I am in my third year of retirement and I am adjusting nicely. It has taken me a while to realize even though I have a lot of time freed up from not having to work, there is still a finite amount of time to do things. So much to do, so little time. Most of my time is spent doing radio things like operating and writing on this blog. I still have time to work on my chores, even in retirement, there are still chores. Going through life does not prepare you for getting older. It is something that has to be experienced. For anyone reading this who is under 60 years of age, you have no idea what's coming.
My last camping trip got me to thinking. While I like camping, my body with all its aches and pains sometimes rebels and I end up not quite enjoying myself as much as I want. For a couple of reasons, I have decided that maybe I should spend my nights in a motel room instead of camping. I would be more comfortable, especially if the weather turns bad and I can't play radio. I would have more control of when I go camping. To get a decent campsite, I often have to book it 1-3 months in advance. No telling what the weather or band conditions will be like. Cancellation, comes with monetary penalties. Typically, I can book a room near a park within a week. If I can't get a room at one park. I can always try a different park. I can be more flexible. I'm going to try it for the next couple of trips. I may even try a POTA rove again (not as far or long ranging).
I am still pursuing CW with my wish to copy code faster. I have had to put it on pause for a moment. One thing I discovered was non-iambic keying results in fewer mistakes. Most of my errors come from squeeze keying, which is when you squeeze both paddles together to make a dah-di-dah-dit or dit-dah-di-dah. I have spent most of my time in CW squeeze keying and while it's okay for slower speeds, as you go faster, it loses its efficiency. I have been spending the past couple of days unlearning squeeze keying. It's a matter of training your brain and muscle memory to not squeeze. I am almost there, I am practicing at 25-30 wpm sending to force the issue. I leave one of my radios on with the break-in turned off and throughout the day I will send code concentrating on not squeezing. A couple minutes here and there - no pressure.
Other musings. Since I am becoming more agile with my activations, I am also downsizing my gear. I will bring less gear most of the time and take the EmComm/FunComm gear out a couple of times a year to keep it ready. The rest of the time I will use QRP radios powered by batteries,, and I will bring far less antenna gear. Easy up - easy down. I still have my trusty IC-705 with the AH-705 and I am adding a new to me QRP radio. I happened across a great deal on an Elecraft KX3 - I just couldn't say no. It's on its way and should arrive early next week. I am excited. I thought about getting another KX2 but you can't hardly find them used and new one's price's are through the roof.
I guess you could say I am shaking things up a bit, and I think for the better. It's always good to stretch yourself a little to keep the mind going. I wish you all the best and have a safe, fun summer -- de Scott
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