While out in central Pennsylvania over the weekend visiting family, I headed out early on a chilly Saturday morning for a quick activation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (US-4567). The 40M band was really hopping.
My destination was Falmouth Access Park, which is along the Susquehanna River in northern Lancaster County. The place was nearly empty, except for a few anglers along the river. Not too surprising, since it was only 0730 EST. I set up my 12-ft base-loaded whip on the back of the truck and my Elecraft KH1 (4.5W, CW) up in the cab.
After posting a spot and calling CQ on 40M a couple of times, the hunters started piling up. Once they started, the action was nearly non-stop for the next 45 minutes. The 40M band was in great shape, providing contacts all up and down the East Coast and out to Iowa to the west. I was short on time, so I never got around to trying other bands.
At the end of my 45-minute activation, I had 35 contacts in the log, including five park-to-park contacts. I had a couple of errands to run before heading back to the house for breakfast, so I packed up and headed out.
Thanks to all the early-rising hunters. You didn’t disappoint.
72, Craig WB3GCK
WB3GCK QRP Amateur Radio 