I was interested in ham radio while a teenager and young adult but I could never put the three elements (code, written material, access to a testing center) together at the same time. Later, other interests (photography and dog obedience training) took priority.

I got very involved in dog obedience in the 1970s, earning the Utility Dog title on three dogs. I am approved by the AKC to judge at trials held under their rules but no longer actively judging.

Finally a few years ago -- driven by the desire to have a way to communicate in an emergency while hiking alone with my dog -- I took the tests for technician and general. Several months later, I took the test for the extra class.

K9UDX is a vanity call in memory of my Chesapeake Bay Retriever Henry (Can MOTCH Katmai Henry David Thoreau UDX, Bda UD). He was the first dog of any breed from the USA to earn the Canadian title of Master Obedience Trial Champion, the ninth Chesapeake to earn the Utility Dog Excellent title from the American Kennel Club, and the only Chesapeake to earn the Utility Dog title in three different countries.

Now that I am retired, I enjoy getting on the radio and hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with my present Chesapeake who can occasionally be heard adding his roos to my QSOs.

Brad asks, "Where's my QSL cards?"

My interests in Amateur Radio include APRS and serving on the communications support team for the Prouty Bike rides.