August 16, 2008 DUMPLING ROCK LIGHTHOUSE USA247 New Bedford Massachusetts. Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society

Well after a long absence the dynamic duo of the Cape Crusaders were back in action.

It was a little different than our normal meeting at Whitey's house and proceeding to the lighthouse because this time Whitey picked me up at home and from there we proceeded to the nearest Dunkin Donuts.

It was very foggy when Whitey picked me up but as we headed toward Dumpling Rock light the fog started to lift.

When we arrived there it was just a light mist and a lot of cloud cover.

We set up and started operating right on schedule. Starting on 80 meters the pickings were very poor and by 0730 we were on 40 SSB. Things were not much better on 40 SSB so I went on 40 CW and I managed to work 8 stations. After that it was 20 SSB then 20 CW then back to 40 SSB and then 40 CW.

Band conditions were not very good, as a matter of fact they were lousy!!! Hi.We did manage to work a few members and a few lights and I was able to work some across the pond stations on 20 CW working Switzerland.Germany and Denmark

There was a lot of activity at Fort Taber as they had a small sail boat Regatta for young sailors. It was a pretty impressive sight. Some of these young boys and girls will make fine sailors in the future if this Regatta was any indication.

The wx cooperated after the mist cleared and provided us a nice sunny day with a comfortable 15 mile per hour wind from the South West.

Our totals were not very impressive but we did have a good time and it was nice to get back together with Whitey that is for sure.

At any rate here are the totals

Band 80 SSB 3, 40 SSB 28, 40 CW 11, 20 SSB 14, 20 CW 25 .. Total 75 QSOs, Lighthouses 7 , ARLHS Members 9. As a last note to be honest with all of you I thought I was ready to resume activating but by the time I arrived home I was really beat and dead tired so we will have to wait and see what the future will bring as to whether I will be going out with Whitey again at a later date or giving up my right hand seat and the paddle to someone else.

Thanks to all who worked us an a very special thanks to all who welcomed me back. Believe me the good wishes were well appreciated.

We had a number of curious visitors ... wanted to know what the 33 ft mast was ... a fishing pole ?... we handed out a a few of the lighthouse DVDs and some ARLHS info ....HAMTEST ON LINE brochure ....and ARRL litterature ....

Keep the Flame

Don N1DT

The Cape Crusaders

K1VV Whitey ARLHS 957 on the mike and N1DT ARLHS 962 on the key.