Results of the 2006 Flight of the Bumblebees

Assisted by the usual bugs and varmints, the Adventure Radio Society members and
friends made their way to many great outdoor adventures. It would have helped if the bands had cooperated more.

For most of us, conditions were not so hot for this year's Flight of the Bumblebees. The weather, on the other hand, was plenty hot. The QSO to heat index ratio was pretty poor in a lot of places. Reports of temperatures over 100 and high humidity were common this year.

Twenty meters was the workhorse, but it dropped out early in the east and the noise on 40 was pretty bad everywhere. Many reported 15 was open early in the contest, but few went that high to check it out.

Most had a good time and arrived home unscathed. However, several reported cases of 'numb bum' prompting plans for better seating next year.

We received a total of 121 logs, down 26 logs from last year. The total number of QSO's was also down by 1214, but over a thousand higher than 2004. Similar to last year, 20M was the workhorse band, with the QSO's breaking down as follows:

Top Five Bumblebees:

The biggest buzz this year went to N4UM with 129 QSOs and 62 bees. Second was
N0SXX with one more bee, but fewer total contacts. Usual favorites WA9TZE,
N9NE, and K7TQ filled out the top five.

Top Five Home Stations:

For home stations, the winner was K4LTA with the biggest bee total of all
stations, 67 bees. Second went to K4BAI with just under 100 total contacts.
K5NZ was third with a solid 66 contacts, mostly on 20 meters. Fourth and fifth
positions were held by W3BBO and N8RN who both had 38 contacts.

Awards for Most Interesting Equipment, Most Outrageous Venture, and Most
Beautiful Site as well as pictures, articles, and soapbox comments will appear
in a forthcoming edition of the ARS Sojourner.

ARS wishes to thank everyone who participated in this year's Flight of the
Bumblebees!

Flight of the Bumblebees 2006 Results