2020 June VHF Contest

I had been traveling for work a lot in the weeks leading up to the contest, so I didn't have the time to prepare my big contest station. I was also pretty tired, so I didn't really want to carry all that stuff up to a summit, set it up, and then carry it down. Instead I brought my HT to a peak and did a short contest.

Looking over at Mission Peak.

I decided to go to Mt Allison, since its close and not a difficult hike. I took my usual route, and set up in my usual spot. This time I had my SOTABeams 2m BPF, and it made operating a joy. Without it I couldn't hear anything on 2m, but with it in I had one of the best signals on the band.

Lots of RF on the summit.

I spent about 90 minutes operating on 146, 223, and 446 with only my HT. I made 40 contacts for a claimed score of 540. I think it was a good results for the amount of effort I put in, but we'll see how it compares when the scores are finally published.

Great views of Mission Peak.

W6/SC-214 Iron Mountain

I was going down south for work, so I decided to get a peak before it all started. After chatting with some local activators, I decided to meet up with Chris N1CLC and hike up Iron Mountain. We met up in the parking lot, and headed up the trail. The lot was nearly full when I arrived, but we were both able to find parking.

Trail starts under the gate, with the summit in view.

The first part of the trail is very straight as it climbs up slowly. The hike is very exposed, and would not be good on a very hot day. There were a lot of people. It reminded me of Mission Peak in the bay area. At the base of the peak the switchbacks start. It feels like constant switchbacks up to the summit.

Looking east.

After climbing up to a col you get the first view to the other side of the mountain. There is a short flat section here, then more switchbacks up to the summit. The summit has a few picnic tables and a set of binoculars. Chris and I went to opposite sides to set up. Coordinating via 2m we were able to avoid interference. I worked 20 and 30, getting 16 contacts. Chris was able to get New Zealand.

The reservoir south of the summit.

I would have liked to stay longer on the summit, but I had a long drive ahead of me still, so we didn't linger. The hike back down was quick, retracing our steps. I managed to bang my leg on a rock and get a nice scrape, but not enough to draw blood. Back in the parking lot we said farewell, and headed our separate ways.

Some flowers were still blooming.

Trailhead: Iron Mountain Trailhead, CA 67 in Poway
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Hike up the main trail. It is well signed and heavily used.
Red Tape: None.