Re: [IRCA] QSLing and a suggested plan of action

[mwdxer@xxxxxxxxx (Patrick Martin)]

HI everyone,

Yes, I am an avid QSLer. I always have been. I come from the "Ernie
Cooper" school of QSLing I guess. He started long before me of course,
but we both went after QSLs. I am one that does not take "no" for an
answer in most cases. Only once did a station really say no QSLs, but I
came back 20 years later and got the QSL anyway. The only exception are
foreign stations. It is hard to hop on a plane and head for The
Philippines, but I have thought about it. hi. I know of SW DXers that
have done exactly that. Going through the hills of Peru to get that QSL.
To us QSLers, it is much more than a piece of paper. We don't feel
hearing the station is enough. It is not complete. We need the QSL to
complete the circle. You get it in your blood after years of QSLing and
going after the rare station. At nearly 3,000 MW QSLs, it is a lot of
fun to look through them. Each one tells its own story. Many stations, I
have each and every call change QSL'd. A complete history of a station.
   With 224 QSLs from Australia, it reminds me so much about the
fantastic South Pacific DX conditions of the early 80s. The dial was
loaded with DUs, morning after morning. I thought it would go on
forever. I felt I died and went to DU DX heaven. Each and every one I
logged, I wrote for the QSL and I got a 100% return. The same is true
for New Zealand with 111 QSLs, and Japan also with 111 QSL. Many are
really beautiful cards too.  I have had stations phone me from Australia
& New Zealand. CFWH Whitehorse was so excited, the news director called
me for an interview and did a program on DXing. The list goes on and on.
QSLing has been an amazing part of my life. With over 41 years at it, I
still have my first two QSLs too, KFBK Sacramento and KPAY (1060) Chico
CA. There is so much history.

73,

Patrick

Patrick Martin

Come to Seaside Oregon for the 2006 IRCA Convention! It will be held at
the Comfort Inn on September 22-24,2006.

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