[amsat-bb] 1 Year on the birds

[Michael Elliott]

Hello everyone on the board,

Yesterday was celebration of my first year on the birds.  I will never
forget that first QSO with K4T on SO-50 last year.  I couldn't believe
someone actually heard me and came back.  That was a real thrill.  During
this first year I even made a couple of contacts with the Space Station
which again really surprised me.  I have learned so much from you guys and I
am not going try to name specific operators because I am afraid I will leave
someone out - thank you all.  I appreciate the patience you guys have shown
and continue to show me as I still make mistakes and continue to learn.

My wife still says I am strange for walking around in the yard with a
antenna and will ask from time to time if I contacted any aliens. If there
is any comfort in that, it is at least starting to get warm here in NC.
Along the same lines, I have co-workers who ask if I have found the tagged
wildlife yet.  Luckily I have friends who understand...

I am hopeful that this second year will allow me to get on the transponders
and learn even more about this fascinating part of amateur radio.

I don't want to bore anyone with details, but I have confirmed 44 states and
worked a few more.  As for total contacts which does include multiple
contacts from the same operators is a little over 700.

Anyway I just wanted to post a quick thank you to all of those who have
offered me such great advice and shown patience.

73's and thanks again,

Michael, K4MOA