Morning on a Mission
Knowing I needed to make an appearance at an area radio club meeting Saturday morning, and knowing I needed needed a reason to leave as soon as possible, I decided to plan out 2 quick activations of POTA parks somewhat near the meeting location.
I arrived at the meeting before it officially began, paid my annual membership dues, said hello, and left before the sad ham OM's could start complaining and arguing amongst themselves, making sure nothing gets done. I read the meeting minutes that were emailed out when I got home. The sad ham OM's were successful, nothing was done and nothing is planned to be done in the foreseeable future.
Joel Marsh Wildlife Area
My first stop was to K-4295 Joel Marsh Wildlife Area. This was first visit to the park and I was not sure if I would even be able to setup. Depending on their size, many of the Wildlife Areas can be unaccessible. Many only have parking areas along their boarders and minimum maintenance roads in them, that may not get cleared from snow.
Fortunately for me, an access road to a parking area inside the park was plowed out; providing me a great setup location. This looks like a park I will need to revisit in the summer months, for it looks like a place I would like to explore more.
More information on Joel Marsh Wildlife Area
15 Meters on QRP
With the solar cycle on the upswing, I need to make a point to venture onto the bands I don't spend enough time on. Checking out 10 and 15 meters once I got my station up and running, it looked like there was a little more was happening on 15 meters.
Three quick Park to Parks confirmed I was getting out, so to an open spot on the frequency I went and started calling CQ.
Only a few minutes in and a station from Spain was answering my call. I know he was doing all the heavy lifting, and possibly his 5/5 signal report could have been a small exaggeration. However I was being heard over 4,000 miles away SSB from 6 watts and a wire! What a thrill that was for me.
Full activation video
Here is the full unedited activation.
Pictures
