Remembrances Of A Cold And Blustery Day

February 24, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

It has been eventful the past few days. Mostly good and some not so good. On Friday the 20th, we took Scout to the vet to be neutered. The operation went without a hitch and Friday afternoon he was back at home, causing a ruckus.

I had to work this past weekend, Friday thru Sunday night; the usual 12 hour shifts. It was pretty much without incident until Sunday when the storm hit. From Sunday afternoon until Monday mid-morning we got a mixture of rain and snow which left 5 Centimeters (2 inches) on the ground which pretty much melted off last night. This storm has been labelled The Blizzard Of 2026″ as Philly, New York, and Southern New England got hit pretty hard, amounts varying from 45 CM (18 inches) to a bit mor than a Meter (39 inches). Today they are starting to dig out. As I said, we dodged the bullet on this one.

This morning the wind was gusting to about 15 KPH (9 MPH) and the temperature was around -4 C (25 F) so, of course, I went to a state park and activated. I went to Little Buffalo State Park US_1376 as it is close to my home. There were no birds around and the lake was totally devoid of ice fishers.

As usual it did not take long to set up. I chose 40M to start with and once I got on the air the contacts were coming in at a fast rate. I stayed on 40 for about 1/2 hour until things started to abate. I then mounted my 17M “Hamstick” on the car and continued for another 25 minutes. I was able to rack up a total of 52 contacts before I took my station down. I even worked some DX: St Vincent ( the Caribbean island, not the singer) and Italy. I was receiving good reports out to Colorado and down into the south. All in all a good activation.

As I have mentioned previously, I have my operation streamlined. At first, I was dragging out the ham radio equivalent of a full British mountaineering expedition, more bells and whistles that one person would ever need. SWMBO made suggestions over time which work out. Nowadays I use a mag mount on the car roof with one of my various “Hamsticks” on it. It isn’t perfect but it makes for a convenient and non-obtrusive setup. The only thing I do that might attract a bit of attention is to place one of my owl decoys on the hood of the car. I do carry a couple other antennae as back ups but rarely have occasion to use them

The day is now winding down. It is 1630 EST and my weather station is telling me that it is 1 C with a Southwest wind of 12 KPH. The cats have been fed, the stove is full and the coffee is hot so I may get on the air and do some POTA hunting. Namaste for now.

Scout home from the traumatic experience at the vet’s.

My porter boiling a couple weeks ago. It will soon be ready to bottle.

Spur Of The Moment Activation But Not Warm As Predicted

February 19, 2026 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Greetings kidlets. Another fine day here in Pencilvania. SWMBO is suffering from a cold, so I am trying to look after her. The other day I looked across the road and WOW!!!!! Daffodils are coming up! Those wonderful flowers are giving the finger to the groundhog!

This morning, I decided to head out for a little while to do an activation. Little Buffalo State Park is only about 15 minutes or so from here. I packed up my gear and my owl, Ollie, and off I went. SWMBO didn’t want to go due to her bout of virus. It is nice when she comes along but I can manage without her. Anyway, the weather forecast called for temps in the mid 50s F (about 13C) but that was not the case. The temperature hovered around 38F (3.3C). Not too bad but not what was promised. There was a fog out there and visibility was about 1 Km.

I was really surprised to see people on the lake ice fishing. You would think the ice would be getting a bit thin due to the temperatures we have been having. The snow is leaving us, but I like that. I am ready for Spring to attack us.

My activation went well. I started on 40M and finished on 17M. I was able to log 50 contacts in about 50 minutes. Not a record but I thought it was pretty good. My furthest contact was in Poland. The furthest I worked here in the US was Colorado.

I believe I have mentioned previously that we have hermit crabs. Before I left, I checked the tank and they have been busy performing massive urban renewal projects. They have dug up the tank and moved stuff around. Sometime overnight they pushed some of the sand in the tank up into their water bowl and up into their saltwater bowl. The trails of sand cause the water to drain out due to capillary action; I refilled the bowls before leaving. Land hermit crabs need water on their gills to breathe. They climb into the water bowls and store water in their shells to keep their gills moist. So now they can drink and breathe.

Well, my coffee cup is empty, and I need to go ride my bike to maintain my health so I will end this here for now. Namaste kids and keep your sticks on the ice.

Moxie, Ollie and Missie helping me radio

A view across the parking lot at Little Buffalo at the boat launch

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.

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