I'd expect to be equipped with 100W on both 6M/2M with 
something like KB6KQ loops clamped on the back of a Grand Cherokee.  I'm 
not sure exactly what my schedule will be for operating time.  Is the 
general terrain such that operating from a hotel parking lot might yield 
some QSOs or will I need to find a mountain top?  (Yes, I know that would 
be better.)

Thanks in advance for any advice.

P.S. Are any mountain-top multi-ops going to be on from the area?

73,

Dave/K8CC