My QTH, Webster Groves, is an old historic community just next to St Louis, Missouri. Unlike most operators my age I came to the hobby later in life at age 62 (technician Sept 2011 -> general Jan 2012 -> extra May 2012). I love chasing DX, IOTAs, and special events. This was my first station which, aside for the addition of a couple of computers for logging and working digital modes, did not change much during the first year. Running with just 100 watts barefoot and three simple wire dipoles for 10, 20, and 40 meters I have logged 144 DX entities / 112 confirmed so far.

Original operating desk

As the station progressed, I added an MFJ IntelliTuner and now computers out number radios in the shack for logging and working digital modes with a RIGblaster connected via VOX triggering. I'm an avid Mac guy but I added the one Windows machine so I can work JT65 & JT9 - two low power digital modes which I like a lot.

The operating position early 2013

Radio update: As of February 2013 the old Kenwood TS-430 has been replaced by it's modern cousin, a Kenwood TS-590. The 590 has a built in sound card and USB connectivity so I was able to elminate the RIGblaster I had been using via VOX triggering for digital modes and I now have CAT so I can auto-tune the radio to stations spotted in the DXClusters of my logging program with a simple click of the mouse.

Life outside the shack.

I enjoy long distance touring on my 2002 Triumph Bonneville. This was during a three week tour out west, taken in Wyoming at altitude. Heated jacket liner and gloves in late June - one way to escape the heat of a Missouri summer.

Crossing the divide on the return leg of the trip.

A rest break in Canada during another trip. A solo circumnavigation of Lake Superior - a lighter load since I was not camping during this trip.

I also enjoy riding this self propelled bike.

A few years ago I rode with a guy who told me that he had just ridden his age on his birthday the week before. He was 80 years old! I thought this sounded like a good idea so I have been doing the same thing ever since I turned 60 although it seems to get a little longer every year. I've put in a little over 3,600 miles each year since then. The bike: custom TIG welded steel fame, carbon fork, seat post, and handlebar with Shimano Dura Ace groupo. Since this pohto was taken I've swaped the Look pedals for Speedplay and now run Mavic Ksyrium wheels.