November 11, 2018....."Singles Day?"

I just found out that at least in Asia, the 11th of November is called Singles Day.  I have no clue as to why it is called that, but what I do know is that large vendor groups like Aliexpress have sales on Singles Day.  So if you can't find what you need locally, and I always believe that you should buy locally, then perhaps you can find what you need through Aliexpress or some other vendor group.

November 11th, for us here in Israel, and by "us" I am referring to the a small group of operators who are English speaking, a special event day.  Several of us, notably 4x6zm, 4z5ot, 4z1ug, 4x5mg, 4x1ks, went to a fascinating place called Susya to set up 3 or 4 stations as a special event.

The event is still going on at 1900 utc, and will continue until 12.11.2018 at about 0600 utc.  Activity is currently on 40m and 80m, as it is now nighttime in Israel.

The site itself is the home of a very ancient archeological dig located northeast of Beersheba in Southern Israel.  The stations were equipped with a 17m vertical, a multi-band dipole, a 20m dipole, and a 40/80 m vertical.  The rigs included an Icom 706mkIIg, a Yaesu 950, a Yaesu 857, and a Kenwood 450.  CW, SSB, and FT8 were the main modes.  The operation that is continuing until 12.11.2018 will be CW and SSB.

Pillars and Arches from a courtyard dating back over 2000 years

What impresses me most about the site is the beautiful and breathtaking high desert environment.  The air is cool and crisp, and the archeological dig is just spectacular.  In addition, there is something special about going off into the woods, or desert, or mountains with your ham friends to set up and run special events.  I can't emphasize how good it is to be out with like-minded friends working dx from around the world while activating a rare grid or unusual site.

Perhaps you should consider getting together with a group of your friends and go out to a notable site and run a special event.  Even when sunspot/propagation conditions are not great, there is still a lot to be gained from a day out with your ham buddies.

Please feel free to send me a message about your last (or next) outdoor ham radio event, I'd love to hear about it.  73, Mark 4x1ks