[amsat-bb] Successful Grid Expediton to DM16/16

[Mike and Paula Herr]

We had a very successful grid expedition to DM16 and DM 17 in Death 
Valley. A total of 55 QSOs were made, 38 fro DM 16 and 17 from DM 17. 
This was my first Grid Expedition and I can see how it can be addictive. 
Others far more experienced than I like WD9EWK, K8YSE and others can 
certainly add their lessons learned but here were mine:

- Using the Pelican case to hold the irgs in the ready position worked 
very well. Just pop them open and go.
- Death Valley is deep. I loss the first 10 degrees at the horizon.
- FO29 became available during the trip, but I hadn't brought along 
pass info for it.
- The SLAB (Sealed Lead Acid Battery) worked well, but needed recharging 
by the third day.
- Einstein said something to the effect the Time is what keeps 
everything happening at the same time. I found this to be incorrect. At 
the same time for a satellite pass the cookies were ready in the solar 
oven, workers fired up a chain saw to work on a near by salt ceder, and 
someone was backing in his diesel belching land yacht (motor home) into 
the spot next to us.

I'm preparing the QSL cards. If you worked me and need DM17 or 16, just 
dropped me a card to my QRZ address.
73
Mike WA6ARA

OBTW - looking to repeat at least part of this in February.