I have a business in Israel and had to wake up at 3:00 AM PST to check messages, speak to the office, support clients, and keep the fires burning low while away. Combined with jet lag, I am grateful to be home and getting back to normal.
Really the roughest part was the TSA searches at every airport where I discovered the rules of engagement depend on the airport, the line, and the person on duty. The only commonality was taking the shoes off. Not being use to these up close and personal searches, I settled into a very slow and agreeable state of mind. Slow and methodical to take out all of my things (in some places all electronics), and slow to make sure that all of my gear was recovered out of the machines, in six plastic bins, before moving out of security. My lesson, if you are in a hurry, you will loose your stuff.
I am glad that I carried on the electronics everywhere as my checked suitcase went missing on the final leg home. I will drive to the airport tomorrow to see if it is there while the airline reports that they don't have it yet.
I had the QSO with Clark Stewart, W8TN, while on the road proving that it is possible to record the show with a portable setup. Clark is doing moon-bounce, and in our conversation says that the new digital modes make it possible to make moon-bounce contacts without a lot of fancy gear. The difference is made up by the guy at the other end. The link budget is the same for all contacts I'm told. W8TN is an interesting guy and loves to be a mentor to hams.
Happy Thanksgiving to my listeners in the USA.
Thanks for listening.
73, Eric 4Z1UG