Maybe I should do this more often

Our Technician License class ran late. Normally, we get out around 9:30 PM or so, but tonight's class ran closer to 10:00 PM. As I was driving home, I was mentally debating as to whether or not I would even make an attempt in the 40 Meter QRP Fox hunt.

I calculated that I would get home with about 10 minutes or so remaining in the Hunt - what were my chances? And it was a long day at work, then class - not much left in the ol ' gas tank after a day like that.

But my competitive side wouldn't buy the excuses. I was itching to give it a try regardless. Then I hit a minor snag. It was a very rainy, foggy night tonight, and I got stuck behind someone who was frightened out of their wits by the fog and proceeded to drive at a pace that would make a tortoise seem like Speedy Gonzales.

I got home with 5 minutes to go, ripped my coat off and ran down the basement stairs. I turned on the Astron and the KX3 - didn't even bother turning on the shack computer. I started at 7.050 MHZ and tuned my way down to the bottom end of the hunting ground at 7.030 MHZ. It was right around there that I heard Drew, K9CW calling "CQ FOX". And Drew was loud! 599+ loud! I called him and he immediately heard me. In fact, he said I was the loudest he has ever heard me! So far, the propagation Muse was with me and I had one pelt in my bag.

With no time to spare, I started hunting for the "High Fox", who tonight was Randy NC4RT. With a minute to go, I found him, also calling "CQ FOX". One call later, he was coming back to me. Second pelt in the bag, within minutes of the first, both nabbed with less than 5 minutes to go. Sweet!

Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good. Tonight I was lucky and the Propagation Powers That Be assisted me, rather than fighting me.  And, very importantly, we had two excellent Foxes on duty who have tremendous sets of ears. Should I do this more often? It was fun and exciting, but to be honest ..... I'd rather not.

72 de Larry W2LJ
QRP  - When you care to send the very least !