Swaziland on 10m

3DA0AY (9199km) in Swaziland has been spotted on 10m JT65. Swaziland is completely surrounded by South Africa. I went there a few years ago. 10m is definitely much better than yesterday.

Frosty - NOT amateur radio

Although we have had a few frosts this autumn, the one overnight was the coldest so far. Even now at 1040z, there are still signs of it. I wonder if this will be the end of our sweet peas in the garden? They were still flower and it is already well into the second half of November.

10m JT65

The return to 10m JT65 was just before breakfast. I have been spotted locally by Richard G4KPX (14km) and I have spotted EW4TT (1688km) in Belarus. F2?

UPDATE 1052z:  Now EU7FBB (1931km) has been spotted on 10m JT65.

Sunspots and 10m - Saturday November 19th 2016

Solar flux is 77 today and the sunspot number 28. K=0. Already 10m is looking better than yesterday.

Now QRT

As of a few minutes ago I went QRT. 10m was a great disappointment today. Will it be better tomorrow? 10m is full of surprises.

Autumn (again) - NOT amateur radio

We are fortunate to have several National Trust properties nearby. One of our best is Anglesey Abbey, which is about 4 miles away. In every season, there is something worth seeing in the grounds. At the moment it is the autumn colours. In the next few weeks the first daffodils will be out, then the snowdrops. There are acres and acres of grounds, some formal and some wild. Parts of the house date from the 1100s I believe.

The picture, taken on the "Winter Walk" shows a tree with incredibly tactile bark. Very many people just have to touch it.

Rallies

More UK rallies:

Sunday 20 NOVEMBER : 39th CATS RADIO & ELECTRONICS BAZAAR
Oasis Academy Coulsdon, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon CR5 1ES This is new venue will open the doors from 10am to 2pm. Pitches are just £12.50 when paid in advance (£15 on the day) and access will be available from 8am. Admission is £1.50 and includes a tea of coffee. There will be traders, a Bring & Buy and a flea market. For more information or bookings, email enquiries@catsradio.org

Sunday 20 NOVEMBER : PLYMOUTH RADIO RALLY 2016
Harewood House, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 2AS Doors open from 10am to 2pm and admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy, an RSGB bookstall, Special Interest Groups and trade stands. Catering will be available on site. More information from Sheila Hart, 2E0YSH, 01752 668 907, email sheo@fsmail.net.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Sunspots and 10m - Friday November 18th 2016

Solar flux is 78 today and the sunspot number 27. K=0. I hope 10m JT65 is good today.

10m JT65

After an evening and overnight on 2m JT65B I have now returned to 10m JT65A. I also checked the PC was synced to internet time. It was.

UPDATE 1245z:  As yet, no spots given or received on 10m JT65. Disappointing.

UPDATE 1658z: Only UK spots of others so far today on 10m JT65. If I am honest, this has been surprising and disappointing as I was expecting greater things on 10m JT65 today. Best spot was G4CJC (73km).

Storm risk gone, so now on 2m JT65B

As the storm risk seems to have moved away, I have gone back on the air on 2m JT65B 144.165MHz. I turned things on at 1943z. This time I remembered JT65B on 2m.

UPDATE 2202z: My thanks to G0LRD (25km) who has spotted me.