Welcome to my personal corner of the airwaves, where the nostalgic charm of QSL cards meets the adventurous spirit of Parks on the Air (POTA) operations. While the digital age has ushered in electronic cards and logs, there's an irreplaceable delight I find in the tactile tradition of QSL cards. They represent more than just a confirmation of a radio contact; they are a physical, personal link to fellow operators around the globe.
As a dedicated POTA enthusiast, my interactions are often brief, but QSL cards grant me the cherished opportunity to extend those interactions beyond the initial QSO. Each card that lands in my mailbox is a small treasure, adorned with personal touches, photographs, or artwork, and often carrying notes that add a personal dimension to the hobby.
I take immense pride in crafting my QSL cards, infusing them with the essence of my home state, Michigan. My designs are snapshots of my journeys, capturing the diverse and lively beauty of its landscapes. They are not the work of a professional, but rather the passion projects of an avid amateur radio operator eager to share my world.
For those interested in creating their own pieces of handheld memories, I highly recommend www.qslconcept.com for QSL card printing. Their service has consistently been seamless and collaborative, aiding me in bringing my visions to life.
Below, you'll find a gallery showcasing samples of my QSL cards, each with its own story and connection. If you're the recipient of one of my cards, please know there's never any pressure to respond. My joy comes from the act of sharing and the hope that it brings a piece of the Michigan landscape and my journeys to your doorstep. Join me in celebrating the enduring history of QSL cards, a practice that dates back to the early 20th century and remains a testament to the enduring bonds formed across the airwaves.
This image displays a historical topographic map of Clarkston, Michigan, my home QTH, a northern suburb approximately 34 miles northwest of downtown Detroit. Surrounded by Independence Township, Clarkston is noted for being the smallest city in Michigan by land area. The map intricately details the varying topographical features of the area, including contours, elevations, and natural landscapes. Prominent on the map are the numerous lakes that characterize the region, providing a glimpse into the geographical layout and natural beauty of Clarkston.
Taken on September 16, 2022. Imagine a photograph taken on a bleak, rainy day in the rugged terrain of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan. The image captures the dynamic waves of Lake Superior crashing against the ancient rock formations. The colors in the picture have been enriched through Photoshop, enhancing the drama of the natural scene and highlighting the textures of the water and stone. This photo is imbued with sentimental value, commemorating an Overland Retreat shared with a best friend. Despite the typically cold and dark Michigan fall weather, the picture represents a moment of respite when the storm cleared, allowing for a hike through the park and its nearby bluffs. The two friends are sharing whisky and reconnecting, surrounded by the stunning vistas of Lake Superior's beaches. This image is not just a visual representation but a cherished memory of friendship and the serene beauty of Michigan's upper peninsula.
Captured from the unique perspective of a glass-bottom boat, floating above the shipwrecks of Munising. It showcases the historic Grand Island East Channel Light, a lighthouse standing guard just north of Munising. This wooden structure, which first illuminated the waters in 1868, stands as a silent sentinel to guide seafarers from the vastness of Lake Superior through the channel skirting the eastern shore of Grand Island, leading them safely to Munising Harbor. The vivid blue of the sky and the lake contrast with the lush greenery enveloping the lighthouse, creating a serene and postcard-perfect scene. This photograph not only captures the beauty of Michigan’s maritime heritage but also the joy of a family expedition, taken on July 9, 2021, where memories were made and shared among loved ones.