First CW ARRL Rookie Roundup!

- location: Angeles National Forest
- antennas: 80m Hustler Resonator, 40 meter coil, 17ft whip, tri-magmount on car.
- coax: 15 FT RG-58
- power: 5 watts
- bands: 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m, and 10m.
- key: iambic, cwmorse pocket paddle
- radio: IC-705
- total RR contacts: 1
- total random contacts: 4

Always enjoy pairing my time up on the mountain with playing walkie talkie. Unfortunately, I didn't
hear a single RR station; plenty of POTA and rag chews. I even made contact with a Mexican station!
That's always neat.

The day was overcast; the sun made an appearance on occasion, but I remained comfortably cool for
the day. Lunch was a spicy snack mix. Korean instant coffee was sipped on the way there and while on
site. Plenty of spirited driving on the 2 hwy. Curious onlookers; the 17 FT whip makes the car look
like a remote control car; I love it. When people arrive at the parking lot/turnout they'll marvel
at it. Some even ask what I'm doing; I usually say "Playing walkie talkie!"

Excited for the next contest! Winter Field 2025 in January is around the corner. So is ARRL VHF/UHF
contest! 

Got KN6VQ on three bands! Ran one watt with a Ten Tec Argonaut 509.