Bonus footage
If you'd like to see the full activation starting from when I started calling CQ, here you go.
Perfect conditions for a snow shoe hike in
We got a good amount of snow over the days before this hike in POTA. Around a foot, foot and a half of really wet snow. The kind that packs down quickly into a nice base and clings to trees for days.
The perfect condition for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. So I dug the old snow shoe out of the garage and headed to a local hiking loop, along the St. Croix River.
More info about the trail and campground
The loop runs between the Highway 70 Landing and the Sand Rock Cliffs camping area. Full loop is about 3 miles. It's a short drive from my house and a favor hike of mine.
Of course, I brought my Yaesu FT-818 kit with.
Links for the items in the 818 Kit
Chest Pack: FUPA XL by Original SOE
Yaesu FT-818 radio (Amazon affiliate link)
Jiffy Mini-Manual (Amazon affiliate link)
Bioenno Battery (Amazon affiliate link)
Maxpedition Entity Mesh Storage Panel (Amazon affiliate link)
RG-316 Coax (Amazon affiliate link)
Carbon 6 maiden voyage
Also brought along the new SOTA BEAMS Carbon 6 mast that I recently acquired.
This mast impressed me on this outing. I've messed around with it a bit by taking it on hikes, but this was the first time I put it to use. Before using it, I started thinking of how I was going to need to make some modifications to the end for better supporting and attaching the atenna.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the S-clip on my PackTenna EFHW slipped over the tip and stop firmly on the 3rd extension. I only had the 20 meter element attached, however the mast did not bend.
Next time out, we shall see how it goes with the 40 meter wire attached. I think this could be a solid option for highly portable INVIS setup.
This is was QRP is all about for me... mostly.
This is hike in POTA is a prime example of the appeal of QRP for me. Bringing a small unintrusive radio kit along on a hike, so I can setup along the trail to play a little radio is so appealing to me.
I really enjoy throwing a small radio kit on me or in my daypack and go for a hike. If the mood hits and I have the time, I can throw a wire up on the side of the trail and play a little radio.
This hike was especially fun for me with the fresh heavy snow, decent temps, and the natural beauty of the St. Croix River in the winter.
Of course the preparedness aspect it in the back of my mind. That an additional reason for me to do these hike in POTA and SOTA's. Besides the fun, it could be useful.
