Graveyard DXing is kind of a "final frontier" of
domestic DX chasers, so as long as the Awards Committee could handle the extra
administrative work, I agree with John Cereghin that more recognition should be
given for outstanding accomplishments in this area. The "300 in 30 days"
DXers seem to gravitate to the Graveyard after successfully meeting the
challenge (no morbid pun intended), since these frequencies typically provide
the most productive source of new DX loggings. In addition, there
certainly is a major challenge involved in attempting to sort out multiple
ghostly signals in hopes of catching an elusive ID, or identity
clue. Logging distant Graveyarders is an extra challenge, on top of
the already formidable task of sorting the local maze of ghostly
signals.
This type of competition would also possibly
spur experimentation on more directional antennas, and other technical
innovations. From the beginning, the theme of Ultralight DXing has always
been taking on huge challenges with very simple receivers, and relying
on personal skill and determination to make fantastic
receptions. I agree with John C. that Graveyard DXing is a special
challenge, which needs to be specially recognized and awarded. 100
Graveyard stations logged would be an outstanding accomplishment, perhaps
equally formidable (in effort required) to the Master TP, or Master TA
DXer award. It would also be great to have a major Ultralight DXing
challenge available for everybody on the North American continent, even those
with little hope of chasing TP's or TA's. It sounds like a super
idea, although with my west coast location the Graveyard has little life to
offer :>).
