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In 2007 the inner lighthouse on the North Pier in Saint Joseph Michigan turned 100 years old.  In celebration of this event, the Blossomland Amateur Radio Association (BARA), put the special event call sign N8P (North 8 Pier) on the air during the annual Tri-State Regatta.  

N8P
by Dan Utroske (KF8Z)

The special event station N8P was on the air during the Labor Day weekend.  The setting on the bluff was excellent, giving us a beautiful view and a large number people passing by on both days.  The terrestrial weather could not have been better, with the sun shining, temps in the 70's, and a gentle breeze most of the day.

The space weather was another story.  The sun decided not to cooperate and sent a solar wind stream in our direction, sending the K index above 5 and the A index above 25, while the solar flux index stayed at a meager 69.  This resulted in deep fading during contacts, and a surprising distribution of states in the log.

We made a total of  110 contacts, including 29 states and 4 Canadian provinces.  We also made contact with 3 other lighthouses, 5 ARLHS members, and a Coast Guard vessel. N8P made it into logs in Germany, Spain, Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Italy, Luxembourg, Finland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, European Russia, Romania, and Serbia.

Thanks to all those to participated in this event.