That’s fully understandable. Even on FT8 there are periods when nothing is heard (seen) until the Es come out to play. I have just returned to the band after a long time… like the 1980’s, though with brief appearances in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2014. It is much easier to work around the UK and near EU on 2m than on 6m. Maybe someone from GW will work me one day. 
73, Gerald