Thanks, Mr. Postman

Just received a batch of QSL cards today from the US incoming QSL bureau in Sterling VA.

With the increase in postal rates, more folks are using ARRL Logbook of the World (LotW). This is an electronic, secure method of confirming QSO's and receiving DX credit. It is an awesome setup and takes just a few minutes to get started. It increases the chance of getting a confirmation, with the dramatic availability of the internet throughout the globe.

Still, in my 34 years of hamming I have never lost the excitement of receiving in my postal box, a 5x7 brown envelope with the latest "hard copy" QSL cards. This time was no different. I finally received a QSL card from my first QSO with China during the 2008 summer olympics. Also received several band/mode confirmations. About 90 QSL cards in all, including some for my QSL manager duties for 5X1RI.

So even with the increase in postage, lots of hams still send true QSL cards. It's a nice aspect of the hobby, and I am glad to see that it has not gone away.

Now, I have a lot of QSL cards to reply to. Good thing I have a software logging program to handle the printing of it...DX4WIN.

OK, back to hamming.

DX IS!

73 and good DX