Confirming CQP: Some ThoTs on MaKing it All Happen

Next to Sweepstakes and Field Day, the California QSO Party (CQP) is my next FAVorite
domestic radiosport event; and of course, my FAVorite State QSO Party. I have written much
about my [shared] exploits in the CQP GiG, including:

• [X] - CQP 2021 as K6QLF
• [X] - CQP as EMCOMM Training
• [X] - Some ThoTs on running CQP from Alameda
• [X] - CQP 2020: WQ6X Dual-ops another CQP
• [X] - Blast from the Past: California QSO Party (CQP)
• [X] - WQ6X Ponders and Prepares W6C for 2018 CQP

Last year was the 1st time the Amateur Radio Club of Alameda (ARCA) ever submitted an
entry in a California QSO Party, altho K6QLF is a well-known callsign during Field Day events.     
My purpose in organizing K6QLF CQP events is to introduce club members to the world of portable (in this case "Expedition") operations and what it takes to Search & Pounce and run frequencies.  The process of running frequencies effectively is a new experience for most operators, requiring Persistent Practice to Produce Perfection.

For 2022 a number interesting little modifications have been added to the way CQP operations
can be run.  While the overall operating period is 30 hours, the contest committee has added the possibility of running as a "single-day" event; essentially this is a 12 hour operating period, instead
of the full 30 hours.

While Alameda is #41 on the most needed county list, it's amazing how many CQP participants
never put Alameda in their log.  Then again, Los Angeles (LANG) is #58, yet every year it seems
to be one of the most difficult counties to log.  Being a multi-mode (Cw & Ssb) operating event, CQP caters to many different operating styles.  Newer operators can gain exposure to a "crisper" style of operating, while more-experienced operators have the opportunity to Elmer (mentor) newer operators.

As a native Californian, running CQP events brings me closer to other "Golden Bear" operators, especially in the evening hours.  Because of the short run-times, many state QSO parties miss
out on the operating fun that can only happen on the lower bands in the evening.

Whether you are a California or half-way across the country, only the CQP brings you a significant state QSO party activity with the opportunity to put all 58 counties in your log in JUST one weekend.

Do YOU ever run the California QSO Party?

Tell me about your exploits.