You might be interested to know that the picture at the introduction to my blog is taken from the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge. The plaque on the right hand side of the picture (not clear to readers) states the name of the mountain and gives the height as 923 metres. My wife and I climbed Mt Ohlssen Bagge in September 2011 and had  a great day out. I should say that Mount Ohlssen Bagge does not meet the SOTA criteria, but it is still a great climb and we love this part of the world!

My first activation was on 24th September 2013. I picked a creek bed almost at Sacred Canyon. At 06:10 I called on 7.100 and VK5LY/p answered my call. Larry was activating Cooltong Conservation Park. Then came VK5WG, Nev; VK5PET, Peter; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5PAS, Paul; VK3ANL, Nick; VK5HS/m, Ivan near Adelaide Airport; VK2BNN/p5, Brett at Rawnsley Park; VK5HCF, Col; VK3AMB, Bernard and VK5FCTC, John. As it turned out Brett was staying at Rawnsley Park and later that evening I arranged to meet Brett with the help of 146.500Mhz. Brett told me he was planning to activate Saint Mary Peak as his very first SOTA activation. I am waiting to hear whether he was successful or not?

Second Activation: 25th September 2013 Wood Duck Dam

I enjoyed contacts with: VK5KC, David; VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS, Paul; VK3GT/p5, George camping in Parachilna Gorge; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5APC, Errol at the Port Adelaide Radio Club; VK5FEKH, Errol, 10 watts on his dipole; VK2IY, Angus and VK1MA/p2, Matt at VK2 ST 005.

Third Activation: 26th September 2013 Wilpena (near overflow car park).

I had contacts with VK5LY, Larry; VK3UBY, Col; VK5PAS, Paul; VK3LSC, Sandra at Mildura; VK3HRA, Allen; VK5HCF, Col; VK3ABM/2, Peter and VK3BJM/m2, Barry. Imagine my surprise when two workers stopped the utility near the park table I was using and one said, I recognise that voice! Richard, VK5UK, I knew was working at the Wilpena resort and it was great to catch up with him. I was a bit sorry he had to get back to work!

My fourth activation of the Flinders Ranges National Park occurred from the Trezona Camp Ground. I had contacts with VK5PAS, Paul; VK5LY, Larry; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5CZ, Ian and VK5HCF, Col, making a total of 33 contacts over the four activations.

On Friday 27th at the Wilpena Visitors’ Centre I saw Brett, VK2BNN, for a second time. I congratulated him on activating St Mary Peak and wished him well as he set out with his family for further adventures.

Brachina Gorge, Flinders Ranges National Park

The Flinders Ranges area is known for its geological features which shed further light on the history of our planet. While at Trezona campground we set out to find the Golden Spike. This monument celebrates the Ediacaran period in geological time and a small plaque is embedded in rock in the creek bed to signify the importance of this area.

Standing near the Golden Spike

The Ediacaran Period

Ediacaran plaque ‘Golden Spike’

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