My first activation was in February 2016 on the Schönberg DM/BW-105. I had heard about SOTA and just went for it. 2 QSOs were in the log. The following 2 further SOTA activations were also characterised by “just go for it”. Again, only 2 QSOs each. No matter, it’s fun 
The spotting came much later and then the whole thing was much more fun. Little by little, everything became more and more solid. It is still a lot of fun and when I laugh I remember the beginning 
But my first Chaser QSO is much more exciting. Date 22.09.2010. I was cycling at the time and made a stop at the Globushütte in Musbach (Google Maps). I had my handheld radio with me when I suddenly heard Herbert @OE9HRV on 2m. He told me that he was on Schesaplana SOTA QRV OE/VB-019. I couldn’t do anything with it - because I had taken my licence exam only a few days before (at that time still with the callsign DO5TMM). Everything was new to me and S O T A were unknown letters.
For me it is somehow unbelievable today that one of my first QSO was a SOTA Chaser QSO. And today I’m on it myself 
Exciting of course when I heard Herbert @OE9HRV on 06.09.2018. I was active on Fluh DL/AL-278 with the family. I recognised the call immediately. Our second QSO - this time I was the activator - almost exactly 8 years later.
SOTA has been with me since I was a radio amateur.
See you soon in a QSO!
73 Marcel DM3FAM