It’s been a while since we added any new activations to this blog, but it was suggested we post them here again, so here we go. Two 1pt activations to get things going again.
GW/SW-030 Mynydd Machen.
The wx was promising a mixed bag for todays double activation, but neither summit had long walks involved so we didn’t perceive any issues. Although a little overcast, it was dry and was even promising some sun. The parking spot for 030 is at the starting point of the concrete path giving access to the comms towers on top of the hill.
GPS track of our route
The walk up is pretty easy going on a good surface. Ted seems happy to be out with us again (plus it was his 3rd Birthday) so he was getting lots of treats and attention. Towards the top of the hill, the communication site comes into view and the grade lessens.
The view from the start point
This summit can be quite busy by the trig point, so we chose a spot in the heather and wimberries on the opposite side of the comms compound to set up for our activation. Needless to say, I was very surprised to see the Wimberry bushes still covered in fruit. Natural breakfast was on the books for me (and purple fingers). We soon had the pole up with hf and vhf antennas on top, and settled in. The wx had brightened considerably, and we were even sat in warm sunshine.
Looking towards the summit and the communications tower
We opened on 40m to find the bands very busy with both contest and Scout stations working from around the World. Great to hear amateur radio being used like this. After a couple of quick calls we were rewarded with a nice little pile up and a few summit to summit contacts. We did notice considerable qrm and lots of qsb, but most contacts were completed without too much difficulty. 20m came next and again we managed to work a number of contacts on this frequency. Time was starting to catch up with us, so we made 2m our final band, and although not brilliant from this summit, we managed to get a couple more in the log. At this point, we packed up and headed back down the hill to drive to our second summit of the day.
GW/SW-024 Mynydd y Lan
The drive to our second summit was quick and uneventful, but parking is often an issue near the start point and today was no different with a car taking up the entire gateway… luckily, we found a spot just down the lane and tucked in there. The walk upto the AZ on this summit is easy. Just follow the path from past the solar farm and keep heading up. Of note: if you have dogs with you, the land owner has signs up saying dogs found harassing sheep will be shot. Keep this in mind, close gates etc.
The AZ for this summit starts just before the large comms site, with the actual summit to the right some 18m higher. As we were in the AZ and there was a handy bench at the site, we chose to operate there. The wx was turning, and rain was hitting us as we set up. Ted just found himself some long grass to hide in, while the Humans did silly things.
Mal started on 20m on this summit and managed a few good contacts. The bands were still very busy, and again qsb was causing some issues, as were strong stations above and below us. Mal had a better run on 20m that I did, but the opposite was true when we swapped to 40m with a good number of contacts entered itl.
At this point, more rain came over us, and much more was on the way. With this in mind, we shut down and packed up for the walk back to the car. A great outing to two little summits. Good fun was had on both. Many thanks to everyone who contacted us. Mal GW6OVD and Ian 2W0IWM.
