Bougainvillea - NOT amateur radio

 

This is probably one of the last photos of my break in Corfu.  It shows a bougainvillea in the garden of our hotel. 

W5OLF SK?

My fears are growing. I have written to Jay twice and not had a response. 

He may just be on a long vacation, but I have heard no news. In the past Jay has been very helpful to me and I owe him a lot. 

If he is around and reading this, please be assured that I wish him well.

Has anyone had any news please?

10m QRP WSPR TX

Now that I am home again, I am on 10m WSPR with 500mW from the W5OLF WSPR beacon. Several F2 spots, but none that look like Es.

8m FT8 TX

As I am now home again, I hope to be on 8m TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 after breakfast. I have not been on 8m for a week. 

UPDATE 0902z:  Been on 8m FT8 QRP TX for about 45  minutes, but now RX only on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8. Spotted by EI9KP (649km). Nobody spotted on RX.

UPDATE 2117z: My 8m FT8 QRP signal was spotted by stations in Portugal, Spain and Eire today, and I spotted 1 G station on RX.

Sunspots - Friday May 27th 2022

Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 87.  A=4 and K=1.

Not a monarchist, but... - NOT amateur radio

In my bones I am not a monarchist. 

Personally, I find rank and status simply because of who you are, or your ancestors were, is totally wrong. Having said all that, I cannot think who a UK president could be. Nobody springs to mind who is liked by many and has integrity. Most politicians fall at the first fence as many are in it for personal gain and are born liars.

Queen Elizabeth of the UK has been monarch for most of my life. I cannot remember anyone else. By comparison, her son Charles has a lot of respect to gain.

No, Queen Elizabeth is not perfect, but during her long reign she has commanded respect.

See https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-61585182 .

Corfu chilling - NOT amateur radio

On our last day in Corfu, we did a bit of shopping then cool drinks and people watching. 

It is meant to reach 32 degrees C later. 

It feels very hot and sunny already.

Weatherwise it has been perfect. It was just not a long enough break!

Rally

The following rally is due to take place on Sunday May 29th. As always in these strange times, it is advisable to check with organisers first if travelling far.

Sunday May 29th - Durham District ARS Radio Rally, Bowburn Community Centre, DH6 5AT. Contact dadrs@gmx.com . 

Back on 8m FT8 TX Friday

 All being well, I intend to be on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX on Friday after a week away. It would appear there were some good Es openings that I missed!

Corfu desserts - NOT amateur radio

 

These were our desserts yesterday. Greek desserts and yoghurt with kumquats. Delicious.

Our hotel has kindly extended our room checkout to 5pm, so we effectively have another day rather than waiting around for hours for our late flight.