butch,
Tip#1 - Listen out on ch 35, that is where there is also lots of guys from Australia and also turn that MODE selector to the upper side once and awhile.
Tip#2 - Ch 33 (usb) is the main talk channel for the 224 div. If you hear a lot of chatter and can't understand what they are saying, then you have found the Kiribati Islands.
I don't know what state you are in, but if the conditions are there for you, give the channels I mention a try.