A Warm And Sunny Valentine

February 14, 2026April 9, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Howdy kidlets. The other day SWMBO and I were talking. I mentioned that I am grateful she doesn’t take Valentines Day seriously and require me to take out a second mortgage every February to fund some shiny hunk of metal with a sparkly rock stuck in it (or other foolishness like that) just to affirm that I love her. She said “Hey. For Valentines you could take me to Buc’ees!” Easy ’nuff.

We left this morning at 0600. The temperature was a balmy -4C and the sky was still deciding on whether to brighten up or not. The light had that pre-dawn crepuscular appearance when we hit the highway. We drove south for about 2 hours and reached Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park US-0730. When we arrived, the temperature was about 6C. We drove around the park for a bit and found a good spot to set up. We decided on the small parking lot across from Bell Grove Plantation Mansion. The area didn’t seem well traveled and was ideal for an activation. In 21 minutes, we worked 30 contacts including 4 park-to-parks. Definitely a good activation. After we tore down we touristed around the area and took some pics. I used my app and heard American Robins, House Finches, Northern Cardinals and Mourning Doves. It is nice that the birds are coming back out.

We continued down the highway to Buc’ees where we gawked around like tourists for about 1/2 hour and grabbed some of their fine vittles. I got a sausage-on-a-stick and SWMBO went for the chicken fingers and fries. We also got a box of Beaver Chips, which are damn good chips. After gassing up the car we headed back on the road. North of Harrisonburg, VA, SWMBO and I decided to take a more leisurely approach to our return home and we cut across to Shenandoah National Park and took Skyline Drive for the 35 miles to Front Royal at the North end of the park. During the drive I had plenty of opportunity to look over some potential activation sites for our next sojourn into VA. After we left the park I took a wrong turn which set us back about 20 minutes on our return trip; it was ok as we were in no hurry.

Now we are back home and are letting the kittehs know that we still love them even though we abandoned them for the day. Time for more coffee. Namaste, kids!

The plantation office and stores building

A view of the mansion from across the field

A selfie taken when driving on Skyline Drive.

I AM Sick Of Cold; I Want Daffodils!

February 10, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Over the past 6 days since my last entry, we had some frickin COLD weather. I know that it is winter until March 21st but do we have to get our noses rubbed in it? Winter is now at that stage where the snow looks gray and dirty and makes us want to get a torch out and melt it out of the yard so that we can see what is under it. I would even settle for extended views of satan’s putting green (my yard). I know complaining about the weather doesn’t do a bit of good, but I am gonna complain anyway. So There! Pthbbpt!

Once again I did an activation by myself. SWMBO does not like cold weather. No biggie. I have a system of keeping my log while talking so things get done. It was -2C (29 F or 271 Kelvin) when I got to the boat launch at Little Buffalo State Park US-1376. The sky was overcast at the time with no wind. Off in the distance I could hear the mellifluous calls of crows stating their opinions. There were several groups of ice fisherpeople (trying to be inclusive) scattered around the lake: penitents huddled around the altars with heads bowed. As always, it didn’t take long to set up and I made 45 contacts in about 49 minutes including 4 park-to-parks. The temperature went up about a degree or so while I was there. I didn’t interact with anyone other than an occasional nod and/or wave to passersby. Even though it was chilly there were folks walking around, even some de-watering their dogs.

After the activation SWMBO and I went to lunch and then grocery shopping. I have just finished taking care of business for the day such as paying a dental bill, and scheduling a doctor appointment. Now I get a chance to sit here, drink coffee and watch my catz interact. It is a restful type of afternoon. Currently the temperature is a balmy 7C (45F or 280 Kelvin if you prefer) and the squirrels are running around the back yard.

I am going to close here and wish you all a great day and, as always, namaste!

Moxie, Missie and Ptolomey at Little Buffalo SP

The Activation That Wasn’t Then Was Then Wasn’t And Then Was!

January 22, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Since the weather was good, SWMBO requested a bit of a drive, so we loaded up the car and departed for Hagerstown MD to the Beaver Creek Cemetery. Loading the car consists of putting camera equipment and radio equipment in the car. We headed out and soon after crossing the MD line, I realized that I had left my ham-stick antennae home! I took full advantage of my extensive knowledge of cuss words. We continued to the cemetery and did some photography there. SWMBO then found directions to another cemetery close by.

When we were in the second cemetery, I had an epiphany: I had an option for antennas in the car. I keep a Buddi-Stick in the back along with a tripod and 20 foot strip of copper mesh as a ground system. Well Well Well! Things were looking up! We went to Taylor’s Landing on the C&O Canal. It was a nice drive there and easy to find. We parked and SWMBO went to the creek to take pictures. I started getting my stuff out to set up and then I noticed the gale-force winds. I realized that there was no bloody way that my antenna would not blow over and I didn’t feel like picking it every 5 minutes so I cussed again and packed back up. Meanwhile, SWMBO had returned and reinforced my decision by telling me that she had almost been swept off her feet by the wind. Sigh.

Ok, we went to Walmart and did some shopping before heading over to Super Buffet for lunch.

When we got home I grabbed my antennae and went to Little Buffalo State Park US-1376. It took me about 5 minutes to get set up and get on the air. A bad thing did happen, though. I placed my lap desk on my lap and tried to close the car door. Problem was that I had knocked SWMBO’s sunglasses down and they got crunched in the door. Once again, I dipped into my large sack of swear words and let some loose. I got on the air on 40 meters and first worked a couple guys activating a park in CT. When I was through, I found an empty frequency to use and started calling CQ. The calls started coming and it was pretty steady for a while … then it dried up. I grabbed my 17 meter Ham-Stick and swapped that for the 40 meter one. When I got back on the air it did not take too long to start working stations including a J8 station from St Vincent. The wind was getting stronger at this time and the wind-chill was down in the negative Kelvin area so I packed up and called it a day after 42 contacts.

That is how I spent my day off. Now to sit by the pellet stove and drink coffee. Namaste, kidlets!

‘Nother Activation; New Year, Old Park And A Pool Noodle

January 3, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

It has been the new year for 3 days. Is that getting old for you yet? Christmas is 355 days away and some people have their decorations up already!

Today we are at perihelion (the closest we get to the sun) and it is farging cold. Currently the temperature is holding steady at -1C.

Last night I turned my hf radio on and nothing happened. I tried my 2m radio and same thing: no power. I figured my power supply had gone south and got out my spare, then I observed the light on the supply was on. I started checking over everything and discovered that the neutral wire from the power cord had come out of the ring connector where it attaches to the power supply. No problem, I thought. I got out my handy-dandy box of connectors and, Lo! And Behold! my crimpers were nowhere to be found! I was able to crimp the connectors on with a pair of needle-nose pliers but I do prefer to use the proper tool for the job at hand. As for how that wire came loose, I blame the cats. They get behind my desk and pull things.

Today SWMBO and I decided to activate. We went to the ATV lot in Michaux State Forest up on the hill above Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It is one of our favorite spots. Today there were a bunch of hunters (it is antler-less deer season) there but we had a parking spot off to the side away from the ruckus. The temperature was about -3C and the sky was overcast. We got set up quickly and got on the air around 0940EST (1440 UTC). I used a pool noodle with a slit as a cable pass-through and the car stayed nice and warm. We worked 40 contacts in 1/2 hour. Sometimes the calls were coming in so quick that I didn’t have time to post spots. We even worked some local stations: Carlisle and York PA. The band was busy, this being Saturday. After we finished we went to breakfast at the Dickenson Restaurant in Carlisle.

Now I am drinking coffee and am about to go to my daily exorcise on the stationary bike. I wish all a happy and prosperous New Year. Namaste and Tally-Ho!!

Missie, Tootsie and Moxie at the ATV lot again.

End Of The Year Activation

December 30, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Ok, I hope every had a good Christmas; whether or not you celebrate it. There is nothing wrong with having a good day. It is 2 days prior to New Years Day and I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year.

Now the greetings are over, the past few days have been … different. Sunday night I am sitting in my chair at work. I had just logged into the system and was settled in for a night of keeping the place safe from democracy when, lo and behold, the guy who was filling in for me came in. I had forgotten that I had requested a night off so that I could use a PTO day before I lost it. I tucked my pride in and headed home. Yesterday we stopped at Sam’s, KB3DNZ and dropped off something for him. Then we did some errands followed by a quiet evening.

Today, SWMBO and I loaded up the radio, antennae and gnomes and set out for Gettysburg US-0027, one of my favorite activation sites. We got set up in the -2C weather with 22 KPH wind under clear skies and got on the air. I started operating on 40M and had 10 contacts within a short time. It only took 5 minutes. After that the calls slowed down a bit but were still going well. When I reached 35 contacts I changed bands to 10M. It seems the band was open to Europe and I was getting strong signals from Greece, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Poland. I also worked an English station. All told I worked 43 contacts in 45 minutes. A pretty good activation.

After we packed up the gear, SWMBO wanted to go to a monument that she wanted to take some fresh pictures of. Afterwards we headed to the Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg proper. A bit of advice: if you go there and order the “country-fried steak and eggs” you better be hungry. The steak completely covers an entire plate. In fact, it needs its own zip code!

So tonight I am hoping for a quiet night. I do not drink and drive as in my youth I used up all my luck in that respect. I do have to work tomorrow night (I double checked the schedule) so I am going to take it easy. Sitting by the pellet stove and enjoying my coffee and maybe a beer sounds like a good plan to me. I wish my readers a safe and wonderful New Year and as Red Green says “Keep your stick on the ice”. Namaste to y’all. See you in 2026

Pre-Christmas Getting Gnomes Out And Making My 50th Activation

December 21, 2025December 21, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

You know, I was reviewing some of my earlier posts and discovered that I had said that I would post something about VE teams and activities. Prior to 1983, to test for your amateur license, you had to go to a FCC field office. In 1983, due to budget and other restraints, the Federal Government stepped back from test administration and the VECs were born. VECs are Volunteer Examiner Coordinators. They are the management for test administration. There are a few around the country. They oversee the VE (Volunteer Examiners) teams and determine which questions are in the test question pools. For a valid examination there must be 3 VEs (minimum) proctoring the exam session. The VE’s must hold a license class higher than the individuals being tested. The tests are graded and checked by the three VEs and then submitted to the FCC for award of the license. I currently belong to 2 VECs: Laurel VEC and W5YI which means I can proctor for either of those organizations.

Now to my activation. We (SWMBO and I) went down to Gambrill State Park US-1573 in Maryland, just north of Frederick. We went to the High Knob section of the park which has an overlook of the valley where Frederick is. It also has the Maryland CCC Monument and several plaques detailing the activities of the CCC. There were few people there. I think the reason was that even though the temperature as about 7C, the wind chill factor was around -275C. It was cozy in the car but my hands got very cold very fast when we went walking around taking pictures. In about 1/2 hour we worked 16 contacts which qualified me for the Diamond Activator award, having activated 50 unique parks. My next award comes at 75 parks. I was able to work KE8UTX and KE8QJV, 2 ham friends from Ohio who were at another park. They were my 10th and 11th contacts, making my activation bonafide! Thanks Sandy and Craig! For details of the POTA awards, go to https://docs.pota.app/docs/awards.html

Now I am going to end this entry and enjoy some coffee, the company of my cats and the pleasure of getting on the radio doing some park hunting. Namaste and Merry Christmas, y’all.

Missie, Ptolomey and Moxie at Gambrill State Park

Here is the overlook at High Knob in Gambrill SP

A Day Without Gnomes

December 16, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Here it is, Dec 16th 2025 and I am sitting in the shack enjoying coffee and watching Scout, my motional sports cat, run around and cause mischief.

I activated Little Buffalo State Park US-1376 today. I did it without SWMBO who was feeling a bit under the weather. I had asked my friend, Mike, if he wanted to come along but he had an appointment. So I was alone logging. I didn’t put my gnomes on the dashboard (no real reason).

I arrived at the park at around 16:45 UTC and got on the air by 16:50 UTC. The temperature had warmed up to 1C and there was no wind. I had decided to operate on 17 M as propagation seemed good. I spotted myself on the POTA page and also on DXSummit.fi. Things flowed along rather smoothly. I was sitting in the passenger seat as it made it easier to use the board I put my log on. Actually my log is in a notebook that I put on the board, to clarify the issue. In about 35 minutes I was able to log 30 contacts ranging from California to Spain. The band seemed to be in good shape. The majority of the contacts were from Florida. I had no sad-hams telling me to get off the band, so that was a good thing.

One really cool website I can recommend is https://potaparkpics.com/ It is an online repository where hams can post pictures of the parks they activate. It is interesting to browse through. Earlier I had mentioned DXSummit.fi This is a page which has spots from around the world and where you can spot yourself or another ham.

Well enough for now. Gnomes or no gnomes, I had a good day. Namaste y’all.

Zarathustra watching my 6 at Little Buffalo SP

And The Sky Looks Like It Wants To Weather

December 6, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

The sky looks mean. I am saying it has the mottled gray colour the precedes some foul weather. This time of year, late Autumn, that usually means snow. Sigh. At least it gives me some exercise.

This afternoon I suggested to SWMBO a quick activation followed by a trip to the store. We drove to a place I hadn’t activated yet: State Game Land #88. PA has State Game Lands which are tracks of land held in the public trust and provided for hunting, fishing, range shooting and general wildlife/outdoor enjoyment. Right now it is antlered ruminant season so you need to be careful of where you go. The main parking lot for SGL#88 (US-8787) is located on top of a ridge overlooking 2 valleys in 2 different counties. We parked and I decided to use 17M due to the time of day: 1930 UTC . The sky was/is overcast and the temperature was around 5C; not too cold. We got set up and were able to make 32 contacts in less than 1/2 hour. I had started out by hunting 2 park-to-parks and then found an empty frequency. We made it out to California and as far north as Montreal QC. They were coming in so fast that I had trouble self-spotting. Alas, somebody who probably didn’t hear us started using the frequency so we went off the air.

Now, I am sitting here drinking coffee and enjoying the heat from our pellet stove. It is looking like it will be a nice evening. I guess I will cut this short. Thanks for reading and as always: namaste kiddos.

Waiting For Krampus Or Somebody Like Him

December 2, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

First off, December 4th is the Feast Day Of St Barbara. She is the patron saint of armourers; architects; artillerymen; firemen; firework makers; mathematicians; miners; tunnelers; lightning; chemical engineers; and prisoners. I think I might fit in there somewhere. Secondly, December 5th is the Feast Day Of St Krampus. St Krampus would accompany St Nicholas and punish all bad children and evildoers with switches and other torments.

Yesterday, December 1st, SWMBO and I took a drive down to VA for the purpose of activating a couple parks and to make a trip to Buc-ee’s.

The first park we activated was Shenandoah River State Park US-1316. It is a nice small park located along the Shenandoah River (hence its name). We scouted out the park first before setting up. There were ruminants everywhere in the park. Anyway we settled on setting up at Cullers Outlook, a vista located at the top of the park and over the river. The view there is pretty spectacular. We were the only ones there in the parking lot, though we had a drive-by inspection from one of the rangers. It took 27 minutes to work 33 contacts of which 7 were Park-To-Parks. I stopped in at the Visitors center after and the staff there were very friendly. They have a large aquarium filled with native fishes and a display of stuffed native wildlife.

The next park was about 1 hour away by the roads we took. Seven Bends State Park US-1315 is located in a remote area accessed by a gravel road. There are 2 places to access the park: one off of Hollingsworth Road and the other off of Lupton Road. We opted for the Hollingsworth Road end which is located behind and adjacent to the Muse Winery. It was a small area with a playground and trail access. It only took us 7 minutes to make 14 contacts which made us bonafide. I think next time we are in this area we will try the other end of the park. In any event, propagation was on our side.

We heard the following birds: Carolina Wrens, White-Throated Sparrows, and Eastern Bluebirds.

We continued about 40 miles along US-81 to Mount Crawford VA where the Buc-ee’s is located. For those not familiar, Buc-ee’s is a HUGE truck stop/travel plaza. The franchise is based out of Texas and is common through the South. This one has 120 gas pumps so there is no waiting. The food there is made fresh and is quite good, though we can only speak for the Brisket BBQ Sandwiches, the Turkey BBQ Sandwiches and the Chicken and fries which is what we have tried so far. The Beaver Chips are good also and make a nice snack on a long drive.

That is how SWMBO and I spent the first day of December. I hope all my readers are well and for now, namaste, kidlets.

Missie, Ollie and Moxie at Cullers Overlook in Shenandoah River SP

Are Tuesdays Full Of Woe Or Whoa

November 4, 2025November 4, 2025 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

10 days since my last update. Not a record but there has been stuff going on.

We had to keep within reach of home for a few days until Scout got acclimated and the other kittehs got used to his presence. He is a lively little thing, now the medicine has kicked in. He enjoys running around and even wrestles with Calamity and Foggy though he doesn’t win … yet. He is still a little pig when it comes to food but he was used to having to scavenge for his meals prior to us adopting him so it is understandable. It is hard to believe we have had him for 11 days.

Today I was going to skip activating as SWMBO isn’t feeling the best. She has a cold. I figured we would take it easy this afternoon after we got groceries. On the way home from the store she suggested that we do a short activation and then take a ride as it is/was a beautiful day. We got home, put the groceries away and then set out.

We decided on 3 Square Hollow Vista in Tuscarora State Forest US-5479. The bands were somewhat quiet but we managed to make 11 contacts in 1/2 hour on 40M and 10M. We even worked a station from Colombia. Our closest contact was right down in the valley below us. I am happy with the contacts we made. Some days are better than others. So we ventured off from the vista and went to the airplane crash site that I have mentioned before. We then took a leisurely ride home.

For supper we made a low carb lasagna that SWMBO had found a recipe for online. It came out really good and we both enjoyed it. In place of the noodles we used egg-wraps.

Last night I participated in the NWS class on Winter weather reporting. I have been a spotter for the SKYWARN program for years but it is good to take these classes as a refresher. Last week I took the basic spotting class. Smart phones and the internet have made spotting a lot easier. You can use an app called “MPING” to report instead of calling a phone number.

Today I made an improvement to my POTA equipment assemblage. I had read online of people using fishing pole cases to store and carry their HamStick antennae and also to carry a mag mount. I had been using a piece of PVC pipe with end caps but this seemed so much more convenient. I ordered one on EBAY and received it today. The cost was only 22$ and it seems well made. I will show a picture below. Now my antennae will not get shaken around and I won’t hear them rattling over bumps.

Well enough for now. I am going to sit here, drink coffee and participate in a couple of nets. Namaste, fellow travelers.