A few years ago, when I had just passed my General test, the solar cycle was still up to where I could hear 10 meter repeaters all over the east coast.  I used to chat with the owner of a 10-meter repeater on the island of Puerto Rico often.  The sound of those repeaters were just magic to me.  Earlier today there was a brief 10-meter opening.  I rushed up the band to see if I could hear any of those repeaters.  I was greeted by only one which was way down in the noise.  Maybe one day soon they will all be back.