According to my data (sourced from Mathematica) this peak was the third
weakest in terms of average sunspots since the Dalton Minimum, nearly
matching the weak peaks in 1883 and 1905. Yet I've had decent luck
with my HF activities even though my antenna situation is very shady
and I usually run QRP.

I guess this just proves that the only way to really know if the bands
are open is to spin that VFO knob.

Recently I've had the best reception in the very early mornings, before
sunrise. Lots of activity from Asia. I've also been lucky enough to
pick up some African broadcasts in the evening, when I am most likely
to have the radio on.

Contacted W1AW/7 last night, too, but I had to dial it up to 75w in
order for him to hear me (CW). Last time I managed to contact W1AW/7 I
only used 10w with RTTY.