Aug 6-7, 2011 for N0B and SOTA activation
9 months ago
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Buddipole Invasion of Grenada (J3) Feb 1-9th 2012
Hard to believe another year of adventure has gone by and now, Feb 1-9th, the Buddipole Adventure Team #1 will be in J3/Grenada for a mini-DXpedition including a number of daytrip, backpack, battery-only portable "eco-operations" to scenic mountain tops or beaches. Each February, the Buddipole Adventure Team #1 travels to a new Caribbean island as part of a 100 lbs or less, "suitcase DXpedition" and run HF 100-watt stations from a northerly-facing, hilltop Villa. Each day the more adventurous team members head out to explore the scenic vistas of the island and to operate portable with backpackable radios and the Buddipole antenna system. The team members are: Chris/W6HFP, Budd/W3FF, Steve/wG0AT, Paul/KB9AVO, Mike/KC4VG, Wey-Bob/K8EAB, Bill/W7ZT, and Guy/N7UN. We expect to have J38xx callsigns. Follow us on the DX Cluster or for up-to-the-hour posts at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BuddipoleLIVE/. Hope to work you from J3!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Another J6/St Lucia trip completed!
What a wonderful and scenic island. Each time I return with the Buddipole in the Carribean group, I discover more I like. I highly recommend this island to visit, either for a sightseeing vacation or ham radio activities. See our J6 website
With a "new" group of Buddipole users, we were operational from the "Chateau Devaux" in a matter of hours starting Monday morning, 5 Dec. And the 15m-10m bands were just plain "HOT"! 10m opened early (about 2 hrs after sunrise) into Europe and was going strong into the USA until an hour after sunset. Same for 15m and 12m. 20m and 17m seemed "dead" but were probably open but everyone was on the higher bands.
I entered into the ARRL 10m Contest on Sat/Sun. Really only operated about 12 hrs but had tremendous runs into Europe and the US. Wish I had operated more CW to boost my multiplier count but I'm sure that I was the only operater from J6....hence a First Place! Here's my clubLog totals:
What a wonderful and scenic island. Each time I return with the Buddipole in the Carribean group, I discover more I like. I highly recommend this island to visit, either for a sightseeing vacation or ham radio activities. See our J6 website
With a "new" group of Buddipole users, we were operational from the "Chateau Devaux" in a matter of hours starting Monday morning, 5 Dec. And the 15m-10m bands were just plain "HOT"! 10m opened early (about 2 hrs after sunrise) into Europe and was going strong into the USA until an hour after sunset. Same for 15m and 12m. 20m and 17m seemed "dead" but were probably open but everyone was on the higher bands.
I entered into the ARRL 10m Contest on Sat/Sun. Really only operated about 12 hrs but had tremendous runs into Europe and the US. Wish I had operated more CW to boost my multiplier count but I'm sure that I was the only operater from J6....hence a First Place! Here's my clubLog totals:
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Back to St Lucia as J68UN
The "Buddies in the Caribbean" mini- DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and Buddipole portable antenna systems is back again to St Lucia (J6) on Dec 4 – 12, 2011. The north shore Villa location was magnificent on our first visit in Feb 2010 and we want to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating a field portable battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" with a new group of operators.
The eight operators are: Budd/W3FF, Guy/N7UN, Bill/AA4OC, Barclay/WU1B, Tom/K9CJM, Steve/WF2S, Joe/N7BF, and David/WD9CMD. There will be 3 villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY. At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops. They group is applying for a unique J68UN callsign for the ARRL 10m contest on Dec 10-11th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to the operator’s home callsign (SASE required). For more current information, see our J6 website. Hope to work you!
The "Buddies in the Caribbean" mini- DXpedition group which specializes in 100 watt or less low power radios and Buddipole portable antenna systems is back again to St Lucia (J6) on Dec 4 – 12, 2011. The north shore Villa location was magnificent on our first visit in Feb 2010 and we want to demonstrate "ultralite" dxpeditioning into magnificent "vista" locations, operating a field portable battery-only radio with backpackable, lightweight antennas and most of all "having fun" with a new group of operators.
The eight operators are: Budd/W3FF, Guy/N7UN, Bill/AA4OC, Barclay/WU1B, Tom/K9CJM, Steve/WF2S, Joe/N7BF, and David/WD9CMD. There will be 3 villa stations in operation on 160-10m using CW, SSB, and RTTY. At the same time, several teams will be battery-only, field portable either from St Lucia beaches or scenic mountain tops. They group is applying for a unique J68UN callsign for the ARRL 10m contest on Dec 10-11th. QSL via LoTW, eQSL, or mail to the operator’s home callsign (SASE required). For more current information, see our J6 website. Hope to work you!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
SOTA RadioAdventure to the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area, NE Oregon
Eagle Cap Peak (SOTA W7/NE-008) is one of the predominate landmarks in the Wallowa Mountains in northeast Oregon. Popular as a premier trout fishing and backpacking area, the wilderness area encompasses over 50 SOTA-qualified Peaks, many over 9,000 ft. The backcountry is characterized by deep river valleys with soaring summit ridges, often 4,000 ft above the valley floors. Most mountain ridges are characterized by significant glacier carving with spectacular cirques and headwalls, numerous high mountain lakes, and big moraines that formed Wallowa Lake, the central tourist and camping destination for this area. The area is bordered on the east by the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area and the Snake River.
Historically it was home to the Nez Perce Indians from the early 1400's and their descendants still occupy this region adding a cultural dimension to the cities and small towns. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce for more of the despicable history of broken Treaties and massacres by the US Military in the late 1800's.
From the city of Lostine, we drove up the Lostine Creek Corridor, a deep mountain valley which follows the Lostine Creek to the Two Pan Trailhead and campground. There are several trails into the "high lakes" area which includes Minam and Mirror Lakes. We hiked up the East Lostine Creek trail for about 7 miles gaining over 2,000 ft. The majority of the elevation gain is in the first 2.5 miles then plateaus out to a more gentle high valley area flanked by huge mountain ridges either side of Lostine Creek.
The Eagle Cap summit trail branches off from the Mirror-Minam Lake trail and is a fairly steep 2.7 mile hike. Elevation gain is about 2,000 ft from the Mirror Lake (7,600 ft). The top is spectacular with vistas in all directions. The north and east sides of the summit are steep dropoffs of 2,000 ft or more. The east side is an open cirque and "looks" invitingly easy as a return trail past Glacier Lake. Don\\\'t be deceived (as we were). There is no trail down and you will be "bouldering" for most of your descent. Granite rocks are very slippery when wet.
Ham Radio Setup: This is an open and exposed summit. High winds should be expected and be especially careful near the north and east sides of the summit. It would be very easy to "slip" on the loose rock and plummet over a 2,000 ft drop to become a SK!
There is a very good local 2m repeater (KB7DZR, 147.000+, 103.5T) with Echolink and APRS nodes and excellent backcountry coverage, at least from the mountain tops. It is monitored by a number of friendly locals and is owned/maintained by Scott Hampton. See his webpage for more information and weather-reporting capabilities. Make sure you contact Tim/KB7RVL, Lorna/KB7RVI, or Larry/K7BUY if you are in the area.
Eagle Cap Peak would be a difficult day hike. Plan at least to camp overnight at Mirror Lake. In the summer months, especially on weekends, this campground can get "crowded" so plan your trip accordingly. Also expect horses or llamas on these trails.
Eagle Cap Peak (SOTA W7/NE-008) is one of the predominate landmarks in the Wallowa Mountains in northeast Oregon. Popular as a premier trout fishing and backpacking area, the wilderness area encompasses over 50 SOTA-qualified Peaks, many over 9,000 ft. The backcountry is characterized by deep river valleys with soaring summit ridges, often 4,000 ft above the valley floors. Most mountain ridges are characterized by significant glacier carving with spectacular cirques and headwalls, numerous high mountain lakes, and big moraines that formed Wallowa Lake, the central tourist and camping destination for this area. The area is bordered on the east by the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area and the Snake River.
Historically it was home to the Nez Perce Indians from the early 1400's and their descendants still occupy this region adding a cultural dimension to the cities and small towns. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nez_Perce for more of the despicable history of broken Treaties and massacres by the US Military in the late 1800's.
From the city of Lostine, we drove up the Lostine Creek Corridor, a deep mountain valley which follows the Lostine Creek to the Two Pan Trailhead and campground. There are several trails into the "high lakes" area which includes Minam and Mirror Lakes. We hiked up the East Lostine Creek trail for about 7 miles gaining over 2,000 ft. The majority of the elevation gain is in the first 2.5 miles then plateaus out to a more gentle high valley area flanked by huge mountain ridges either side of Lostine Creek.
The Eagle Cap summit trail branches off from the Mirror-Minam Lake trail and is a fairly steep 2.7 mile hike. Elevation gain is about 2,000 ft from the Mirror Lake (7,600 ft). The top is spectacular with vistas in all directions. The north and east sides of the summit are steep dropoffs of 2,000 ft or more. The east side is an open cirque and "looks" invitingly easy as a return trail past Glacier Lake. Don\\\'t be deceived (as we were). There is no trail down and you will be "bouldering" for most of your descent. Granite rocks are very slippery when wet.
Ham Radio Setup: This is an open and exposed summit. High winds should be expected and be especially careful near the north and east sides of the summit. It would be very easy to "slip" on the loose rock and plummet over a 2,000 ft drop to become a SK!
There is a very good local 2m repeater (KB7DZR, 147.000+, 103.5T) with Echolink and APRS nodes and excellent backcountry coverage, at least from the mountain tops. It is monitored by a number of friendly locals and is owned/maintained by Scott Hampton. See his webpage for more information and weather-reporting capabilities. Make sure you contact Tim/KB7RVL, Lorna/KB7RVI, or Larry/K7BUY if you are in the area.
Eagle Cap Peak would be a difficult day hike. Plan at least to camp overnight at Mirror Lake. In the summer months, especially on weekends, this campground can get "crowded" so plan your trip accordingly. Also expect horses or llamas on these trails.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Coloradio nS0TA in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park Radio Adventures
For three days I hiked 3 different peaks in Rocky Mtn National Park (RMNP) the first week of August. I had never visited the Park before and now understand why it was preserved as a national resource in 1915. Nearly 1/3 of the Park is above treeline, 11,400 ft. A number of its Peaks are SOTA-qualified, an Activators paradise!
Early Tuesday, Aug 2, I was up early, eager to get into the Park and the Bear Lake Trailhead for Hallett Pk/W0/FR-019. I didn't know what to expect logistically but with some advanced help from Rich/W0LI, a local residing in Estes Park, I found my way to the Park & Ride to Bear Lake. The Park is crowded with visitors, especially those from the midwest trying to escape the August heat. Parking is limited and the easiest/fastest way to get around the Park is by the frequent shuttle buses.
See mypictures for this trip. The Flattop trail is well-traveled and maintained. The challenge is the 3,400 ft elevation gain from 9,300 to 12,700 ft, not an easy task for a flatlander! The Flattop Trail is one of the more popular hikes, characterized by many vista overlooks and a lot of people hiking the trail. The top of Flattop is non-descript. Follow the signs and rock cairns to Hallett Peak. Be sure to look "into" the Tyndall Glacier at the sign. Just spectacular! Hallet is a rock/boulder climb in many places and certainly wind exposed. Follow the rock cairns to the peak. See this link for more climbing information.
For Day 2 of my 3 day odyssey in RMNP, I chose to hike Ypsilon Peak (W0/FR-009-13,414') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. Access to the Chapin Trailhead is up the ONE WAY Old Trail Head Road which just opened days before my arrival due to excessive snow depths. If the road is closed, it is possible to hike down the 1 mile to Chapin Trailhead from the Alpine Center. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient detail and includes most trails. Stop at any of the Visitor's Centers for trailmap pamphlets.
These Mummy Range trails are not part of the "official" trail system in RMNP and, as a result, will not appear on maps. Don't know why but I suspect the Forest Service doesn't want to encourage hiking in this area. But the Chapin Trail is hiked often to be easily navigable although trail head parking is very limited...maybe 10 cars or so. Get there early for a parking spot. Access to the Old Trail Head Road is off Hyw 34 and is a narrow gravel/dirt road. See this link for more information. See some pictures at this link.
For Day 3 of my 3 day odessey in RMNP, I chose to hike Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019-12,416') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. The goal was to meet up with 3 of the "locals" to demo a SOTA Activation at or near sunrise! W0LI/Rich, NQ4O/Dan, and KD4PDW/David. Rich is retired in Estes Park, Dan is a Park Ranger and David is 2-week old ham but works in Estes Park.
Take Hwy 34 west and about 3-1/2 miles past the Rainbow Curves vista pullout, you will find an unmarked pullout on the downhill side of the road. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient road detail and includes most trails and vista locations. See these linksfor more information and my pictures ,
For three days I hiked 3 different peaks in Rocky Mtn National Park (RMNP) the first week of August. I had never visited the Park before and now understand why it was preserved as a national resource in 1915. Nearly 1/3 of the Park is above treeline, 11,400 ft. A number of its Peaks are SOTA-qualified, an Activators paradise!
Early Tuesday, Aug 2, I was up early, eager to get into the Park and the Bear Lake Trailhead for Hallett Pk/W0/FR-019. I didn't know what to expect logistically but with some advanced help from Rich/W0LI, a local residing in Estes Park, I found my way to the Park & Ride to Bear Lake. The Park is crowded with visitors, especially those from the midwest trying to escape the August heat. Parking is limited and the easiest/fastest way to get around the Park is by the frequent shuttle buses.
See my
For Day 2 of my 3 day odyssey in RMNP, I chose to hike Ypsilon Peak (W0/FR-009-13,414') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. Access to the Chapin Trailhead is up the ONE WAY Old Trail Head Road which just opened days before my arrival due to excessive snow depths. If the road is closed, it is possible to hike down the 1 mile to Chapin Trailhead from the Alpine Center. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient detail and includes most trails. Stop at any of the Visitor's Centers for trailmap pamphlets.
These Mummy Range trails are not part of the "official" trail system in RMNP and, as a result, will not appear on maps. Don't know why but I suspect the Forest Service doesn't want to encourage hiking in this area. But the Chapin Trail is hiked often to be easily navigable although trail head parking is very limited...maybe 10 cars or so. Get there early for a parking spot. Access to the Old Trail Head Road is off Hyw 34 and is a narrow gravel/dirt road. See this link for more information. See some pictures at this link.
For Day 3 of my 3 day odessey in RMNP, I chose to hike Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019-12,416') in the Mummy Range just east of the Alpine Center. The goal was to meet up with 3 of the "locals" to demo a SOTA Activation at or near sunrise! W0LI/Rich, NQ4O/Dan, and KD4PDW/David. Rich is retired in Estes Park, Dan is a Park Ranger and David is 2-week old ham but works in Estes Park.
Take Hwy 34 west and about 3-1/2 miles past the Rainbow Curves vista pullout, you will find an unmarked pullout on the downhill side of the road. I had a Nat'l Geographic Map #200 which has sufficient road detail and includes most trails and vista locations. See these linksfor more information and my pictures ,
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Coloradio nS0TA and N0B qrp Radio Adventures
I have planned another nS0TA adventure extravaganza for August, this time to Coloradio for two adventures: 1) the annual Colo-14er N0B event ( see http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/ for detail information) and 2) three days in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park. I've never spent any time in ROMO (see http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm for info) and am looking forward to exploring this magnificent NP. A local ham (W0LI) who also is a volunteer at the Park has assisted me in logistics planning: Aug 2/Tue: SOTA activate Hallett Peak (W0/FR-018), an iconic ROMO landmark. More info and pictures at http://www.summitpost.org/hallett-peak/151577. On Aug 3/Wed: activate Yipsilon Peak (W0/FR-009), another beautiful peak in the Mummy Range NW of Estes Park. See http://www.summitpost.org/ypsilon-mountain/151685 for some great pictures. Then on Aug 4/Thurs: W0LI/Rich has organized a "sunrise" local club hike and "demo" activation of Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019). The 3 or 4 am departure may be the biggest challenge! More info and pictures at http://www.summitpost.org/sundance-mountain/152726.
Then a drive south to Steve's/wG0AT place near Colo Springs to prep for our three day adventure into the San Juan Range in south central Colo for our "big 14-er event" for N0B and participation in the annual Colo-14er ham radio special event on Aug 7th. This year KT5X/Fred will join us. The plan is to drive into the trailhead on Friday, camp and hike locally, then on Saturday move up to a higher base camp (around 12,000 ft) in preparation for an early, before dawn departure on Sunday. Our faithful sherpas, Rooster and Peanut will help us "ol' goats" with the logistics! You can see some great pictures of Handies at http://www.summitpost.org/handies-peak/150302.
In all cases, we plan to operate at least one station on 14.061-CW. Watch qrpspots.com for more information each day for these trips. Follow us at http://aprs.fi/?call=Wg0at-7. We look forward to working you!
I have planned another nS0TA adventure extravaganza for August, this time to Coloradio for two adventures: 1) the annual Colo-14er N0B event ( see http://n0b-14er.blogspot.com/ for detail information) and 2) three days in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park. I've never spent any time in ROMO (see http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm for info) and am looking forward to exploring this magnificent NP. A local ham (W0LI) who also is a volunteer at the Park has assisted me in logistics planning: Aug 2/Tue: SOTA activate Hallett Peak (W0/FR-018), an iconic ROMO landmark. More info and pictures at http://www.summitpost.org/hallett-peak/151577. On Aug 3/Wed: activate Yipsilon Peak (W0/FR-009), another beautiful peak in the Mummy Range NW of Estes Park. See http://www.summitpost.org/ypsilon-mountain/151685 for some great pictures. Then on Aug 4/Thurs: W0LI/Rich has organized a "sunrise" local club hike and "demo" activation of Sundance Peak (W0/FR-019). The 3 or 4 am departure may be the biggest challenge! More info and pictures at http://www.summitpost.org/sundance-mountain/152726.
Then a drive south to Steve's/wG0AT place near Colo Springs to prep for our three day adventure into the San Juan Range in south central Colo for our "big 14-er event" for N0B and participation in the annual Colo-14er ham radio special event on Aug 7th. This year KT5X/Fred will join us. The plan is to drive into the trailhead on Friday, camp and hike locally, then on Saturday move up to a higher base camp (around 12,000 ft) in preparation for an early, before dawn departure on Sunday. Our faithful sherpas, Rooster and Peanut will help us "ol' goats" with the logistics! You can see some great pictures of Handies at http://www.summitpost.org/handies-peak/150302.
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| Handies Peak 14,060 ft on right |
Sunday, July 17, 2011
nS0TA to the White Mtns of New Hampshire
I'm planning a 5-day hike and camping trip thru the White Mtns of NH which will include a 6 peak SOTA extravaganza thru some of the most scenic and physically demanding mountains in the NE USA. And the week will end with a "benefit" climb (for the summit observatory, see http://www.seekthepeak.org/ for more detailed information) of Mt. Washington 6,288ft/1,917m, which has the distinction as the "Home of the world's Worst Weather". Read about the 200+ mph winds at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_(New_Hampshire)
Since I've not spent anytime in these mountains, my times are approximate and I won't activate (or climb) in rainy or dangerous weather. I'll SMS post via Twitter/cellphone my current summit status. Here's my daily planned iteniary:
Monday/18 Jul: 7 hr driveup from NJ to the Whites. Camp at Layfayette Campground.
Tuesday/19 Jul: Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop with a stop at Mt. Layfayette (W1/HA-002). See http://www.summitpost.org/mount-lafayette/150537 for some nice pictures and detailed info.
Wed/20 Jul: Hike the Hancock Loop Trail with a stop at Mt. Hancock (W1/HA-046). See http://www.summitpost.org/hancock-north-peak-and-south-peak/153470 for some nice pictures of the "Hancocks".
Thurs/21 Jul: If the wx cooperates, this will be a "double" attempt as Mt Jefferson (W1/HA-120) and Mt Adams (W1/HA--093) are within 2.5 miles of each other. See http://www.summitpost.org/where-s-the-snow-a-late-november-romp-in-the-presis/254436 for some info. Also http://www.summitpost.org/adams-and-madison-adventure/232724.
Fri/22 Jul: This will be a quick one if the wx is cooperating to Wildcat Mtn (W1/HA060).
Sat/23 Jul: This is the BIG one, a benefit climb for the wx observatory at the summit. See http://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington/150248. Much has been written about Mt Washington. I look forward to the visit and, wx and wind cooperating, the SOTA activation. The "Seek the Peak" organizers are planning somewhat of a big festival/party with some 500 folks planned to attend. Just more really good stories!
Hope to work you during this nS0TA week! Regards, Guy/N7UN with the club call nS0TA.
I'm planning a 5-day hike and camping trip thru the White Mtns of NH which will include a 6 peak SOTA extravaganza thru some of the most scenic and physically demanding mountains in the NE USA. And the week will end with a "benefit" climb (for the summit observatory, see http://www.seekthepeak.org/ for more detailed information) of Mt. Washington 6,288ft/1,917m, which has the distinction as the "Home of the world's Worst Weather". Read about the 200+ mph winds at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_(New_Hampshire)
Since I've not spent anytime in these mountains, my times are approximate and I won't activate (or climb) in rainy or dangerous weather. I'll SMS post via Twitter/cellphone my current summit status. Here's my daily planned iteniary:
Monday/18 Jul: 7 hr driveup from NJ to the Whites. Camp at Layfayette Campground.
Tuesday/19 Jul: Hike the Franconia Ridge Loop with a stop at Mt. Layfayette (W1/HA-002). See http://www.summitpost.org/mount-lafayette/150537 for some nice pictures and detailed info.
Wed/20 Jul: Hike the Hancock Loop Trail with a stop at Mt. Hancock (W1/HA-046). See http://www.summitpost.org/hancock-north-peak-and-south-peak/153470 for some nice pictures of the "Hancocks".
Thurs/21 Jul: If the wx cooperates, this will be a "double" attempt as Mt Jefferson (W1/HA-120) and Mt Adams (W1/HA--093) are within 2.5 miles of each other. See http://www.summitpost.org/where-s-the-snow-a-late-november-romp-in-the-presis/254436 for some info. Also http://www.summitpost.org/adams-and-madison-adventure/232724.
Fri/22 Jul: This will be a quick one if the wx is cooperating to Wildcat Mtn (W1/HA060).
Sat/23 Jul: This is the BIG one, a benefit climb for the wx observatory at the summit. See http://www.summitpost.org/mount-washington/150248. Much has been written about Mt Washington. I look forward to the visit and, wx and wind cooperating, the SOTA activation. The "Seek the Peak" organizers are planning somewhat of a big festival/party with some 500 folks planned to attend. Just more really good stories!
Hope to work you during this nS0TA week! Regards, Guy/N7UN with the club call nS0TA.
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