by William Eric McFadden
Pictures
Description
One member of the Southeast Ohio Radio Adventure Team
succeeded in activating North Country National Scenic Trail as part of the ARRL's year-long
National Parks on the Air (link). Eric McFadden, WD8RIF,
traveled to Tom Jenkins Dam in Burr Oak State Park in Ohio to activate
the North Country National Scenic Trail, TR04 (link),
for one last after-work activation before the return to Standard Time makes such after-work
activations impossible.
Eric arrived at the site about 2140 UTC and after making proof-of-location photos of his GPS receiver and the North Country National Scenic Trail's trailhead sign, Eric quickly set up his station in the picnic shelter immediately adjacent to the trail.
As at previous activations, Eric's station consisted of his Enhanced KX3 Travel Kit, his MFJ-1910 33' fiberglass telescoping mast, and a custom clipboard. Eric was on-the-air by 2153 UTC.
Eric began operations on 20m and his first QSO came at 2157 UTC with N6HC. QSOs came steadily if not quickly with Eric making his 7th 20m QSO at 2207 UTC with VE6UX. As dusk deepened, Eric switched to 40m at 2208 UTC and his first QSO there came at 2211 UTC with W2TAW. QSOs on 40m came steadily and Eric's 15th and final QSO came at 2230 UTC with AD4WQ. All QSOs were CW made at the 5-watt level.
Given the unseasonably warm tempertures in the mid-70s, Eric had been concerned that Japanese Lady Beetles would again be swarming but, although a few beetles were seen, none bothered Eric or his operation at all.
Map:
(return)