N1CLC: 2019-11-10 Black Mtn.

I needed some exercise but couldn’t plan a big hike for today so I drove over to the tail head for Black Mtn. by my house (5 minutes) and hiked the 4 miles to the summit with my SOTA pack. I took Sulu and it was nice to get out and get some fresh air.

Once on top I setup the K6ARK spider thread antenna on my mast and hooked up the KX2. The noise floor was at S7 on 20, almost 9 on 40 meter. I spotted myself on side band and didn’t get anything on either band. I already have the points for this mountain so no big deal but before packing up, I sent out a CQ on CW (morse). Dan, KI6KU called out to me when he got an alert via reverse beacon network (a very handy service). Dan slowed down for me and with his contact, I was able to “activate” the mountain.

The real bonus for this evening was the sunset. I snapped the pic above a little late but no biggie. Just as I was packing up, about 40 people in a hiking group showed up. Younger people that do a meatup once a month. Of course they were very curious about what I was doing and got a kick out of it. I walked down in the dark under a full moon so bright that it left a shadow. I didn’t even need my headlamp. That’s it, nothing more to tell. :)

Contacts

● KI6KU

Loadout:

● Gregory Zulu 40 backpack

● First aid kit. Make sure it’s a good one... like ability to patch up an impalement wound.

● Elecraft KX2 10 watt HF Radio

● The K6ARK Spider Thread Antenna

● 30’ of coax feed line (not needed)

● Slim Jim dual band antenna for my HT.

● 3 L of water (8 lb)

● iPhone with All Trails, MotionX GPS and sota goat

● Trekking poles (not today)