[VHFcontesting] E Skip Season ALWAYS begins in August

[Les Rayburn]

After finally working W9SE on WSJT Meteor Scatter this morning, I was rewarded with another treat. As I spun the knob to 50.125, I was greeted with a big, booming voice that said, "QSYing to 135". I followed the voice, and instantly recognized K5HCT (Here Comes Texas). 

After he signed, a quick call resulted in a nice QSO and then another with his neighbor, W5NQH. 

August was my first ever 6 Meter E-Skip contact just over a year ago on May 13, 2009. I know there are a number of beacons on the Magic Band, but the bell weather for me is always that signal from Texas. If it's August, it must be e-skip season. Look for the band to open nicely in just a few days guys! 

And to think, I wasted all those years on HF.... (sigh) 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114