About Me

About Me, N8MDP

My name is Jonathan Tucker. I have been a Ham Operator for over 20 years, currently holding an Extra Class license. My previous callsign when I was first licensed was KB8JDK. I enjoy operating on 10-80 meters SSB, FT8, PSK, RTTY, SSTV, and DSSTV. I've accomplished a number of awards including WAS and DXCC. While chasing awards is fun, my enjoyment of the hobby really comes from ragchewing and trying new modes.

I also have a love for flying. I've had some occasions to visit the cockpit of the 787 Dreamliner. I had the opportunity to fly home from Tokyo on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner. After the flight, the pilot allowed me to sit in the co-pilot's seat to take my picture. Thank you United Airlines for the view!

But now I love being in the left seat of Cessna Skyhawk 172's and learning how to fly. Like they say, living the dream and flying has always been my dream. I solo'd on December 21, 2019 with my baby, Skyhawk N203BE and realized the freedom that flight offers. This was something I've wanted to do since I was a little kid. I can tell you that flying is a thrill and really brings new enjoyment to my life. You can read more about my flight training towards the Private Pilot Certifcation on my aviation page.

First Solo flight on 12/21/19

My wife Julie and I love to travel and have found hikling to be a big part of our travels. Our hiking travels have taken us to Hawaii 7 times, Utah twice, and in 2019, The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Parks.

Julie and I love Hawaii, especially the island of Kauai. This picture of us is with our backs to the Waimea Canyon in 2008. This is essentially the grand canyon of Hawaii.

Julie and I returned to Hawaii in 2010 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. We celebrated our anniversary on Maui with some rowdy local girls at the Old Lahaina Luau and then went back to Kauai to renew our vows on Shipwreck Beach. The beach was right around the corner from where they filmed a portion of the movie "Six Day, Seven Nights" with Harrison Ford.

Julie and I were heartbroken with the fires that took the lives of many people on Maui. Our hearts and prayers go to the people and native Hawaians of Maui. Sadly, the fires severly damaged the Old Lahaina Lua. We will never forget the memories.

Julie and I returned again to Maui and Kauai in 2013. In 2023 we visited the island of Molokai, the first island we every traveled to in 2003 and Kauai. 2023 was our final journey to Hawaii as we will be discovering new exicting places to go. Just can't get enough of Hawaii!

Here are some of our favorite Hawaii pictures.

Julie and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Aniversary in 2015. We went on a spectacular trip to Utah and hiking the many national parks including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Northern Rim of Grand Canyon, and Capital Reef National park. A little bit of Vegas too! Here are some pictures we took. The views are spectacular.

Julie and I returned again to Maui and Kauai in 2016. Seriously, we just can't get enough of Hawaii! Sometimes I wish we could live there. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset cruise on Maui that was spectacular. On Kaui, we hiked our butts off into the back country and into the Waimea Canyon to see sights we've never seen before including Waipoo Falls. And of course, spectacular sunsets.