The HF bands have been ravaged this week by whatever solar calamity has been going on. Even 40 and 20 are very depressed. Was listening around yesterday afternoon on 11 meters (the 10M DX Window LOL) and all the sudden like a switch was flipped the Midwest came roaring in to me in the SE. Thought I would check 6 and there was a strong beacon on 50.069. Went to 50.125 and called out - had an immediate response from a guy in Chicago 5/5 and enjoyed a nice chat for a few minutes.