So I got back on the air exactly a year ago today after my decade break from Ham Radio (a 2 meter SSB QSO with N2ULF). What a journey this past year has been. QRP with a FT817, to an IC-9100, and onto a Elecraft K3/KPA500. Obtaining WAS on JT65, WAC, participating in several contests including Field Day, and getting my code speed back up to 35 WPM were some of the highlights.
As if I needed more, I just had a 40 meter CW QSO with Felix Reiss, DP1POL, who is currently stationed on the Ekstroem Ice Shelf, Antarctica. Maybe ordinary to lots of hams, but far beyond my standards of “normal”.
Hello Bob, in the meantime we also worked on 20m! It is not always easy to operate from a location so close to the auroral zone, so I sure enjoy reading about how my QSO partners enjoy these contacts. 73 from Antarctica! Felix, DP1POL (DL5XL, N5BC).
Hey Felix, how nice of you to respond! I can’t even begin to imagine what life is like in the Antarctic. Isolated, desolate and cold, but I can guess is must be a place full of beauty these days due to the auroral activity. It was a delight to run into you twice. I’d say I hope to do it often, but I suspect you need to rotate back home someday soon.
But your QSO was a defining moment for me. It made me feel like I could do almost anything in radio (although frankly you were doing all the hard work — I was just along for the ride).
Thanks and try to stay warm!!
73, Bob, WB4SON