While cleaning off the laptop, I found videos recorded over 7 months ago that I never edited. It was of my first, and sadly so far only, SOTA activation of 2022. I had plans of 2022 being my "year of SOTA" however as we are now into August and I only made that one early January SOTA trip, that clearly didn't work out. Maybe I should start making up for lost time.
Timm's Hill sums up Wisconsin summits with its name
Our highest point in Wisconsin is called has "hill" in it's name. That really sums up the SOTA opportunities in my area. Not very many, not very interesting, and spread out all over the place.
As I often joke, Wisconsin SOTA is really just POTA at a slight incline. But it is still a lot of fun. While I don't get the spectacular views and challenging climbs as SOTA activators in other areas, I do enjoy the other challenges of SOTA. The logistics and planning involved to get to the summit in the time allowed. The balancing act of bringing the proper radios gear on an extended hike. The occasional bush wack through thick undergrowth. Not to mention the challenges that come along with SSB QRP portable radio.
Started 2022 with a SOTA grind
The way my first SOTA activation of 2022 went, one can see why SOTA fell off my radar. Cold weather and poor band conditions were magnified by the limitations of running QRP. However, strangely enough, those challenges are also what make SOTA so much fun for me.
I sat on a park bench in the AZ for much longer than I wanted. I could not get out a spot, so calling CQ with 10 watts was not productive to say the least. Just one contact during the 15 or so minutes of calling. After giving up on a pileup, I switched gears and started chasing POTA and SOTA activators with mild success.
When the stars align SOTA can be an amazing rush by working up a pile up running low power at a remote location. When the stars don't align, well... You can freeze your butt off alone in the wilderness while fiddling with the knobs and buttons of a radio, desperately trying to talk to strangers.
Lets go SOTA
Now that my favorite time of the year to go backpacking is fast approaching, its time to get back to the "summits" of the upper Midwest. I do have a few trips planned out, including my 20220 46 Climbs hike for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention along Minnesota's north shore. I also recently purchased a Yaesu FT-818 for use while backpacking. So expect more SOTA adventures coming soon.