I am pleased to report a very successful and somewhat impromptue QSO was had on 2M on my trusty handheld (thank you again to Paul!!) whilst on our long weekend to the glorious (or not so weather wise) walklng vacation on the beautiful IOW.

From our bungalow at Seaview, North East of the Island, I was warmly welcomened into the ‘Waterside Net’ transmitting on the island on Sarurday morning at 9am. Sadley I wasn’t able to quickly scribble down call signs as this QSO was totally unexpected however my thanks to Bob, MIke, Elaine and Peter who were on the net and warmly invited me and the any of the club to hook up again if ever we are that way.

My signal reports ranged from 3/5 and 2/4 (S/R) which I thought wasn’t bad for a handheld behind glass and in a low spot which Sea View is albeit on the coast edge and into Sandown for Bob and Shanklin and East Cowes (for all the others) which is approx 8-9 miles maybe more and surprisingly over several large hills (not quite mountains!!).

Funny thing was I told them that I was from Bristol and I think most initially thought they had struck a long DX net but none the less throughly enjoyed it and made the day. Took the radio out walking later that day over high ground near Freshwater and in clear line of sight to channel islands etc but sadely nothing…bizarre that.

Happy days!!
Mark