RADIO SPORT

Skyview participated in the PA QSO Party big time in 2007. The PA QSO Party is the favorite QSO party of many county hunters throughout the country and throughout the world. It is known as "The Friendly QSO Party" and is not as hard-nosed as many other contests on the air.

Skyview had the record for Westmoreland County for a number of years. This year we decided to see if we could break our own record. Well, we think it's safe to say that we succeeded by more than doubling our last record! (At the bottom of the sun spot cycle!) With the veteran contesting talents the likes of George, N3GJ – John, K3MD – and Rich, K3RWN along with great efforts of a good number of other members, had really kicked butt!

We are always trying to get our newer Amateurs to try out radio sports. The fun and challenge isn't always appreciated by just watching someone working a contest. Getting in and operating is the most fun. A newer operator usually goes from very nervous to slowly getting a feel for the rhythm to really enjoying operating. It always helps when there are experienced contesters there by your side to guide you. We look forward to bringing more operators up into the ranks.

Outside during the contest others were working hard on the new ground system for the clubhouse. Ground rods were being pounded in (not easy in Pennsylvania ground!) and wires being attached and routed. Then we heard a powerful rumble? A look out of the window revealed Mikey, WA3O who brought his street legal, 9-second Ford Ranger drag truck. Another look out of the window saw John, N3OVO's factory supercharged Mustang! Later on Larry, AB3ER stopped by with his Corvette. It was a regular car cruz out there!

As is typical, food figured strongly into the weekend. While on the train ride to and from ARRL HQ in August a rivalry developed between Fran, wife of Larry, AB3ER and Skyview Head Cook and Bottle Washer Bob, WC3O. The dispute was over who made the best apple pie! It was decided to settle this dispute at the PA QSO Party with a pie bake-off! Others were also invited to bring their apple pies to show off. We had a total of four apple pies and they were all beauties!

For dinner we made a couple of "Beer in the Rear" chickens in the Skyview oven. These birds are cooked standing upright and a can of beer stuffed in their, well, cavities. The chickens were rubbed with olive oil and seasonings. They came perfect! With other fixins we sat down to a fine dinner. After dinner we dug into the apple pies. Each one had a unique quality. Crust, filling, flavor, they were all very good. Therese, KB3MHM made a delicious pie with a unique red filling. Bill, KB3IVD's pie was tall and good. Kristen, K3HTC made a couple pumpkin pies too. There were no complaints in the pie department! For breakfast Sunday morning Kristen, K3HTC made homemade gingerbread pancakes and sausage, we had tea, coffee and life was good. For dinner Sunday we made pasta with a vodka sauce and imitation lobster meat. A little garlic bread and we were set! As you can see, we don't suffer much while working the contests! Many thanks to all the cooks, all was VERY good.
The weather was perfect ans sunny. At night we had a nice fire going outside. There really wasn't much more we could ask for. 

Another AP QSO Party has come and gone. It is always a great time and we look forward to doing it again next year. Wow! What a great weekend.

Last Update October 22, 2007