Thanks, everyone! It was great to be back in Colorado for the MG summit. I would have liked to get more in the log, but we got wind-blasted with snow right after we got set up. The day, while different than planned, was representative of the SOTA journey.?I can't articulate how much I appreciate all of you good folks in the W0C who have made the journey so much fun! It's here that I would like to give a tip-of-the-hat to a few folks...
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@K0NR and @K0JJW - Bob and Joyce, thanks for working me on the air during my first few outings. In one of those exchanges you guys told me about the groups.io page, and got me connected to the larger W0C community. I also wanted to say thanks for the years that you guys have invested in helping the W0C SOTA community thrive and become the welcoming group that exists today!?
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@WG0AT - Steve, thanks for all the good times, great laughs and fantastic summits! You really showed me how to SOTA and I couldn't have asked for a more welcoming, fun-loving person to learn from. On that first hike up Mount Herman, we paused as we crested the ridge to take in the sunrise. I remember you taking your trekking pole, gently tapping the earth with the carbide tip and saying "Awe yeah, this is the fountain of youth, man!". In that moment, I knew I liked you. Thanks for your inspiration and friendship!?
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@KD8EQA - Ray, my scrambling buddy! I can remember smiling the first time I heard you on the air. Your excitement and enthusiasm is down right contagious! As I got to know you, I realized...that's just how you live life! You find the good, enjoy the journey, and share that with everyone around you. In addition, you're an adventurer's adventurer with crazy-awesome mountain strategy skills! I have been blessed to journey alongside you! Upward and onward, my friend!?
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@W1NV and @K5SJC - Mike and Steve, though we didn't get to do near as many mountains together as I would have liked, I enjoyed the ones we did and enjoy the ongoing dialogue we share. I also appreciate the rough-and-tumble-bust-your-chops ribbing that you two jokers always bring to the party.?
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@KI0KN - James, though we only met a few times, I just wanted to say that I appreciate your willingness to support and help the SOTA community to be the thriving community that it is. You and your wife were truly exemplars of hospitality at the SOTA campout last September. I also recognize the behind the scenes work that you have done to help coordinate and orchestrate various activities. I know that you support quite a few Amateur Radio initiatives in the region, so thanks for extending your skill in this area to the SOTA community.?
...alright. Maybe I shouldn't have had so much coffee before starting this post. I'll stop with all the sappiness now. ?
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73, everyone. We'll catch you on the air - from some lofty summit...somewhere.?
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