Tuesday, March 25, 2014

GREY DAY ON GREENTOP

Had a few hours after a short day at work, so I decided to make a quick SOTA Trek.  I headed out to Greentop Mountain W4T/SU-076.  Greentop is an easy summit to access.  A short drive from Knoxville, and a short walk from the gate into the activation zone.  The weather started out grey and cool.  It soon turned to white and cold as snow flurries moved into the area, and the winds picked up. Greentop's towers create a lot of noise on the receiving end, so I had some difficulties picking out some contacts.

 I set up among the multitude of radio towers on the summit and started calling.  I worked 40 stations including some DX: Finland, Greece, England, Spain, and Whales.  One of the best contacts of the day was WG0AT!  I have enjoyed his activation videos for a long time.  It was great to finally QSO my SOTA hero!  And Thank you to all of the contacts below! 

Date:25/Mar/2014 Summit:W4T/SU-076 (Greentop) Call Used:KK4NQQ Points: 8 Bonus: 3 
TimeCallBandModeNotes
17:10zWX4ET7MHzSSBGreentop
17:16zAE4FZ7MHzSSBGreentop
17:16zW4DOW7MHzSSBGreentop
17:17zW4JKC7MHzSSBGreentop
17:17zN4EX7MHzSSBGreentop
17:18zK4LFB7MHzSSBGreentop
17:26zNE4TN7MHzSSBGreentop
17:26zVA3MZB7MHzSSBGreentop
17:38zW0MNA7MHzSSBGreentop
17:38zWOERI14MHzSSBGreentop
17:39zNS7P14MHzSSBGreentop
17:40zVE2JCW14MHzSSBGreentop
17:40zW7RV14MHzSSBGreentop
17:41zN7UN14MHzSSBGreentop
17:43zKB1RJC14MHzSSBGreentop
17:48zWI2W14MHzSSBGreentop
17:48zKC3BZT14MHzSSBGreentop
17:50zKK4HEQ14MHzSSBGreentop
17:51zN8DEA14MHzSSBGreentop
17:52zW7CNL14MHzSSBGreentop
17:53zKG3W14MHzSSBGreentop
18:00zG6TUH24MHzSSBGreentop
18:01zK6EL24MHzSSBGreentop
18:02zW7RV24MHzSSBGreentop
18:03zW7AUM24MHzSSBGreentop
18:05zOH9XX24MHzSSBGreentop
18:06zWA6RIC24MHzSSBGreentop
18:06zWG0AT24MHzSSBGreentop
18:08zKK7EL24MHzSSBGreentop
18:09zEA2DT24MHzSSBGreentop
18:13zN7AMA24MHzSSBGreentop
18:15zKB7HH24MHzSSBGreentop
18:16zKD5KC24MHzSSBGreentop
18:18zWB5USB24MHzSSBGreentop
18:20zON4FI24MHzSSBGreentop
18:22zGW4VPX24MHzSSBGreentop
18:22zNS7P24MHzSSBGreentop
18:25zKF5PMU24MHzSSBGreentop
18:30zG0RQL24MHzSSBGreentop
18:31zSV2OEW24MHzSSBGreentop

 

 

I have a big announcement to make.  I have been named one of my Departments new K9 Officers.  In May I begin the K9 Academy and I get to pick out my furry new partner.  I will do my best to activate whenever I can, but who knows how much time I will have in the next two months.   I will post a few picks soon.  And who knows, I might be able to bring him along on a few SOTA's!!!
 


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Wednesday, March 12, 2014

GORGEOUS SECOND ACTIVATION OF MOUNT LECONTE


I was truly blessed this weekend with two gorgeous days to return to Mt Le Conte.  My first activation last July was very wet, and did not offer the views I had hoped.  This weekend was the total opposite.  What an awesome weekend. Check out my first activation of Mt Le Conte here. 

I decided to head out late Sunday morning for a summit attempt around dinner time.  As many of you know I am not the fastest mountaineer in the world.  I am more of a tortoise than a hare.  I packed a full load up the mountain today in order to sustain me through a cold night on the summit  My KX3 and antenna were joined with some new gear I received for Christmas!  A new pack, a new sleeping bag, and a really cool little camp stove.
 



 My new pack is an Eberlestock Battleship, and as packs go it is a big one.  It performed flawlessly.  The Battleship is not a light pack but the suspension and padding system really carry the load extremely well.   My new sleeping bag is a Big Agnes Whiskey Park 0 Degree bag.  As a "larger" activator I require a bit more space in a sleeping bag.  This bag with its ample room fits me well.  And with is integrated insulated inflatable sleeping pad i was kept toasty on the cold night.  And to cook my food on this trek I used my new little SOLO Stove.  This little hobo stove does not require you to carry fuel up with you.  Just pop in a little bit of dry wood for fuel, and in no time you have boiling water!  Check out a video here.  Its pretty damn cool.



I hit the trail with my new gear and started up the trail.  The weather was perfect!  Spring seemed to have arrived for my activation attempt.  Mt Le Conte is an iconic trail in the Smokey Mountains, and I believe I will have to make this an annual activation stop.  The trail was in good shape this year, and was in use by many hikers, backpackers, and spring breakers.  I met and spoke with people from all aver the US, each sharing in a great hike.


I enjoyed the views all the way to the top.  I stopped by the shelter, my home away from home for the evening, and dropped off my sleeping kit to claim my spot.  I then continued up to High Top.  It is marked by a pile of stones.  I had a hell of a time getting my antenna up into a tree but soon I was setup and running.  I made contacts on 20 and 40 meters.  I had intended on trying 80 meters as well, but I was not having any luck on 80.  The bands were very busy with lots of QRM.  I hoped to make more contacts with some of my favorite activators, but I was not having a great deal of luck on the bands.  I also could not self spot via my cell phone.  In the future I plan on learning how to self spot via APRS.  I believe this will help everyone chasing me.

Date:09/Mar/2014 Summit:W4T/SU-003 (Mount Le Conte) Call Used:KK4NQQ Points: 10 Bonus: 3   
TimeCallBandModeNotes
22:17zAD5A14MHzSSB
22:17zN7UN14MHzSSB
22:18zN1EU14MHzSSB
22:18zVE2JFM14MHzSSB
22:19zW0MNA14MHzSSB
22:19zW0ERI14MHzSSB
22:19zVE2JCW14MHzSSB
22:20zKK1W14MHzSSB
22:20zEA2LU14MHzSSB
22:20zNT1K14MHzSSB
22:21zNS7P14MHzSSB
22:21zKG3W14MHzSSB
22:21zG6TUH14MHzSSB
22:22zK8TE14MHzSSB
22:22zEA2IF14MHzSSB
22:23zW7RV14MHzSSB
22:24zG4OBK14MHzSSB
22:24zK5WI14MHzSSB
22:25zKB1RJD14MHzSSB
22:25zKB1RJC14MHzSSB
22:30zAI0Q14MHzSSB
22:33zKK4HEQ14MHzSSB
22:34zN6CK14MHzSSB
22:37zKA5PVB14MHzSSB
23:30zK2RKB7MHzSSB
23:31zKE6IVK7MHzSSB
23:32zKK4FWE7MHzSSB
23:35zKK4LZF7MHzSSB
23:36zWA4TZT7MHzSSB
23:38zKK4FTW7MHzSSB
23:40zN4ILK7MHzSSB
23:41zN4UTN7MHzSSB
23:42zKK4SME7MHzSSB
23:43zN3AIN7MHzSSB
23:44zAA3JK7MHzSSB
23:45zKC4COP7MHzSSB
23:46zN4EFL7MHzSSB
23:47zKR4KW7MHzSSB
23:48zNS8G7MHzSSB
23:49zKK4SME7MHzSSB
23:50zK5DNA7MHzSSB
23:51zWA4YGN7MHzSSB


I snuck back into my sleeping bag and enjoyed a warm night of sleep despite the freezing temperatures outside.  I wore my thermal underwear to bed and found I had to vent my bag a bit during the night to cool off. I was very thankful for my new gear, it made this trip very comfortable.
I woke up just before sunup and was greeted with a foggy, dewy morning.  I busted out my SOLO stove and fired up breakfast.  Dehydrated eggs and bacon, mmm mmm good.  I packed up and headed back down the mountain.  As I descended the fog and clouds parted, and I was treated to a second  beautiful day.




Again thank you to all of the chasers out there.  I enjoy contacting all the dedicated chasers, as well as those who know nothing about SOTA.  I like educating Hams about Summits on the Air, and I hope  the more people I introduce to our sport will spawn more chasers, and activators for the future.
So 73's everyone and remember to 
KEEP CLIMBING!!!!


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Saturday, February 22, 2014

Return to House Mountain



What a beautiful late winters day!  It has been a long busy winter for me, and I have been itching to get back out on the trail.  To start the new year I decided to head out to House Mountain.  House is the first mountain I ever activated, so I thought it would be fitting to blow the cobwebs off!

 House Mountain is a mountain located in Corryton, Tennessee, about 8 miles northeast of Knoxville. Rising to an elevation of 2,064 feet , House Mountain is the highest point in Knox County.  This is a short hike of about 2.6 miles round trip to the summit.  The trail rises about 850 ft in 1.3 miles.  Most of the trail is easy going, but there are some steep sections.

 In fact there are two routes to the summit.  The first, and shortest, is the West Overlook at 0.8 miles.  This is the shortest and steepest route, but offers some awesome views.
Today I decided to take the Mountain Trail to the Crest Trail, and onward to the summit.  This, I believe is the easier of the two trails.  

On a side note while researching House Mountain I can across a blog from the Appalachian Irishman.  He has climbed House over 100 times. In Late December a landowner and Game Warden claim to have spotted a Black Mountain Lion along the ridge.  Boy, that would have been a sight to see!


The last quarter mile is the steepest section of the Mountain Trail as you can see above.  The trail switches back several times, and is rocky in some spots.  The trail is well traveled, and on a nice day such as this you will see many fellow hikers.

After the Mountain Trail intersects the Crest Trail the path is very easy going to the summit.

The stairs to the right go up to the remnants of the old observation tower on the summit.  The views on the summit are mostly obscured by trees, but a bit of the scenery can be seen.  

 I set up the KX3 and my 88' inverted V antenna and started activating.  It was a good day with some great contacts.  As always thanks to all the chasers today! 
TimeCallBandModeNotes
16:58zW8OMI7MHzSSBHouse Mt
16:58zK8OMI7MHzSSBHouse Mt
16:59zN4EX7MHzSSBHouse Mt
16:59zNE4TN7MHzSSBHouse Mt
16:59zN4MJ7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:00zW0MNA7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:01zK0LAF7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:02zW0ERI7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:02zKJ4TRN7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:03zWA2USA7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:04zWH6LE7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:05zKI4SVM7MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:06zNS7P14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:06zW7RV14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:07zVE2JCW14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:07zK5WI14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:08zND0C14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:08zWB5USB14MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:21zW6UB14MHzSSBHouse Mt sts Roundtop
17:28zG4OBK18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:29zW7CNL18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:30zAB7YL18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:30zKA5PVB18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:31zEA4LU18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:32zW5RST18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:33zVA6FUN18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:34zKK1W18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:36zN6JZT18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:38zAA7DK18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:39zAA5CK18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:40zN7AZ18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:41zN1EU18MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:46zW7USA24MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:47zWB5USB24MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:48zHK3C24MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:51zW7RV24MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:54zAA7DK24MHzSSBHouse Mt
17:55zWX4ET144MHzSSBHouse Mt sts Max Patch
18:00zW7JET7MHzSSBHouse Mt sts W7A/MN-094

Made a few long distance contacts today.  These included G4OBK in England, EA4LU in Spain, and HK3C in Columbia.  I also had several Summit to Summits including WX4ET, my FIRST 2M STS contact.  Thanks Erik!  It was a great day to start out 2014.  I also had the opportunity to try out my new long distance pack.  So far I love it!  The larger pack fits my larger frame very well LOL!  I will work up a video review of my new Eberlestock Battleship in the near future.  I think its going to be a great year!

 73's AND KEEP CLIMBING!!!






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Sunday, December 1, 2013

HEMLOCK KNOB





The day after Thanksgiving and it was a beautiful November morning.  I decided it would be a good day to burn off a few calories and get in a SOTA. So fueled by turkey and a passion for SOTA I set out towards Hemlock Knob.  Hemlock Knob is a 3973ft peak just off the Cherohala Skyway at latitude - longitude coordinates of N 35.359526 and W -84.103246. 


 The hike begins at Eagles Gap parking area and you follow an overgrown service road most of the way to the summit.  The hike is less than a mile and not too strenuous.  I believe that this is another summit that would be easier to complete in the colder months of the year due to the abundance of briars and Mountain Laurel. 




After reaching the summit I set up within the remnants of an old Ranger Station.  The antenna I used today was an 88ft inverted V supported by my 31 ft Jackite fiberglass pole.  I run 300ohm twin line down and directly to the BNC connector on my KX3.  I made 34 QSO's today.  I made some great contacts on 12m into Europe and the UK!  Thanks to all the chasers out there!




Date:29/Nov/2013 Summit:W4T/SU-043 (Hemlock Knob) Call Used:KK4NQQ Points: 8 Bonus: 0   Delete
TimeCallBandModeNotes
15:30zKC4PMS7MHzSSB
15:31zKK4RDO7MHzSSB
15:32zN4EX7MHzSSB
15:33zNE4TN7MHzSSB
15:34zW4DOW7MHzSSB
15:36zKF4MH7MHzSSB
15:37zKG3W7MHzSSB
15:37zW0MNA7MHzSSB
15:38zKB1RJD7MHzSSB
15:38zKB1RJC7MHzSSB
15:38zKB1RJC7MHzSSB
15:39zK0LAF7MHzSSB
15:40zWA2USA7MHzSSB
15:41zAE4FZ7MHzSSB
15:42zW0ERI7MHzSSB
15:43zW6UB7MHzSSB
15:45zWG8Y7MHzSSB
15:46zN7AMA24MHzSSB
15:47zW7RV24MHzSSB
15:48zK7JFD24MHzSSB
15:49zG0RQL24MHzSSB
15:50zDL1DVE24MHzSSB
15:51zG4UXH24MHzSSB
15:52zEA3EVL24MHzSSB
16:03zAI8F24MHzSSB
16:04zM0LEP24MHzSSB
16:05zMM0USU24MHzSSB
16:06zM0MDA24MHzSSB
16:07zM6ARF24MHzSSB
16:08zOZ5HP24MHzSSB
16:15zI6FLD24MHzSSB
16:22zKB2TIA18MHzSSB
16:23zN0MNO18MHzSSB
16:25zK2MIJ18MHzSSB

 
 CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF THE ACTIVATION!!!


73's AND KEEP CLIMBING!
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