N1CLC: 2018-04-08 Tahquitz Peak

Today’s objective was W6/CT-007 - Tahquitz Peak, about a 2 hour drive north of my pad. I joined another ham, and SOTA operator, Adam, KJ6HOT. We had planned on meeting Nate N0PCL. In fact, this hole adventure was sorta his idea. Jeanette decided to join me and Adam picked up his parents on the way. Nate, however, was down with a bad back.

We popped up at 5AM and were out the door by 5:30. The drive was definitely worth it. The hike was beautiful, with a good 2,200 foot climb over 4 miles. The views at the top were awesome. Once we settled in, Adam and I setup our rigs and went to work. Adam was using a mag-loop antenna he built out of tent poles and it worked pretty well. I’m not positive but my antenna didn’t seem too optimal. I wished I had brought the packtenna, it would have been easy to setup with very little compromise. All in all I got a good set of contacts. Adam setup a small amp for his HT and an antenna he made and was able to make it all the way to Yuma AZ! I pulled out my roll-up jpole and contacted a guy in Oceanside. OK, Adam wins that one hands down but I did have fun trying out digital mode FM with the ham in Oceanside. The sound quality was fantastic, like going from 80s TV to HD. Thanks Yaesu!

The hike back down was just as nice as going up. It warmed a tad to about 75, but still very comfortable. We all went to lunch in Idyllwild, sitting outside in perfect conditions. Steak sandwich was awesome... and I was hungry.

The video below has less blabbing on the radio by me, and more scenery. I hope you enjoy. (BTW, I just passed 180 miles of hiking since last October 30)

Stats:

W6/CT-007 - Tahquitz Peak

Association:

USA

Region:

Transverse Ranges

Lat / Long / Height:

33.7553°N -116.677°W 2696m / 8846ft

Locator:

DM13ps Show »

Points / Activations:

8 points, activated 16 times

Latest Activation:

2017-09-23 by K7WYV

IAF

33.73537, -116.69595

Summit: W6/CT-007 - Tahquitz Peak
Miles: 8Cellular Data: AT&T NoAPRS: Yes

Contacts

Call Sign	Comments
KD6HDX	CA from my hand held
AA6EZ	CA from my hand held
K6QCB	CA from my hand held
W0MNA	KS
N4EX	NC
KX0R	CO
W9MRH	IN
ND0C	MN
K8HO	OH
WD4CFN	TN (talked to him yesterday
KG3W	PA
K6XC	CA from my hand held
W7VC	AZ
W6JMP	CA from my hand held
N6DNM	CA from my hand held
KC7MSU	AZ summit-to-summit he was on W7A/AW-031 Carol Spring Mtn.
KS6F	CA
AG6UK	Oceanside from my HT
KM6OAQ	CA