2001 QRP To The Field (QRPTTF)

N4ROA Style

QRP To The Field 2001 was a wonderful opportunity to renew old friendships and to operate QRP from a breath-taking location. Dan (N4ROA), Luther (N4UW), Dennis II (Computer Duper Extraordinaire), and I (Dennis/N4DD), began the day with a fabulous ninety-minute drive on the scenic route to the top of High Knob Mountain (near Norton in southwestern Virginia). It is a winding road that offers unparalleled opportunities to view wildlife and mountain plant growth. We arrived at our operating position at approximately 9:30 am Eastern time and made our way up the hill to the observation tower (Monolith). The views from the observation tower are intoxicating, and the cool mountain air is exhilarating.

We were equipped with enough food and radio equipment for a small army. Luther, armed with his trusty deep-sea fishing equipment, began his assault upon the trees. Luther is truly gifted with a fishing rod. In a matter of an hour, we had installed our 800 foot random loop amid the mountain treetops. Dan was sporting his trusty K2 station in a bag, and I was equipped with the Omni VI. This was the first real opportunity for Luther and I to operate a K2 in a contest setting, so the K2 was summoned and commanded as the rig of choice. The station was set. The antenna was evaluated, and we were ready to go.

The laptop was loaded with the K7RE contest software and it performed flawlessly. My son Dennis II was our handy dandy computer duper for the day. His services were rewarded with triple-decker cold-cut sandwiches and lots of chocolate.

Super Duper Dennis II (N4DD Jr.) detunes the twinlead with his big size 13 foot while
N4ROA (background) alternates between snoring and wondering why we can't get out.

Twenty meters was our band of choice, and it proved to be the band of the day. Forty meters was a close second. Interested visitors can view our logbook or our summary sheet here on this site. Signals were up and down with rapid QSB. We copied stations Q-5, sent our exchange, and then the stations were gone. That was truly frustrating. We worked several of the bonus stations, and we thank all of them for their participation.

We alternated in shifts of one hour. This afforded each of us an opportunity for leisurely strolls along the mountaintop and to shoot several digital photos. Check out the stunning views in our photos, and imagine how terrible it must have been to endure these elements. HI! The cool morning broke into a fabulous sun filled day with lots of stations, lots of camaraderie, and lots of fun. There were several visitors to the observation tower, many of whom were fascinated with amateur radio.

When the contest was finished, I admit that I felt momentarily despondent. I hated to leave the mountain and all it's splendor, only to return to the hustle and bustle of everyday life. I remember thinking that The Flight of the Bumblebees is very soon�just not soon enough. The QRP hook remains firmly set. I just can't get enough!! We packed up our equipment, removed the antenna, and headed for home. Some of us were sun burned but none of us were disappointed.

Kudos to the contest manager for a wonderful contest theme, and thanks to all the stations who stopped by during the contest. Good luck and we hope to catch you next year!