Scott Creek Conservation Park, VKFF-788, 14th March 2015

The Park

This afternoon and early evening was my fifth activation of Scott Creek Conservation Park. You can read about the Park in earlier entries. It is a beautiful public space. I walk in the Park on a regular basis and here are some more pictures I took on my walk on Wednesday 11th March. I cannot explain the signal dropout on my Garmin 62S after I turned the corner and began a steep climb up Currawong Ridge Track. I have walked this track lots of times and all images have been intact. Perhaps as it is steep I held onto the backpack straps near the GPS62s in my left hand breast pocket on my shirt?

Scott Creek Walk 11th March 2015 showing photo locations

Mount Lofty from Scott Creek Conservation Park

Approaching Gate 8 on Cup Gum Track

Closer to Gate 8 on Cup Gum Track

Gate 8 looking into the Park

My operating position at Gate 8

Turn right at Gate 9 onto Stringybark Track

Walking sown Stringybark Track before it gets really steep!

Walking down Stringybark Track before it gets really steep!

Vandals at work: or your taxes being wasted: Almanda Mine Scott Creek CP

New growth following an (un)controlled burn: Currawong Ridge Track

Contacts I thought I should activate Scott Creek Conservation Park to celebrate the adding to the VKFF list of a number of South Australian Conservation Parks. The occasion was the usual Friday evening South Australian Parks activity: so I could call this entry another ‘Twilight Park’ activation. I was aiming for 44 contacts. In the end I achieved 30 contacts. I could have achieved my goal of 44 if I had been able to stay longer but I had to pack up at about 18:45 hours local. At pack up time 20 metres was really firing! I will return to Scott Creek in the future to qualify the park for the WWFF award. I arrived at the Park at about 16:00 local and spent the first 45 minutes doing a final tune on a new three-band linked dipole for 10 metres, 17 and 30 metres. A few more finishing touches will give me a second very rugged antenna for portable use. My first contact, on 7.098 MHz, was at 06:40 with VK3FQSO, Amanda then followed, VK5ZAR/P, Arno in Ferguson Conservation Park VK3PMG, Mick VK5HEL, Geoff at Ettrick Conservation Park VK5GJ, Greg VK3OHM, Marc VK3DAC, Fred VK5FLEX, Pike River Conservation Park VK5ZGY, Greg VK3DBP, Paul VK5FANA, Peter at Bird Island Conservation Park VK3PF, Peter VK5PAS, Paul at Charleston Conservation Park, VKFF-777 VK5KLV, Les at Mount Remarkable National Park (Mambray Creek) VKFF-360 VK5KPR, Peter VK5WG, Nev VK3TKK/M, Peter VK5PEP, Peter at Ferries McDonald Conservation Park VK3AV, Bernard VK5NQP, David at Cromer Conservation Park, VKFF-779 VK3FPSR, Peter VK3ANL, Nick VK2FMIA, Doug at Horton Falls National Park, VKFF-594 VK2KBC/M3, Sheepyard Flat, Mansfield VK5NAQ, Peter VK5GY/P, Gordon at Kenneth Stirling Conservation Park, VKFF-781 I thought 40 metres was getting a bit quiet and after having a look around the band I decided to migrate to 20 metres. However, when I checked the history page on ParksnPeaks I saw there were quite a few other stations active which I missed. My third last contact was on 14.275, 07:49z, VK4KUS, Steve, then VK2GJC. Greg from Ulladullah, whose excellent log-keeping enabled him to tell me we last had a qso on 80 metres in 1992 and finally on 14.205, EA8CCQ, Orlando in the Canary Islands. I gave Orlando 5 & 9 and I was 5 & 5.

VK2FMIA, Doug's splendid QSL card - proof beyond reasonable doubt!

VK2FMIA, Doug’s splendid QSL card – proof of a contact beyond reasonable doubt!

Eurilla Conservation Park, 8th March 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

Eurilla Conservation Park

Eurilla Conservation Park is a small park which adjoins Cleland Conservation Park, close to Mount Lofty summit, and is part of the Greater Mount Lofty Parklands. Eurilla Conservation Park is roughly triangular in shape and the hypotenuse joins the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, the western side of the park adjoins private property which fronts Summit Road and the northern side joins the Cleland Conservation Park. VK5PAS, Paul, has previously activated the Park and his blog contains a description of how he approached his activation spot. It is not possible to gain access to the park from Summit Road. On Friday 6th February I travelled to the Park for an exploratory survey (see below). I could find little specific information about the Park, other than a fire plan that deals with a number of other Hills Face Zone Parks. I also found material about the flora of Eurilla Conservation Park. However, a letter to the Editor of the South Australian Register provides information on the word ‘Eurilla’.

Access

To access the Park I travelled from Crafers to Piccadilly taking Piccadilly Road, turning left into Lampert Road and then a right hand turn into Sprigg Road. Take Sprigg Road until you pass Ross Road on the right and then as you take a gradual right had sweeping curve in Sprigg Road you will see a sign for Cleland Conservation Park.

Heysen Trail Marker

There is a small parking area for about three or four cars. The track is marked Heysen Trail, and this particular section is called Eurilla Track. But you are not in Eurilla Conservation Park yet! You walk for just over 50 metres along the track and you will spot a Heysen Trail marker on the fence post. At this point turn left and climb a small rise and then you will see a fire trail/vehicle track, pictured below.

You follow this to the two metre high chain fence. This fence forms the boundary with the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens. When you reach the fence turn west, that is, turn right and walk to the end of the track. You are in Eurilla Conservation Park soon after making the right hand turn. However, I walked to the end on the track where there is a turning circle and used a small bush to support my seven metre squid pole and then erected my 40/20 metre linked dipole. The walk is not too long. It is 680 metres and a fairly gentle walk back to the car park.

Eurilla access track and operating position

On Friday I walked 1.85 kilometres as I wanted to take some bearings and check out a few other tracks. Today I spoke to a walker as I was getting back to the car park and he said that the walk along Eurilla track to Mount Lofty summit is quite steep. That can wait for another day!

Carminow historic residence near Mt Lofty activation spot

Carminow is one of three historic residences on the Eastern side of Summit Road approaching Mount Lofty summit from the South. It was built in 1885. Those who have activated Mount Lofty Summit, VK5/SE-005, from the Eastern side will know the location. The tower is visible in the picture at the centre on the tree-line. The other two residences are Eurilla, 1884 and Mount Lofty House, 1858. All three houses were badly damaged or destroyed by the 1983 fires and all have been rebuilt.

Contacts

Band conditions were challenging but I was pleased to have contacts with 25 stations in VK2, VK3 and VK5. I tried 20 metres two times but was not successful on that band. The VK2 WIA broadcast signal on 14.160 Mhz was very strong.

My first contact at 22:28 was with Mick, VK3PMG, at Stawell, 59s 44r, then, VK3VTH, Tony; VK3FQSO, Amanda; VK5WG, Nev; VK5EE, Tom; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5FANA, Adrian on 7.100 then 7.095; VK3BHR, Phil; VK3AV/M3, Bernard; VK3TKK, Peter; VK5ATQ, Trevor, 7.135; VK1DI/P2, Ian, 7.095, VK2/SM-007; VK5HS. Ivan; VK3ANL/P3, Nick, Tarra-Bulga National Park, VKFF-480; VK5EMI, John; VK3TKK, Peter with a better signal; VK5NAQ, Peter; VK5NPP, Phil; 00:02, VK5EMI, John; VK3YSP/P3, Joe at Ballarat; VK3PF, Peter; VK5HCF, Col; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5IS, Ian; VK5KFB, Rod and finally, VK5ZAR, Arno. Although conditions were not perfect, I had a lot of fun and I appreciate the effort made by all the callers to get VK5BJE/P5, Eurilla Conservation Park in their logs. And today is the first day of South Australia’s National Park week, which for me makes the activation quite special.

Another twilight activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 27th February 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

I made my way to Scott Creek Conservation Park to my favourite activation spot at Gate 8. It was a warm afternoon with the peak temperature being 32 degrees but by the time I arrived at the Park, just before 1700 hours local it was in the high twenties, cloudy, humid and threatening to rain. A few spots occurred while I was operating and when packing up. This is my fourth activation at this Park but when the weather cools I will become more adventurous and travel further to some of the many other Parks in the Adelaide Hills. Oh, so many parks and so little time!

Contacts

7.100 ssb

06:30 VK5GJ, Greg, 59s, 59r

06:32 VK5ZAR, Arno, 59, 46

06:34 VK3DAC, Fred, 58, 55

06:35 VK3TKK/M, Peter, 58, 43

06:37 VK3PMG, Mick, 59 59

06:39 VK5KPR, Peter, 58, 57

06:42 VK5HCF/P5, Col, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:43 VK5EE/P5, Tom, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:44 VK5FAJS/P5, Alan, 59, 59, Gower Conservation Park

06:45 VK5PAS/P5, Paul, 59, 59, Paul, Onkaparinga National Park

06:48 VK3OHM, Marc, 59, 59, Marc

06:49 VK5TN/M5, Robin, 59, 59

06:51 VK3YDN, John, 58, 58

06:53 VK3BHR, Phil, 59, 59

06:56 VK3PF, Peter, 59, 47

06:57 VK5WG, Nev, 59, 58

06:58 VK5KLV/P5, Les, 59, 58, Les, Winninowie Conservation Park

07:01 VK5ZRY/P5, Richard, 58, 59, Ramsay Gate Conservation Park

07:05 VK4FR/P5, Chris, 59, 59, Morialta Conservation Park

07:07 VK5UV, Rod, 57, 57

07:11 VK5FANA, Adrian, 59, 59, Clinton Conservation Park

07:15 VK5NQP, David, 59, 55

07:17 VK5FMJC, John, 59, 57

07:20 VK3FQSO, Amanda, 59, 57

14.225

07:30 EA6ALW, Javia, 59, 57, Spain

14.215

07:39 EA3AKP, John, Catalonia, Spain

14.209

07:53 GW3UZS, Geoff, Cardiff, Wales, 58, 45

08:02 GW4XSX, Mike, West Coast Wales, 59, 54

14.267

08:09 VK5PAS/P5, Paul, 59, 59, Onkaparinga National Park

I enjoyed a total of 29 contacts. On 7.100 I used the Yaesu 897 set for 10 watts with a linked dipole and my 4800 MAH LiFePO4 battery. On 20 metres I set the power to 20 watts for the contacts to Spain and 40 watts for the contacts to the UK. It was a great time and thanks to all who gave me a call. I always appreciate the chasers. I used my home made linked dipole. It performed well after a recent service. See my blog dated 1st February to read about the antenna failure on the last activation. Soldered joints, even though not load bearing seem to create the weak spots. All the links, made from 30 amp Anderson Power Poles, are crimped. I am unable to avoid soldered joints at the dipole centre. These are well covered by clear silicon which seems to help. Portable antennas get quite a work out and I am surely impressed with the wire I purchased from Mark at Tet-Emtron.

A Twilight Activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 30th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

On Friday afternoon at about 4.00pm local time I travelled to Scott Creek Conservation Park in the Mount Lofty Ranges to join with other park activators in a late afternoon/early evening activation. Scott Creek Conservation Park is ‘our’ Park. We are members of the Friends Group for this Park. I also do quite a bit of walking in the park to try and enhance my general level of fitness, or more likely keep what I have already! It is about four kilometres from our place to the Park. It is not the closest park to us: that park is Mark Oliphant Conservation Park which I can see from our family room right now. But Scott Creek Conservation Park, is in my opinion, the more interesting location. I set up at my usual operating point near Gate 8. I managed to find a little shade and established my station there. I was pleased with the set up and took the extra precaution of guying my squid pole at 45 degrees to the linked dipole as there were a few gusts on wind, but nothing too severe. I have activated this park two times previously.

I also packed only lithium chemistry batteries. I decided to leave the ‘slabs’ at home. I switched on my radio and tuned across the middle portion of the 40 metre band. On 7.100 I heard VK5ZAR/P5, Arno, at 06:25z, in Black Hill Conservation Park working another station. Arno’s signal was quite strong, 5 and 7, but I did notice that the signal was fading. I called him a few times without success and then wondered about whether everything was working at me end.

My operating position: FT897, LiPo 4000 mah, diode voltage drop in Altoid tin

I noticed the VSWR was reading high on my transceiver. I checked the antenna with my analyser and changed the coaxial feeder. I was still not satisfied with my setup. I persisted with the activation and worked the following stations:

0628 VK5PAS/P5, Paul at Monarto Conservation Park, S5 & 7, R5 & 7

0631 VK5HCF/P5, Col at Naracoorte Caves National Park, 5 & 7, 5 & 8

0634 VK5KLV/P5, Les at Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, 5 & 8, 5 & 8

0638 VK5ZAR/P5, Arno at Black Hill Conservation Park, 5 & 7, 4 & 3

and

0640 VK5NQP/P5, David at Sandy Creek Conservation Park, 5 & 7, 5 & 5

It was the contact with VK5ZAR/P5, or rather the variation is signal strengths between us, which persuaded me to close down. I decided I would quit the 40 metre band and change antennas and go to 30 metres as VK5LY, Larry had posted that he would try this band. I posted my intention to QSY on ParksnPeaks. I have a home brew half-wave end fed antenna for this band. I had checked it out previously at Spring Gully Conservation Park near Clare and was pleased with its performance. Tuning across the band I noticed a fairly strong CW signal (too fast for me) and a RTTY signal which was very strong. I called on 10.130 MHz a few times without success.

I have subsequently checked my antenna at home for continuity (it is fine although it has been used over 120 times in the field) and when the weather improves will do some careful checks outside to try and establish the reason for the high VSWR.

It was a beautiful afternoon and I enjoyed my time in the park despite the equipment failure.

A view of the Mount Lofty Ranges looking North

This photo shows Mount Lofty in the distance. Expand the photo and two peaks emerge. Mount Lofty is the second and smaller of the two in the centre of the picture.

Mum and teenager

My walking track in Scott Creek CP

Track profile: Scott Creek CP walk

Upgraded fire trail: on my walk

The last image shows the walking track I use. The photo does not do justice to the steepness! The track here is between three and five kilometres from the start: see profile image above! The loop starts at the at the car park at gate three: in the picture just under the name of the park. Take the Bandicoot Track, then Currawong Ridge Track then Cup Gum Track to Gate 8. At this point take the Mount Bold Track (in the Park near the boundary), then Stringbark Track to Neville Road, turn North (right) and take the Currawong Ridge Track to Bandicoot Track and down the hill to the car-park. I take the clockwise walk of just six kilometres and it takes me about one hour 20 minutes to complete the loop. There are some very steep hills! Gate 8, my activation spot is on Mount Bold Road in the right hand corner of the image. I have completed this walk quite a few times now and will provide more information in due course. The track is taken from a Garmin Forerunner 910 XT. This GPS is designed for monitoring fitness programs and is worn on the wrist. Coordinates are only available after the data is transferred from the unit to Garmin Connect. I used the same unit for my walk in Scheyville National Park, VKFF-444, on 21st December 2014 and also at Mt Bryan, VK5/SE-001 on 29th September 2014.

I have also walked the track with my old Kenwood TH-D7 set at five watts with an extended antenna. The highest point on the track is approaching Mount Bold Road, over 400 metres, and my signal was received at the VK5RSC-1, the South Coast Amateur Radio Club’s digipeater on 145.175. I could only access the digipeater at one spot. The upshot of this is that to have a APRS station at Gate 8 is feasible with a more powerful radio and a gain antenna on a mast. Something for the future with a more extended activation!

Belair National Park, VKFF-022, Australia Day

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

The SA brochure relating to this park is entitled Belair National Park: From Government Farm to National Park. The Park conserves both natural and built environments. It began life in 1840 when Governor Gawler established a farm for the purposes of grazing Government owned stock, for example, Police horses. In 1859 a cottage was built for the Governor, Sir Richard MacDonnell, and is now preserved as ‘Old Government House’. This building is open to the public on Sundays and public holidays, and as the brochure states, ‘provides an insight into the lifestyle of South Australia’s former gentry’. ‘In 1981, the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service was born, with the dedication of Belair National Park’.

A trap for a young or not so young player!

Today I went back to Belair National Park to try and reach the magic number of 44 contacts, so as to qualify the Park for the WWFF award. Belair National Park is a gated park and the gates are opened at 0830 and close at 1700 hours local time, that is, if you want to drive your car into the park. I was at the Park at 0700 hours local and walked into one of our usual operating spots about 300 metres from the boundary. There is a pedestrian gate at this point, near Waverley Lodge. This house is occupied by a ranger I know. I went quietly, not because what I was doing was wrong, but I simply did not want to wake up the household! It took me two trips to carry all of my gear, including a table, a chair and my FT897, two batteries, an antenna, log, clock and rain-coat to the activation spot. I anticipated a long activation period and I didn’t want to sit on the ground! Here is the link to that activation https://vk5bje.com/2014/06/01/mount-lofty-vk5-se-005-cleland-conservation-park/ The weather forecast predicted a shower and it was raining very lightly while I was setting up. I turned on the radio only to be greeted by noise over strength nine. This noise was a loud pulsing racket! The audio DSP settings on the FT897 were useless! To operate in these conditions would be impossible. Why was there noise? Well there is a major transmission line nearby. But I and others have operated here before without any difficulties. My theory is as follows: in the past this spot has been used for winter activations and the insulators are probably washed clean. While Adelaide has had some rain recently it appears not enough to dampen down the noise! I was hoping to work some DX as I was set up ready to go at 2100 hours UTC! So I packed everything away, once again making two trips, and trying not to make too much noise. I then drove around to the main gates and travelled to Long Gully where I activated the Park last Australia Day. Here is the link to that activation: https://vk5bje.com/2014/01/26/australia-day-january-26th-2014-belair-national-park/ The light rain soon stopped and I succeeded in making 23 contacts. I could not spot myself as there was not enough signal on my phone at this point.

Here is my log and all contacts were on 40 metres and before UTC rollover. 2153 VK3CTM/P3 57 43, Tony 2201 AX3FDAP/P3 57 58, Dennis 2213 AX3ARR 58 59, Andrew 2222 VK5HCF 56 55, Col and Tom at Piccaninnie Ponds CP 2231 VK3PF/P7 55 42, Peter at Narawntapu NP, VKFF-005 2238 VK3MAY 57 51, David 2254 AX3TKK 57 44, Peter 2257 AX3DAC, Fred 2300 VK3MRG/P3 51 51, Marshall at Lake Eildon NP, VKFF-625 2302 VK5FANA 51 51, Adrian 2305 VK3NCR/P2 51 58, Craig 2310 VK5GJ 51 58, Greg 2313 VK5FLEX 59 49, Peter 2315 AX5PAS/P5 59 58, Paul at VK5/SE-016 2319 VK3FQSO 59 54, Amanda 2323 VK5AA 59 57, Tom with Col at Piccaninnie Ponds CP 2330 VK7TW/P7 51 41, Justin at Mount Wellington, VK7/SC-001 2332, VK7FREU/P7 51 41, Reuben at Mount Wellington, VK7/SC-001 2342 VK1DI/P1, Ian at Mount Majura, VK1/SC-034, 2347, VK5LY 59 54, Larry, 2348 VK5NIG 59 55. Nigel, 2350 VK5KLV 59 58, Les, 2353 VK3BNJ 59 33, Stan. Thanks to all who gave me a call. Today’s efforts take my total of 55 contacts for this Park.

Propagation

It was an interesting day for propagation. I thought for a while this might be my first VK5 activation without any VK5 contacts! It was only later in the morning that any near city stations were readable. For example, I knew that VK5HCF was active at Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park, but it was half an hour into the activation before we successfully made contact. At the same time VK3 stations were loud and clear. VK3PF/P7 at Narawntapu National Park, VKFF-005, was worked at 22:31z and it was 23:15z before I had a contact with VK5PAS/P5 at VK5/SE – 016. While all this was happening I heard snippets of RTTY and two US SSB stations. The US voice stations were 5 and 8 to 9, but they were quickly gone! Other operators also made similar comments about the propagation.

A summary – December 20th 2014 to January 8th 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

When finally I saw myself attain
That stage of life when everybody ought to
Lower his sails and take the rigging in,…

Inferno XXVII, line 79, Dante Alighieri translated by JG Nichols, p.126, Alma Classics 2013

What a great way of saying I am retired and, therefore, can enjoy my leisure pursuits. I know I run the risk of being accused of quoting these lines out of context, so I will point out that in Dante’s poem they were said by a fraudster, a cheat; a man who retires after a lifetime of fighting and deceit. I will let you decide whether or not to read the poem – but it is extremely funny at this point.

WWFF Hunter Certificate 44 references

We arrived home on Thursday 8th January. We left to travel to Sydney on Saturday 20th December. We were away from home one day short of three weeks. Of course, the purpose of the trip was to see our family, including our Grand-children, but we have always made a point of travelling different ways on our trip, especially the homeward leg. For the last two years this has provided us with an opportunity to pursue our passions of amateur radio, especially portable and QRP work, and bird-watching. Here is a table of the activations.

20/12/2014 Little Desert National Park, VKFF-291, 31 contacts

21/12/2014 Mt Moliagul, VK3/VN-024, 16 contacts

21/12/2014 Greater Bendigo National Park, VKFF-623, 17 contacts

27/12/2014 Scheyville National Park, VKFF-444, 2 contacts

27/12/2014 Cattai National Park, VKFF-092, 11 contacts

30/12/2014 Livingstone National Park, VKFF-292, 12 contacts

31/12/2014 Brisbane Ranges National Park, VKFF-055, 29 contacts (two activations)

1/1/2015 Mt Warrenheip, VK3/VC-019, 22 contacts

2/1/2015 Port Campbell National Park, VKFF-420, 12 contacts

3/1/2015 Great Otway National Park, VKFF-405, 14 contacts (two activations)

5/1/2015 Canunda National Park, VKFF-075, 20 contacts (two activations)

6/1/2015 Lake Frome Conservation Park, 6 contacts

7/1/2015 Coorong National Park, VKFF-115, 13 contacts (two activations).

Additionally, there were a few other contacts along the way, but 204 parks and peaks contacts was a reasonable score, only made possible by those who gave me a call. I was pleased to be able to activate Port Campbell and Great Otway National Parks (these two parks remain for me to complete the 45 needed for the KRMNPA Worked All Parks Award). It is always great fun to hear the core of familiar voices and call signs of those who like this activity as well as welcoming newcomers to this facet of amateur radio. Highlights were contacts with VK3FOWL/P , Julie and VK3YSP/P, Joe from a number of parks, but especially Burrowa-Mt Pine NP and Alfred NP and a contact while mobile in Bendigo with WIAW/KH6 on 20 metres.

I have always made a point of uploading all my contacts to Log Book of the World (LOTW). I will admit my proportion of confirmed contacts has declined since I started uploading my portable contacts. I think LOTW is great and it is a shame that more Australian amateurs don’t sign up! It is free and you don’t have to join the ARRL! More recently I have begun to use the HRDLOG (HRDLOG.net). This on-line log enables operators to check their logs against the other station’s log. But this is not enough and I have been encouraged over the last little while to upload my Parks contacts to WWFF Logsearch (WWFF Logsearch.co/). I tried up-loading ADI files from Ham Radio Deluxe. The results were always unsatisfactory with the logs showing a whole lot of parameters I had previously added to HRD, especially in the Station set up page. I was told others have success using HRD. I have not been able to work out why I have been unsuccessful. VK5PAS, Paul, told be about Fast Log Entry and I have been using this and have now provided most of my Parks files for up-loading to WWFF Logsearch. Any suggestions about how to get Ham Radio Deluxe to work in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

So I registered for WWFF Logsearch and imagine my surprise, as the logs started to appear, that I was offered awards. I must say I am pleased to have obtained the Hunter Certificate for 44 references. The next challenge will be to try and increase my scores from some of the local national parks to at least 44 contacts.

Gold Hunter Certificate VK5BJE

While in Mt Gambier we visited Dingley Dell Conservation Park. This small park is the location of Adam Lindsay Gordon’s summer cottage near Port MacDonnell. We were taken on a tour of the home by the Manager and I thoroughly recommend it – but you will have to put up with the Manager reciting great chunks of Lindsay’s verse (which he does very well)! While there I checked out future activations spots.

We also visited Beachport Conservation Park, about 50k south of Robe. This is a magnificent park. Again I checked out the activation spots and there are plenty: depending on the weather. The Park was declared a National Park in 1959 and later proclaimed as a Conservation Park in 1982 to preserve a representative sample of a coastal area in the South East of the State. It is 875 hectares and the birdlife is stunning. We thought the swan population was over 1000: these are just the organisers below!

Annual Swan Conference Lake George (Beachport CP) JCD photo

Coorong National Park, VKFF-115, 8th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

This morning we left Kingston SE to travel home to the Adelaide Hills. The weather was hot, humid and cloudy and we drove through a number of heavy rain showers. As we got to Salt Creek the sun was shining and I decided it was a great opportunity to add to my earlier contacts and try, at least, to get ten contacts and thus qualify the Park for the VKFF award. I parked the 4×4 in a turn-out on the sea-ward side, that is, just in the Park. There is a notice board nearby which provides details of a walk. The walk is called Nukan Kungun Hike. It is 27k long and eventually reaches the sea at the 42 Mile Crossing.

Map of Coorong Walk from ‘The Tattler’

There is also a small lagoon popular with the birds and bird-watchers.

Lagoon near Salt Creek
JCD photo

The interlude with the sun was short-lived and after we left it started to rain and did so until we arrived home.

I have previously activated this park. Here is the link to my blog https://vk5bje.com/category/sa-national-park/coorong-national-park/

Contacts

My first contact was with VK3MCD/P2, Brian on VK2/SW-013 and also Mount Kosciusko National Park. This contact was at 22:30. Then in succession I had contacts with: VK3EK, Robbie, VK5WG, Nev; VK5IS, Ian; VK5JW, John at Cowell; VK3ARR, Andrew; VK3FCLS, Brett; VK5GJ/QRP, Greg running four watts; VK2UH, Andrew and VK3XL/P2, Mike on VK2/SM-081. After UTC rollover I had contacts with VK3FCLS, Brett; VK5GI, Norm and finally, VK5GJ, Greg, totalling 13 contacts. My first activation resulted in seven contacts. I was ambivalent about stopping in the Park. I had not posted an alert. But I am sure glad I stopped at the Park!

VK5BJE at work in the Coorong NP

Lake Frome Conservation Park, 6th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park Lake Frome Conservation Park was proclaimed in 2002 and is 1091 hectares. It conserves some rare plants and is known for its bird-watching opportunities and also has a bird hide. Jenny began walking to the bird hide but it was just too hot. After completing my activation of Canunda National Park, VKFF-075, we travelled to Lake Frome Conservation Park, which is adjacent to Canunda National Park. While it would be possible to set up a station near the boundary between the two parks, we decided to try and get close to the bird hide which is accessible from the Southern Access Road. However, after lunch and activating the Park we decided it was just too hot for a three kilometre walk, and the birds being quite sensible, would probably all be resting!

Access

We entered Lake Frome Conservation Park from the Princes Highway just out of Rendelsham and near the Southend turnoff. The car park is about 500 metres of the Highway. There were no visitors while I was there and I used the Park bench to set up my station. There are HT lines as you near the car park but they did not cause too much bother.

Contacts

I had the following contacts at Lake Frome Conservation Park: VK5FANA, Adrian at 02:05 UTC; VK3ZZS/P3, Colin;VK5HCF, Col; VK1DI/P2, Ian on summit VK2/IL-002; VK3FMPB, John in Kinglake National Park, and, finally, Peter, VK3PF, at 02:19 UTC, about to go to work, making six contacts and successfully activating the Park. Thanks to all who gave me a contact at the two Parks today (6th January 2015). It was great fun, although quite hot at Lake Frome Conservation Park. Mini Hamfest/s One of the reasons for keeping the activation short was the heat. There was no shade where I was located. But the second reason was I had arranged to meet two keen activators, VK5HCF, Col and VK5EE, Tom. They suggested that I come to the South East Radio Group Headquarters. While there we shared some of our ideas on portable work, saw some SERG videos taken by Club supporter, Dennis, inspected the Club rooms and the Radio Room and we enjoyed the socialising. It was good to see the Radio Room. Many times both Col and Tom have raced up to the Club Rooms to have a contact with me, because they both have noise problems at home. It is a great privilege to meet the person behind the voice. We stayed at Mount Gambier for a second night and the following morning travelled to Kingston SE for our last night away on this trip before arriving home. At Kingston SE we visited Tony (VK5ZAI) and Jill. This was mini hamfest number two. Recently in Amateur Radio Magazine it was announced that Tony was retiring from his position of ARISS coordinator. But he told me in the transition he still has three school contacts with the ISS to complete. While I have been to their place before I did not have the street address for my GPS. Thanks to John, VK5DJ, for a few navigation tips ensuring I got to the right place!

Canunda National Park, VKFF-075, 6th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

The Park

Canunda National Park is large. It is a coastal park and contains sand-dunes, linestone cliffs and dense scrub. It allows recreational activities such as 4×4 driving, bushwalking, bird-watching, fishing and surfing. There is also evidence of long-term Aboriginal occupation of these lands. It was a summer visiting place and there are plenty of shell midden heaps throughout the park.

I would like to drive through the Park but only with at least one other vehicle. We were travelling on our own.

Access

Canunda National Park

It took us quite a while to find the Bevilaqua Ford. To get to this point travel from Rendelsham. It looks easy on the map but it is not very well sign-posted. My vehicle GPS did not have this point marked. I have taken the map from The Tatler, Edition 12. This excellent publication is free and is available at the usual tourist outlets. It is published by the SA Government agency responsible for National Parks. I activated the National Park about 75 metres into the Park from Bevilaqua Ford. The Park boundary is marked in black dah dit dit. Lake Frome Conservation Park has a blue boundary marked dah dit dit also. So you can see that the Lake Frome Conservation Park holding dissects the Canunda Park where the blue lines are almost joined. In other words it would be very possible to activate the National Park from near the Information Kiosk and then move 75 metres back down the track to the Ford and enter Lake Frome CP land and activate that Park from there. There is a track in Lake Frome CP running on one side of the Lake Frome Park land. along side of the drain.

Canunda NP from Bevilaqua Ford JCD photo

Contacts

I had the following contacts beginning at 23:33 UTC: VK1NAM/P2, 7.095, Andrew on VK2/SW-074; VK1DI/P2, Ian on VK2/IL-001; VK3TKK, Peter; VK5EE, Tom; VK3VTH/P3, Tony in the Brisbane Ranges National Park; VK5HCF, Col; VK5FANA, Adrian; VK3XL/P2, at 00:00 UTC, Mike on VK2/ SC-022; VK3TKK, Peter; VK5GJ/QRP, Greg; VK5KLV, Les; VK7WH, Winston; VK5PAS/QRP, Paul, VK5KPR, Peter, VK5FMID, Brian; VK3PF/M; VK5IS, Ian and VK3UP, Terry at 00:21 UTC, making a total on 19 contacts.

Great Otway National Park, VKFF-405, 4th January 2015

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Great Otway National Park

The Park

Today we went looking for good spots to activate the Great Otway National Park, VKFF-405. The Victorian Government Park’s brochure describes the Great Otway National Park as new. It was formed as recently as 15th September 2005, and is a creation from a number of pre-existing parks. The Park’s brochure (in two separate sections) one for the Western part of the Park (Kennett River to Princetown) and one for Eastern part (the section Torquay to Kennett River) clearly shows a patchwork of land-holdings.

Even a cursory glance of the brochures will show that the Park is made up of various parcels of land, many unconnected, and with privately held land within the Park. It is a large Park with many great features and we did not have time to explore it in any depth. However, we were able to gain some appreciation of its size and the agricultural interests pursued along side of the Park. A large double-trailer milk truck truck was doing the rounds. There were also some vineyards and general cropping and grazing activities.

Access

We drove from Port Campbell along the Great Ocean Road to the Gelibrand River Road and turned left and travelled on a gravel road for about 16 kilometers to a junction. At the junction we took the Road to Colac for about five kilometres to a spot where we thought I could activate the Park in relative peace. Here are the coordinates: S 38 36.645 and E 143 19.681. Unfortunately I could only gain nine contacts. So after lunch we travelled back to the junction and took the Cobden Road to Simpson and, with a bit more exploring, we found another block clearly identified as part of the Park. I found a great spot off the road which enabled me to gain a few more contacts. There were power lines near by. I took a look at theses lines. The HT lines looked in good condition and the insulators were substantial. As it turned out the power lines, while creating some noise, did not create too much of a problem. I was able to increase my qso numbers to get across the line for the VKFF award. It was a relatively peaceful day on 40 metres as a glance at Portable Amateur Radio Spots will show. I did a lot of listening and signals generally were not strong. Amateurs who enjoy portable operations must have decided after the last few days of frenetic activity to make Sunday a day of rest! Perhaps the weather also contributed to the apparent lack of signals!

Contacts

I worked the following stations: 23:37, VK5YX, Hans conducting the WIA call-back on 7.135 MHz; VK1DI/P1, Ian on VK1/AC-042; VK1NAM, Andrew at home (amazing!); VK3EK, Rob (what a great web-site he has!); VK3FPSR, Peter; VK5YX, Hans, for a bit of a chin wag about the fires in the Adelaide Hills; VK5IS, Ian, with an amazing QRP signal as always; VK7PAK/P7, Kerry camping at Cape Portland, not too far away from Mount William National Park see https://vk5bje.com/2014/02/23/mount-william-national-park-22nd-23rd-february-2104/ ; VK3TKK, Peter, QRP, with FT817; VK3UCD, David, also QRP with an FT817; VK3FRFD; VK3VBI, Rod at Warrnambool; VK3FAFK, Mick at Stawell and VK2HFX, Frank on the River Murray. Fourteen contacts were made from 23:27 to 00:15 and from 02:23 to 02:37.

All contacts have been uploaded to LOTW and my log can be seen at HRDLOG. Thanks to all of the amateurs who gave me a call.

vk5bje

My name is John. I am an amateur radio operator. Here I share some of my experiences

Amateur radio

Scott Creek Conservation Park, VKFF-788, 14th March 2015

Eurilla Conservation Park, 8th March 2015

Another twilight activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 27th February 2015

A Twilight Activation at Scott Creek Conservation Park, 30th January 2015

Belair National Park, VKFF-022, Australia Day

A summary – December 20th 2014 to January 8th 2015

Coorong National Park, VKFF-115, 8th January 2015

Lake Frome Conservation Park, 6th January 2015

Canunda National Park, VKFF-075, 6th January 2015

Great Otway National Park, VKFF-405, 4th January 2015