3-13-22 W6/CC-052 (Mount Umunhum)




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2-13-2021, El Soreno W6/NC-191

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Myself and Peter, WB6POT, visited El Soreno again because the last time it was super wet and we were only there long enough to make a few 2m FM contacts.  This time, we used the KX2 and loaded up the end fed and got on CW.  It was the first time I'd used CW in a few decades, so I was really rusty but I was able to make four contacts including a JA5 station. I worked 2m FM a bit while Peter worked 20 and 40 and made several other contacts. While we were operating, a couple hiked by and mentioned they were licensed but not active.  We chatted a bit about modern radios and they asked what they should buy to get back into the hobby.  A little bit later, James, NV6W, the Santa Clara Valley section coordinator for ARRL strolled by and took some photos of Peter and I.  He was excited to find out it was a SOTA activation.
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11-2-23 W6/NC-399 (Coyote Peak)

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  I decided to go for a hike at lunch today, and the trailhead for Coyote Peak is a few blocks from my office, so I grabbed my SOTA kit and took off.  I've done this peak already a couple of times, the last time being just after I recovered from Covid and I remember it wasn't very fun, with all the respiratory issues I was having at the time.  I was hoping today would be easier. Just after entering the park, there is a kiosk to pay the $6 day use fee.  The automation station only takes credit cards and not cash. There's no permit required, but if you don't have the parking ticket on your dashboard you'll get an expensive ticket. I know they weren't charging during the pandemic, but that's over now. I parked in the main lot.  The trailhead here heads up to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.  Right at the start is a supply of paper maps. I'd suggest taking one if you've never been on these trails before, and then returning it when you're done with it.  They...
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7-19-23 W4C/WM-001 (Clingmans Dome)

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  I did this as part of a two week trip to Tennessee.  It's right on the TN/NC border and technically in North Carolina I think. Park in the parking lot (which is also a place to do POTA), and walk up toward the visitor center. Then keep going to the dome, a walk of roughly 1/2 mile.  It was a little misty the day I was there. It was not cold, however, just wet. If you have a disabled plate you can drive to the top I think.  There are a few places to set up off the trail, and lots of trees you can throw a wire into. One thing I read was that the rangers can get nasty and tell you that you need a permit.  I didn't encounter any on this activation, but the top was very crowded with people. So you have to be a little selective where you set up.  I chose to be bold and set up right in the crowd, with my antenna hanging in trees behind me. This allowed me to have some good conversations with people about what I was doing, at the risk of being scolded by rangers....
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