Hello everyone on the board,
Yesterday was celebration of my first year on the birds. I will never forget that first QSO with K4T on SO-50 last year. I couldn't believe someone actually heard me and came back. That was a real thrill. During this first year I even made a couple of contacts with the Space Station which again really surprised me. I have learned so much from you guys and I am not going try to name specific operators because I am afraid I will leave someone out - thank you all. I appreciate the patience you guys have shown and continue to show me as I still make mistakes and continue to learn.
My wife still says I am strange for walking around in the yard with a antenna and will ask from time to time if I contacted any aliens. If there is any comfort in that, it is at least starting to get warm here in NC. Along the same lines, I have co-workers who ask if I have found the tagged wildlife yet. Luckily I have friends who understand...
I am hopeful that this second year will allow me to get on the transponders and learn even more about this fascinating part of amateur radio.
I don't want to bore anyone with details, but I have confirmed 44 states and worked a few more. As for total contacts which does include multiple contacts from the same operators is a little over 700.
Anyway I just wanted to post a quick thank you to all of those who have offered me such great advice and shown patience.
73's and thanks again,
Michael, K4MOA