Arid lands Conservation Parks 22 September 2013

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

I activated the Telowie Gorge Conservation Park this afternoon at 06:23. Telowie Conservation Park conserves a gorge which cuts through the lower Flinders Ranges and provides a habitat for the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby. This was an unplanned activation on my way to the Flinders Ranges National Park. The following contacts were made: VK5ZAI, Tony at home; VK5HCF, Col at Mt Gambier 5 & 9 and 3 & 3. Col has a vertical antenna and a huge noise problem. But he copied the essentials! VK5DK, Col also from Mount Gambier 5, 9 and 5, 7 and then VK3YE/p QRP, Peter, who was walking on the Chelsea Beach, bare footed with an FT817 and a vertical. Peter copied me 5, 4 and I gave him 5, 5. This is the second time I have had a contact with Peter, pedestrian mobile on a beach. I was delighted as he called me. I copied Brian, VK5FMID at Mount Gambier and VK3ANL, Nick, 5, 4 and 4, 6. A total of six contacts were made before moving on to the next unplanned activation at Winninowie Conservation Park.

Telowie Gorge Track

Winninowie Conservation Park preserves coastal flat land fronting Spencer Gulf. There are no trees so I used my 10m squid pole to support the linked dipole in an inverted vee configuration. There were strong Indonesian signals on 7.100 MHz at around 08:12 and I checked the band above and below this frequency. This is the latest I have operated portable in the Spring and there were plenty of signals on the band and the US amateurs on 7.140 were 5 and 9. I did not give them a call, but instead came upon a net on 7.106. The net was winding up and I gave my call sign and was copied by VK4FVC, Vernon near Townsville. He was 5, 9 and he gave me a 5, 8. He then asked his net colleagues if they could copy my signal and I had excellent contacts with, VK2ARJ, Ian at Lismore; VK4MIK, Mick on the Atherton Tablelands and finally, VK2JNG/p, Gerard. I am grateful for Vernon who with skill assumed the role of net controller and all operators were pleased to work a QRP (5 watt) station in a Conservation Park in South Australia. I then had contacts with the following SA amateurs, part of the regular Parks crew: VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5PAS/m, Paul returning from the Riverland and VK5KC, David, also returning from the Riverland. My final contact, the eighth, was with VK4VBU/m, Greg returning from Winton where he and some friends had visited the Winton air crash site of an Ansett plane. VH-RMI crashed near Winton on 22 September 1966 http://www.airwaysmuseum.com/Vickers%20Viscount%20VH-RMI%20crash%20Winton.htm.

One of the wonders of amateur radio is that it is a ‘broad church’; there is room for us all to pursue our different interests and I am grateful to all of those amateurs who try and keep their ears in good condition be having contacts with QRP stations.

Winninowie Conservation Park

Homeward Bound

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Kelvin Powrie Conservation Park 10th September

This small park just on the Adelaide side of Keith to the northern side of the Dukes Highway and next to the Adelaide to Melbourne railway line, commemorates the life of Kelvin Powrie, an agricultural scientist, who worked in the South East and was instrumental in determining what trace elements were needed to make the local farming land more fertile. The plaque detailing this information was dated 1969 and he died in 1968. Tony, VK5ZAI, remembers him and told me more about his life and work. The park is clearly visible from the highway because of the trees and understory vegetation compared with the farming properties around it. There is a short walk to a look out providing interesting views of the surrounding land.

I made the following contacts: VK5KGP, Graham at 01:07; VK5LY, Larry; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5PAS/p, Paul, VK3PF/m, Peter; VK5KC, David; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5AO, Maitland; VK3FEAT/p, Michelle at Benalla; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3UBY, Col; VK5KBJ, Barry and VK3AMB, Bernard.

Kelvin Powrie Conservation Park

A view from the lookout in Kelvin Powrie CP, Dukes Highway in the background.

Mount Monster Conservation Park 10th September

Mount Monster Conservation Park is about 13 kilometres south of Keith just off the Highway. It is clearly visible as a small hill and rises about 500 metres above the otherwise flat country side. It is a beautiful park and the 19th century gold export route from the Victorian Gold fields to South Australia passed though this park.

I made the following contacts: 23:35, VK5LY, Larry; VK5UBY, Col; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5PAS/p, Paul; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5JW, Jim; VK3PF QRP, Peter; VK5SIX, John; VK3AFW/m, Ron and VK5PAS/p, Paul still on VK3 VS004.

Mount Monster Conservation Park

In Mount Monster CP campground

‘Good strikes in the Victorian goldfields prompted many South Australian men to leave their families and cross the border in pursuit of fortunes. Police Commissioner Alexander Tolmer and a group of mounted troopers were sent to escort gold from the Mt Alexander fields, near what is now Castlemaine, back to Adelaide banks. They modified a route , used by gold seekers heading to central Victoria, and during 1852-53 made 18 trips carrying 328,509 ounces of gold’. source Northwestern Victoria, Poster and Map, Australian Geographic, 1996.

Wyperfeld National Park 9th September 2013, VKFF – 549

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

It was good to go back to Wyperfeld National Park. I have camped at the Park on two occasions back in 1971 and 1972, for work. There have been many changes, sealed roads, amenities blocks, walking paths and an information centre. It is looking great at the moment after all of the rain.

I had contacts with fourteen stations, pretty good for a Monday with all the workers back at toil! At 00:03 my first contact was with Ron, VK3AFW and then Peter, VK3PF: for both of these operators their first contact with a Wyperfeld station. Then followed VK5PAS/p, Paul on VK3013; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK5LI, Craig; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5DJ, John; VK5HS, Ivan; VK3AHY/p, Geoff at Beechworth; VK5PAS/p, Paul who wound his power down to one watt for a difference of one S point; VK3FJAE, Doug; VK3UBY, Col and VK5LY, Larry.

Wonga campground, Wyperfeld National Park

Little Desert National Park 7th September 2013, VKFF – 291

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Thanks to all of those amateurs who made contact with me this morning while I operated in the Little Desert National Park at Horseshoe Bend picnic and camping ground. I had the place to myself. The sun was shining and it was warm. I had access to a park picnic table but I used my tripod to support the 10m squid pole. The dipole ends were up high in trees and I was happy with the antenna installation. The first two contacts were at 23:50 UTC. VK5MBD/p, Bill at Northfield and VK5ST, QRP, Steve (6th September) with really good signals both ways. I knew then, or at least I hoped, I was going to be in for a great morning! And it was: contacts were with VK3MRG, QRP, Marshall at home in Kew, 00:00; VK5LA, Andy; VK3CAT, Tony; VK3PF/p, QRP, Peter; VK3AFW, Ron; VK3DEE, Mark; VK5NJ, QRP, John; VK5NQP, David; VK3ZLD, Lou; VK5FTCT, John; VK3MCD\p, QRP, Brian in the Grampians on VK3 VW007; VK5PAS/p, Paul on VF046, Mt Napier; VK5LY, Larry; VK5IS, Ian; VK5LDM, Dennis, VK3AMB, Bernard; VK3TJC/m, Tim; VK3LP, John; VK3UBY, Col; VK3PI, Mark; VK2UH, Andrew; VK2EAR/p QRP, Michael in the Blue Mountains; VK3FMPB, John; VK5FWMA, Bill; VK5DJ, John and at 01:12, VK5AV, Tim at Mount Gambier, making 28 contacts in an hour and a quarter.

At the Little Desert National Park

A great spot!

On Sunday 8th September I thought I would try 20m. I had two contacts from the Sanctuary Picnic Ground (within the Park) as I only had about half an hour before going to the Little Desert Lodge to visit the Mallee Fowl aviary. I was pleased to work, Pat, VK6QL, 5 and 8 and 5 and 7 to me, at 00:01 and Nigel, ZL1BY, 5 and 7 and I received 5 and 2. I thought that was pretty good!

Disputed Territory

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Mullinger Swamp Conservation Park, 6th September 2013

If you look at a map of South Eastern Australia showing the boundaries between Victoria and New South Wales with South Australia you will see a kink in the line at the Murray River. The border South of the Murray, that is the border between Victoria and South Australia, is slightly west of the line above the river. The story of why this is so is too long to tell here but I found an interesting article on Wikipedia. The border was originally determined by the House of Commons in London and was defined as the 141st Longitude. The trouble is that even with three attempts at surveying this line, the equipment of the day was simply not good enough to get it right. Why did it matter? Well the Victorian Colonial Government sold land to settlers over which it did not have sovereignty, there were disputes around policing and South Australia was aggrieved. The dispute was still on going after the Federation of Australia and was not resolved by the High Court of Australia and South Australia took its case to the Privy Council. The Privy Council ruled unanimously in favour of Victoria. Well if the ruling had been determined in SA’s favour the present Mullinger Swamp Conservation Park and the Victorian Reserve would have been in SA.

My first park for the day was Mullinger Conservation Park and what an interesting place it is! The swamp straddles the border between South Australia and Victoria. The survey marker showing the current border is clearly marked. The greater part is in Victoria.

Twelve contacts were made: VK5PAS/p QRP, Paul on a peak, I think 019; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK3AFW, Ron; VK3UBY, Col; VK5LY, Larry; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5PAS/p QRP, Paul; VK5LY/p QRP, Larry (park to park); VK5CZ/p QRZ, Ian, Lagoon Hill VK5 SE 008; VK3PF QRP, Peter; VK3HRA, Allen and VK3MCD, Brian.

Largest living Red Gum near Mullinger Swamp CP

The Tree’s history

Mullinger Swamp on a wet day

Bangham Conservation Park, 6th September 2013

Bangham Conservation Park protects native vegetation and various species of birds and other wildlife. There are no visitor facilities.

Three contacts were made: VK5LY/p, QRP, Larry at Danggali Conservation Park – a park to park contact was a great start for the this park! Also worked were VK5DJ, John and VK5CZ/p, QRP, Ian on Lagoon Hill. It was raining steadily and I decided to close down and move on to Padthaway where we had lunch.

My ‘shack’ at Bangham CP

Padthaway Conservation Park, 6th September 2013

Fourteen contacts were made: VK5LY/p, QRP, Larry at Danggali Conservation Park; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5JK, Jeff; VK5LI, Craig; VK5NZ, Bob; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK3AFW, Ron; VK5HOS, Owen; VK5FUZZ, Paul; VK5ZK, Garry; VK5WK, Graham; VK3KRH, Roscoe; VK5WF, Wolf and VK5DJ, John. I was very happy with 14 contacts, huddled under an umbrella and trying to keep the rain from my log.

At work in Padthaway CP

In Search of Gold?

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Coorong National Park, 4th September 2013

On 3rd September we travelled to the South East to visit some parks, activate some, but not all and make our way to Victoria. On the way we stopped in the Coorong National Park and took the loop road leaving the highway at Salt Creek and found a spot overlooking a large basin and within hearing distance of the sea breaking on to the shore on the other side of the sand dunes.

The Coorong National Park protects a magnificent strip of coastal scenery, a large salt water lagoon, in two large basins and significant wildlife, including migratory birds. As well there are monuments to Chinese immigrants, an earlier wave of boat people, who landed in South Australia at Robe before making their way overland to the Victorian goldfields and avoid Melbourne and the authorities. The reason for this was the ineffective head tax imposed in Victoria to try and stop such immigration. The Victorian Government eventually repealed the tax. The Chinese men became a labour force in the Victorian gold ‘diggings’. The Victorian gold was largely exported through South Australia.

I set up my portable station and soon discovered a ‘technical problem’. One of my coaxial feeders had developed a fault. The wind had taken its toll on the connector at the end where the dipole centre is located. When I get home I will replace the soldered PL259 with a crimped one. I reckon that holding the coax against the squid pole with some Velcro might also be good preventive medicine! The 40 metre band was very quiet! I struggled to make a few contacts and decided to bring down the squid pole and replace the feeder.

The following contacts were made:VK5HCF, Col; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5LY, Larry; VK5UG, David; VK5CZ, Ian and Tony, VK5ZAI.

In the Coorong National Park

While in the park VK5ZAI, Tony called me on the local repeater, and my planned visit to Butcher Gap Conservation Park was replaced by afternoon tea and a relaxing hour or so. I did promise to activate it the next day so Col could add this park to his list and I was really pleased that this eventuated.

Butcher Gap Conservation Park, 5th September 2013

Tony, VK5ZAI, lives next door to Butcher Park Conservation Park. Only two contacts were had: VK5LY, Larry in Bakara Conservation Park and with VK5HCF, Col at Mount Gambier. Tony assisted my in sorting out a dry joint and I am greatly appreciative of his efforts. It was as a result of doing some tests and repairs that only two contacts were made. Tony has previously activated the park: it is a great park.

Mount Scott Conservation Park, 5th September 2013

Thirteen contacts were made: VK5PAS/p QRP, Paul in Messent Conservation Park; VK5KC, David; VK5ZAI, David; VK5DJ, John; VK5HCF, Col; VK5LY/m, Larry; VK3FTTK, Peter; VK3AFW, Ron; VK3JP, Ron; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3PF, QRP, Peter at home; VK3UBY, Col and VK5HCF, Col.

Mount Scott Conservation Park

Fairview Conservation Park, 5th September 2013

Ten contacts were made: VK5LY/p QRP, Larry at Hogwash Bend Conservation Park; VK5PAS/p QRP, Paul at Reedy Creek Conservation Park; VK5HCF QRP, Col; VK3UBY, Col; VK5FBAC, Charles; VK3AFW, Ron; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5FMMC, Mick; VK5HOS, Owen and VK5PAS/p QRP, Paul at Reedy Creek advising me that he was setting off for Ferner Conservation Park.

Fairview CP boundary track and wild flowers.

Fairview CP wild flowers

Naracoorte Caves National Park, 5th September 2013

My last stop on the 5th was the Naracoorte Caves National Park, a World Heritage Area which contains a number of limestone caves, one of many such cave systems in the South East of the State. It was getting late and was my fourth activation of the day. There were plenty of chasers about: 07:08 VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS/p, Paul at Furner CP; VK5FMMC, Mick; VK3UBY, Col; VK1MA, Matt; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK3MQ, Rob; VK3PF QRP, Peter; VK5NRG, Roy; VK5FBAC, Charles; VK5ZAI, Tony and VK3AFW, Ron.

At Naracoorte Caves National Park

Father’s day at Horsnell Gully and Cleland Conservation Parks

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Spring arrived today magnificently! Twenty seven degrees C was predicted and the Bureau got it right! I decided I would activate a couple of parks in the Adelaide Hills. My choices were Horsnell Gully CP and Giles CP, adjoining parks and situated in the foothills near Adelaide, so near to Adelaide in fact, that fingers of suburban development knock at the front door. I arrived and set up at Horsnell Gully a little before my projected time and enjoyed contacts with VK3MRG/p, Marshall at 03:49, 5 and 1 both ways and VK3UBY, Colin at Mildura at 03:53, 5 and 9 both ways. Then there was a break despite me calling CQ. I suspect too many of the regular chasers were involving themselves with their families: perhaps a more appropriate thing to do, especially for those with families nearby. At 04:22 I had a contact with VK5KC, David; VK3FLAG/p at Altona Park, barely satisfactory as Richard’s antenna was too low. Then followed, VK3YY/QRP, Glen; VK5PAS, QRP, Paul at home; VK3FLAG/p, Richard, better this time; VK3EJ, Gordon at Cobram and finally, one of the regular chasers, VK5FMID, Brian from Mt Gambier. Thanks to all who helped me lock this park away for 2013. It is greatly appreciated. It was time to move and I decided that more of the same, sitting in the sun and getting burnt was not good: I gave Giles a miss and decided to move to a higher place: Cleland CP and under the tall gums and not far from Mt Lofty.

My set up at Horsnell Gully CP

Aboriginal Heritage

I was at Cleland for an hour and at 05:56 had a contact with VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS, QRP, Paul at home; VK5ZLT, Alan at Keith; VK3NML, Ray at Melton, VK2NMO, Chris at Gunnedah; VK2FKYM, Jeff and VK3AFW/m, Ron at 06:56. Thanks to all for the contacts and Ron, VK3AFW/m, was very happy to get another park.

A couple more Mallee Parks: Ferries McDonald & Monarto CPs

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Can’t wait – young guys sit on the ground – older guys usually use a chair –
Photo by David, VK5KC

Ferries-McDonald Conservation Park 11 August 2013

After playing clarinet with the Payneham City Concert Band at the Strathalbyn Band Festival on Sunday morning, and armed with my portable gear, I travelled to Ferries-McDonald CP. I had earlier contact with David, VK5KC, who indicated he would like to join me in the afternoon. With the help of 146.500 MHz FM and a GPS he found me in Ferries-McDonald on a sunny, ‘warm’, winter’s day in this typical Mallee park, amongst other animals, home to Mallee Fowl.

By the time David arrived I had my antenna in place. We used his FT817nd, and while brushing away four engined very aggressive mosquitoes we managed quite a few contacts between the two of us. While some were common, some were unique and here is my list. VK5CZ/p QRP , Ian at Maurice Hill, 049; VK5LY, Larry; VK5LA, Andy; VK5IS, QRP, Ian; VK5ZAI/p QRP, Tony at Butcher Gap CP (ask Tony how far he had to travel); VK3PF/p QRP, Peter at VC008; VK3BHR, Phil at Bendigo; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5HCF/p QRP, Col at Tantanoola Caves CP (with a very civilised set up: see his photos on the Yahoo page); VK5FMID, Brian and VK3ANL, Nick.

Monarto Conservation Park 11 August 2013

After befriending a shingle back lizard, also known as a stumpy tail, and speaking with some walkers in the Park, we got to work. We used David’s antenna and my Ten-Tec Argonaut VI. While some of our contacts were common some were unique. Here is my list: VK5KGP, Graham; VK3BD, Brian; VK1MA, Matt; VK5WG, Nev; VK5DJ, John; VK5LY, Larry and VK5IS QRP, Ian.

Our friendly Shingle back lizard – Photo by David, VK5KC

Closer to home: some Adelaide Parks – Belair NP & The Knoll & Mt George CPs

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Belair National Park 1 August 2013

Belair NP is perhaps not a typical National Park. While it preserves Old Government House, the State Flora Nursery and some native bushland it also has many recreation facilities and, rather uniquely, it allows walking of dogs on leads. It is also intersected by the Adelaide to Melbourne Railway. It was previously known as the Belair Recreation Park and was the first park gazetted in South Australia. I activated this park on the afternoon of the 1st August. I had five contacts: VK5LY/p, Larry; VK5HCF, Col; VK3KAN/p, Rick in the Bogong National Park using a KX3; VK5EE, Tom; and VK5PAS, Paul.

The Knoll Conservation Park 1 August 2013

After leaving Belair NP it is just a short drive to The Knoll CP. The Knoll is a small park and one brochure indicated that it was closed to the public because of the communications tower located within its boundaries. I knew that VK5PAS, Paul had earlier activated this Park and that one of the National Park rangers knew of my activities there (after the event). There are no signs indicating it is closed to the public. I had seven contacts: VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS, Paul; VK3FD/p4, QRP (2.5 watts), Ian; VK5AKK /QRP, 5 watts, Phil; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5EE, Tom and VK5HCF/QRP (5 watts) Col.

Thanks to all of those amateurs with whom I had contacts, especially the family of Park ‘chasers’.

Mt George Conservation Park 4 August 2013

On a threatening Sunday afternoon I decided to activate Mt George CP, like Belair NP and The Knoll CP, not far from my home. After 18 contacts, VK5BW, Barry, decided I needed to treat my hypothermia and he invited me around to his home, just a few kilometres away for a hot drink: a splendid way to finish a great day. There were quite a few walkers in the Park and I had a number of curious folk ask me questions about what I was doing. One young woman told me her Grandfather was an amateur. It was too windy for me to put out my information sign. Many thanks to the following amateurs, including some new call signs for me: VK5PAS/p, Paul in Horsnell Gully CP, who was also cold and wet; VK3UBY, Colin from Mildura; VK5WG, Nev; VK5LY, Larry; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5EE, Tom; VK5FTTC, Rod; VK5ZAI, Tony; VK5ZTJ/m, Trevor; VK5HCF, Colin; VK5NRG, Roy; VK5LI, Craig; VK5IS, Ian; VK5PAS/p, Giles CP (now even colder and wetter); VK5TN, Robin; VK5LA, Andy; VK5FTCT, John and that kind soul, VK5BW, Barry.

By now you should be able to guess: no pictures – no Jenny, my wife, accompanying me! She is the photographer.

My National & Conservation Park activations

Posted by Maurice J Dawes

Murray-Sunset National Park: turning North from the Sturt Highway.

I commenced activations for the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award on 19th May when I visited the Scott Creek Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills. This splendid park is near my home. Accompanying me on this occasion was David, VK5KC and we made many contacts, in order: VK1MA, Matt; VK3HRA/p Allen; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5PAS/p, Paul; VK5ATW,Trevor; VK3FDJT, Darren; VK3FMPB, John; VK5NRG, Roy; VK3CRG/p, Craig; VK5HGW, David; VK2MDC, Doug; VK5HCF, Col; VK5KFB, Rod and on 20 metres, VK2AXB, Grant and VK2ELF, Rowan. A number of other activations soon followed: Mark Oliphant (VK5FTTC/p, Rod in Talisker CP; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5MBD, Bill; VK5PAS, Paul; VK2JTF/p, Shane; VK2XT, Bill; VK1MA, Matt; VK5CZ, Ian; VK5LA, Andy and VK5ZKR, Rod) and Mylor of the 21st May (VK5PAS/p, Paul in Ferries-McDonald CP; andVK2YW, John. On the 2nd June, when it was threatening to rain, I visited Onkaparinga National Park, VKFF – 402, to activate this park. My wife and I have walked in this park many times and it is great. In my CFS days I helped extinguish a significant fire in this park. I had contacts with: VK2YW, John; VK2UH, Andrew; VK3AFW, Ron; VK5PAS/p Paul; VK3PAH, Warren; VK3ZPF, Peter; VK5LA, Andy; VK5ZLG, Geoff; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3HRA, Allen and VK3ANL, Nick. All my contacts to this time were made using my FT817 (not ND), purchased at Wyong in 2004 and running 5 watts and a home made linked dipole supported at the centre on a squid pole.

Then I had a break! Winter ills: a ‘bug’ that I couldn’t seem to shake off.

After more than a month I thought I would make up for lost time! On the 24th July we set off for the Riverland and activated Ridley CP en route to the Riverland. Contacts were made with: VK5EE, Tom; VK5LY, Larry; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5WG, Nev; VK5LA, Andy; VK5HCF, Col; Ian VK3FD/p, qrp 2.5 watts, and VK3AMB, Bernard both in Melbourne.

Murray River National Park – Lyrup Flats Section 25th July, VKFF – 372 Murray River National Park Lyrup Flats This park is typical Murray River Flats country and constitutes a flood plain. There are plenty of numbered camping sites for those who want to stay, watch birds, fish or walk. I was quickly on the air in the morning and had contacts with: VK5LY, Larry; VK5HCF, Col; VK3FD, QRP, Ian 2.5 watts; VK7KO, Gerry near Devonport, my home town, and Larry, VK5LY.

At work in MRNP

Cooltong CP 25th July

Cooltong CP

Cooltong is a beautiful park, the mallee is in great shape and the trees are tall (just visible in the background of the picture). It is my pick of the bunch for a mallee park. Using my new Ten-Tec Argonaut VI for the first time I made the following contacts: VK5HCF, Col; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5EE, Tom; VK5WG, Nev; VK5TN, Robin; VK5LY/m, Larry; VK2XT, Bill; VK5FBAC, Charles; VK2KF, Tom from Kandos on 7.105 checking out his amplifier before the Kandos Group and VK5VW/p4 Mark, who has just moved to Queensland from SA. Mark was delighted to hear someone with a South Australian accent!

In the morning of 26th July I activated Pike River Conservation Park, which along with MRNP, Lyrup Flats, is very close to Renmark. Contacts were had with VK5LY/p, Larry, who was in the Pooginook CP; VK5PAS/p, Paul, who was activating Mt Magnificent CP; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5EE, Tom; VK3ANL, Nick; VK5HS/m, Ivan; VK3AZZ, Mac; VK3PF, Peter; VK5WG, Nev; VK3ATA, Yuri; VK3KAN/m, Rick; VK5FBAC, Charles; VK5HOS, Owen; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5LA, Andy; VK5PAS/p, Paul, Finnis CP; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5YX/m4, Hans at Windora and VK5LY/p, Larry at Morgan CP. Larry was able to visit and activate two parks while I had a most relaxing late morning at Pike River CP waiting for the RAA agent to come because our car wouldn’t start.

After lunch, and ensuring the car would start x times before setting off, we made a visit to Murray- Sunset National Park, VKFF – 373, in Victoria. Sixteen contacts from this park kept me busy on a beautiful winter’s afternoon with quite a few VK3 calls taking time out to get this park in their logs: VK5WG, Nev; VK5PAS/p, Paul; VK3AW, Laurie; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK4CPS, Paul; VK3ANL, Nick; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5CZ, Ian; VK3UP, Terry; VK3PHA, David (having his first ever contact) VK2FPQ, Graham; VK5EE, Tom; VK5TN, Robin; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5HS/m, Ivan and VK5LY/p, Larry at Maize Island CP.

On the 27th July after a visit to Larry’s QTH we set our for Danggali CP: after 23 contacts it was time to pack up and travel back to Renmark. Contacts were had with: VK5KC/p, David at Lowan CP; VK5LY, Larry; VK5HCF, Col; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5HS/m, Ivan; VK3ANL, Nick; VK5ZK, Garry; VK3LY, Bill; VK5PAS/p, Paul SS. 077; VK5CZ, Ian; VK5WG, Nev; VK5LY, Larry; VK3JP, Ron; VK5HOS, Owen; VK3FKAA, Greg; VK5EE, Tom; VK3HRA, Allen; VK5KC, David; VK5PET, Peter, (newly licenced); VK5ATN, Terry; VK5AFW/m, Ron; VK5FMID, Brian and VK5AKH, Andy. Danggali is about 100 kilometres north of Renmark. It would be a great place to visit with a 4×4 club.

Operating in Danggali Conservation Park

Maize Island CP 28th July Maize Island Lagoon CP was a morning destination and the following stations were worked: VK3MBW, Barry; VK3SMC, Simon; VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS/p, Paul at un-named summit VK5 SE 006; VK5LA, Andy; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5FD, Allan, 3 watts; VK5NRG, Roy; VK5ZTJ/p, Trevor at Burra George; VK5EE, Tom; and VK5HCF, Col.

Ramco Point CP 28th July

We did not drive through this!

It took us a little while to find this park. From the surrounding cliffs it is quite obvious as a point in the river. It is approached though the Ramco Wetlands which appears to be a council park. A very fine bird hide is provided and after my contacts we spent some watching some of the local water fowl make a living. I worked the following stations: VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5LA, Andy; VK5HCF, Col; VK5LY, Larry; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3ZPF/ QRP, Peter at Beaconsfield; VK5BW, Barry; VK5EE, Tom; VK3ANL, Nick; VK5KC, David; VK3FKAA, Greg; VK5FMID, Brian and VK5PAS/p, Paul at Mt Bryan VK5 SE 001.

Pooginook CP 29th July

In Pooginook CP

Guess who lives here?

Pooginook CP is home to an introduced colony of Southern Hairy Nosed Wombats and they wouldn’t be very popular if they trespassed onto nearby farmlands and used their earth-moving skills! I had nine contacts: VK7FMPR, Mark; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5WG, Nev; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5HCF, Col; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3FJAE, Doug from Maryborough and VK5NFB, Don.

Whites Dam CP 29th July

Whites Dam CP

Operating in the rain at Whites Dam

Whites Dam CP was the second activation before lunch and it was beginning to rain. The antenna was set up hanging from a tree and was a bit low. Nevertheless, I had 13 contacts before packing up and heading for Morgan for lunch. I worked: VK5KC, David; VK5LY, Larry; VK5WG, Nev; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5EE, Tom; VK5ZK, Garry; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5HCF, Col; VK5FMID, Brian; VK2JDS, Dave; VK3RV, Peter; VK5AKK, Phil and VK5TN, Robin.

Morgan CP 29th July

The light rain eased to showers at Morgan CP where we ate our lunch before beginning the third shift for the day. Contacts were had with: VK5LDM, Dennis; VK5LY, Larry; VK5WG, Nev; VK5ZK, Garry; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5HCF, Col; VK5EE, Tom; VK5AKK, Phil; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5ATQ, Trevor; VK5BW, Barry; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5FMJC, John and VK5KGP, Graham. After Morgan CP I thought we should do something else. We decided to travel on the Waikerie side of the river via Cadell back to Waikerie over a road I have driven many times in an earlier (working) life! Not far out of Waikerie we saw the sign: Hogwash Bend CP and we decided to investigate.

Hogwash Bend CP 29th July

Hogwash Bend is a relatively new CP. I checked the Parliamentary record and it was proclaimed a CP on 6th September 2012. It has always been a popular picnic and camping spot and there were hardy folk camping under canvas when we visited. It is a beautiful park with a sandy beach in the river on the Park side. The relevant Government Department (DEWNR) has (in a time of budgetary distress) already improved the signage and placed vehicle barriers across sensitive areas.

It was late in the day and I am grateful to the five amateurs who enabled me to activate this park: VK5LY, Larry; VK5HCF, Col; VK3KAN/p, Rick, Bogong National Park in Victoria; VK5EE, Tom and VK5PAS, Paul. We always enjoy the Riverland and thanks to all who helped to make it fun with keeping track of me via amateur radio. And the dogs of the Riverland are smart!

vk5bje

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

Amateur radio

Arid lands Conservation Parks 22 September 2013

Homeward Bound

Wyperfeld National Park 9th September 2013, VKFF – 549

Little Desert National Park 7th September 2013, VKFF – 291

Disputed Territory

In Search of Gold?

Father’s day at Horsnell Gully and Cleland Conservation Parks

A couple more Mallee Parks: Ferries McDonald & Monarto CPs

Closer to home: some Adelaide Parks – Belair NP & The Knoll & Mt George CPs

My National & Conservation Park activations