Franklin – Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, 13th February 2014, VKFF – 185

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I was able to activate this park from a spot east of the Navarre River. We returned to the park after leaving the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. It involved backtracking about 15 kilometres and driving down a private road, owned by the Hydro power authority, which allows private useage.  The Lyell Highway actually winds through the Park for 56 kilometres after leaving Queenstown and heading for Hobart. I enjoyed ten contacts with mostly VK5 amateurs, a VK2 amateur on a SOTA peak and a VK3 to finish. I called on 7.073 at 0830 Tasmanian time and was answered by VK5TW, Trevor; VK3LY, Bill; VK5ZK, Garry, VK5ADL, David; VK5BC, Brian; VK5KC, David; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5PAS, Paul; VK2TWR/P2, Rod on VK2 SM 007 and on 7.065, VK3TJC, Tim.

Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Franklin – Gordon Wild Rivers National Park

Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, 13th February 2014, VKFF – 117

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After visiting the Arthur River region and enjoying a cruise on the Arthur River on the 11th February we travelled on the 12th back to the North West Coast and to Wynyard before taking the Murchison Highway to Queenstown. The next day, the 13th,  we enjoyed a wonderful trip on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, the ABT Railway from Queenstown to Dubbil Barrill and return.

Front view of the beautifully restored loco: a 4 2 wheel base

Front view of the beautifully restored loco: a 4 2 wheel base

Another view: Dubbs & Co loco

Another view: Dubbs & Co loco

Leaving Queenstown on the narrow gauge: 3' 6''

Leaving Queenstown on the narrow gauge: 3′ 6”

Note the narrow cutting, men and wheel barrows, no heavy machinery

The third rail in place

The third rail in place

The Heritage Car: note the balcony

The Heritage Car: note the balcony

I have looked forward to travelling on this train since its re-birth as part of the Federation commemoration. It last worked as a commercial railway in 1963, the year I moved to Melbourne for work. After arriving at the station on the return we set off for the Lake St Clair resort in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park.

While I posted my intention of activating this park, propagation was not good. I finished up joining the Sewing Circle Net, apparently Tasmania’s oldest amateur radio net. It gave me a chance to announce my presence to the locals! Eight contacts were enjoyed, although there were many more on the net. I had contacts with the following stations: VK7FKEV, Kevin; VK7CL, Cedric; VK7FLAX; VK7GW, Geoff; VK7BDX, Gavin; VK7FWAZ, Warren; VK7MBP, Max; VK7BI, Steve; VK7NDQ, Alvin and VK7FAZZ, Adam.

Rocky Cape National Park 10th February 2014, VKFF – 432

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Rocky Cape National Park is half-way between Burnie and Stanley. We found a day visit area on the Western side and could clearly see the Nut at Stanley.

Operating from Rocky Cape National Park. The Nut at Stanley is visible as a blue dot on the horizon!

Operating from Rocky Cape National Park. The Nut at Stanley is visible as a blue dot on the horizon!

The official name given to the municipality is Circular Head.  I set up before UTC rollover and gave a call or two on 14.140. There were no takers. The new UTC day dawned and at 00:09 I called and was immediately answered by VK5EE, Tom, from Mount Gambier. He gave me 5 and 9 and I reciprocated. Then followed John, VK5DJ, from Millicent, also 5 and 9 and l received a 5 and 9 report. The South East Radio Group members in SA are great supporters of wandering amateurs and using their linked repeater system with a few messages (wake up calls!) their members soon know there is someone about.

Then came Mike, VK6MB: he was 5 and 1 and he gave me 4 and 1. I was truly delighted to get his call in my log. The I had a qso with VK4TE, Alex, south of Brisbane. Signals were 5 and 9 from me and my signal received a 5 and 7 from him. We had a great 11 minute contact. Then 20 metres dried up. I called a US station at 5 and 9 but was beaten by another US amateur. After a few more calls I re-joined the links in the dipole and checked 7095. Peter, VK3PF, answered and said he was at home waiting for me. We were getting along well until the wind decided to test its strength, when down came my squid pole. Peter said I went into a deep fade. We re-established the qso and I confirmed 5 and 9 (50) watts and 5 and 8 for QRP. It was a great contact but Peter had to go back to work. I was glad to give Peter a new park.

I then worked VK4OP, Dick, VK4FUQ, Felix on 14.158 and last of all was Bruce from Mackay, 5 and 1 both ways on 14.140.

VK4OP, Dick's 5 and 9 signal.

VK4OP, Dick’s 5 and 9 signal.

I finally packed up at 0149. Eight contacts in nearly two hours, not a great mornings work, but I did have lunch while monitoring the bands. Thanks to all who gave me a call. It was time to move on to the Arthur River on the West Coast of Tasmania.

The driftwood tripod: one end of the linked dipole was attached: constructed by JCD

The driftwood tripod: one end of the linked dipole was attached: constructed by JCD

The Edge of the World: on the West Coast of Tasmania

The Edge of the World:
on the West Coast of Tasmania

Picnic area Arthur River

Picnic area Arthur River

Spotted-tail Quoll - Arthur River

Spotted-tail Quoll – Arthur River

Spotted-tail Quoll - What a cute face!

Spotted-tail Quoll – What a cute face!

Narawntapu National Park 6th and 7th February 2014, VKFF – 005

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A barbecue facility made an excellent shack!

A barbecue facility made an excellent shack!

I visited Narawntapu National Park on 7th February and enjoyed nine contacts before UTC rollover and two in the new day. This park is located on the central north coast of Tasmania, east of Devonport and has many diverse features, bush, long beaches and access to the Rubicon River estuary. Narawntapu National Park was the first in Tasmania to revert to its Aboriginal name and I found it a challenging word to articulate clearly while having contacts.  All contacts were with VK3 and VK5 amateurs.

Narawntapu National Park

Narawntapu National Park: Springlawn my operating position

On 7.095 I had the following contacts: VK3TJC, Tim; VK3FJAE, Doug; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5MBD, Bill; VK5KC, David and on 14.140, VK5HCF, Col; VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5FRCP, Rex and after UTC rollover VK5LY, Larry and VK5EE, Tom. Signals on 40m were generally lower in strength than on 20m and VK5EE, Tom from Mt Gambier was 5 and 9 and I got the same.

A Pacific Gull: Rubicon River and Park in the background.

A Pacific Gull: Rubicon River and Park in the background.

I had to pack up in a hurry. We had to travel to Launceston for lunch: we were only half an hour late!

A special thank you to Paul, VK5PAS, who alerted the chasers and ensured a successful activation.

Australia Day, January 26th, 2014, Belair National Park, VKFF – 022

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I decided I would join the activators today and identify as AX5BJE. This is the first time I have used the AX prefix. I chose Belair National Park, near Adelaide. This was my first activation of this park for this year. I first activated Belair NP on 1 August 2013: a winter activation (see earlier blog entry for more details of the park). On that occasion I had five contacts: but I did activate The Knoll CP later in the day where I had seven contacts.

I began the day early and was at the park at 08:05 local time, just five minutes after the gate was opened. I drove into the Park rather than walk as previously was the case. I travelled around to Long Gully where I found a small picnic area with no reservation sign in place. It became mine and a park table was used to support the squid pole. I have a GPS reading of the coordinates: S35 01 082 and E 138 39 242. My first contact, on the 40 m band was with Tom, VK5FTRG, at Millicent, 5 and 9 both ways. I thought that was a good omen!

I had contacts with VK7KO, Gerry at Devonport; VK5TD, John; VK5EE, Tom; VK5TD, John again; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5LY, Larry; VK5HCF, Col, QRP; VK3ZPF, Peter; VK3FQSO, Amanda, from Wedderburn; AX5PAS, Paul; AX5AV, Tim; VK3ZDY/m2; VK5WG, Nev; AX5ZAR, Arno, QRP at a holiday house, Yorketown, on Yorke Peninsular; VK5NX, John, conducting the WIA broadcast; AX5ZBD, Greg; VK5QI, Mark; VK3RV, Peter, QRP; AX5HS/m Ivan; VK5MJ, Mal; VK2FGJW/p1, Greg on SOTA summit, Mount Ginini, VK1 AC 008; VK2IY, Angus ; AX3SSB, Ash  from Horsham AX3BQ/p3; Andrew on SOTA summit, Mount Arapilies, VK3 VW 022; and finally, VK2PCW/p, Michael.

I then moved to 20 metres as promised. I was hoping to get a contact or two for those chasing the VK5 Parks, especially from VK6. I had a listen around the band: there were few workable signals. So I had a very enjoyable contact with VK6QL, Patricia, on 14.142. I last worked Pat from the Little Desert National Park in Victoria on the 8th September 2013.

I thank all of those operators who gave me a call: 27 contacts and none missed! A great Australia Day!

Some Reflections on my visit to VK3, or is the grass always greener on the other side?

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On our way to Sydney on 21st December via Victoria I was able to activate two SA Conservation Parks: Karte and Peebinga. These two parks are located in the Mallee not far from Pinnaroo and close to the Victorian border.

The real action started  on 22nd December when I activated Terrick Terrick National Park. Then followed:

Barmah National Park 23rd December

Chiltern-Mt Pilot 30th December

Warby-Ovens 30th December

Mt Buffalo and The Horn VK3 VE 014 31st December

Alpine National Park 31st December

Lower Goulburn 1st January 2014

Heathcote-Graytown 1st January

Greater Bendigo 1st January

Mount Moliagul SOTA summit VK3 VN 024 (not in a NP) 2nd January

Kara Kara 2nd January

Grampians National Park & Mount William SOTA summit VK3 VW 001 3rd January

Mount Arapilies SOTA summit VK3 VW 022 (not in a NP) 4th January

Mount Eccles National Park 5th January

Cobboboonee 5th January

Mount Richmond 5th January

Lower Glenelg National Park 6th January 2014

Total

2 SA Conservation Parks

15 Victorian National Parks

4 SOTA summits (2 in National Parks)

For anyone contemplating such a trip, especially from interstate, I recommend the Parks Victoria brochures. I have collected these for all of the Parks we visited and they provide useful maps and information about the Parks. These Victorian parks I have activated and the others we have visited over the years are all wonderful assets and a great resource for local communities as well as for visitors.  I kept thinking about Portland, which is situated in close proximity to four beautiful parks with excellent facilities for visitors. Once again thank you to all of those amateurs who took time out to give me a call: all contacts were with my FT817 and linked dipole – just a nominal five watts of RF.

This morning my wife and I went for a one and a half hour walk in the Scott Creek Conservation Park. The purpose of this was not only exercise but to check out points over 400 metres for a possible 2 metre activation (I have been inspired by the use of this band for SOTA by VK1, 2 and 3 amateurs). But additionally I enjoyed this beautiful Park. My wife and I are members of the Friends of Scott Creek Conservation Park Incorporated.  She does bush care work and bird-banding. I am the silent partner. The Park is splendid and even though we are moving into some hot weather it looks green and lush and the bush is great. I commend this Park and others in SA if you want a good holiday combined with amateur radio. I will, in due course, update my Scott Creek CP entry. And as for summits, VK1, VK2 and VK3 win hands down!

Lower Glenelg National Park, Victoria, 6th January 2014, VKFF – 296

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Glenelg River - Moleside

Glenelg River – Moleside

The Lower Glenelg National Park preserves land on both sides of the Glenelg River upstream from Nelson and extends to the South Australian border. We drove into Pritchards: it was like Bourke Street Melbourne! There were people, vehicles, caravans and camps everywhere. I saw two National Parks personnel and discussed with them what I was intending to do and they suggested Moleside Picnic Ground. When we arrived there, just a few kilometres from Pritchards there was no one in sight. I set up my gear using a park Picnic table in a most beautiful spot. A 4 x 4 utility towing a trailer pulled into the area and fathers and two daughters, I think, proceeded to unload their canoes for a paddle down stream. They were only slightly interested in my activities.

I was on the air at 23:27 on my last Victorian activation for this trip. The band was quiet, I checked the frequency and then called CQ. VK5LY, Larry was my first contact, then VK3PF, Peter; VK3YY/p, Glenn at Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory National Park (a new Park for me); VK5PAS, Paul; VK1MA, Matt; VK5JDS/5, Darryl, at Port Lincoln; VK5NQP, David; VK5WG, Nev; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5FRCP, Rex; VK5HCF, Col; VK5EE, Tom; VK5TD, John; VK3BHR, Phil and VK1RX/p, Al, on SOTA summit VK2 SM 093. Fifteen contacts and it was time to go.

Three South Western Victorian National Parks, 5th January 2014

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The Interpretive Centre: Mt Eccles National Park

The Interpretive Centre: Mt Eccles National Park

Budj Bim – Mt Eccles National Park  VKFF – 345

Mount Eccles through the back door

Mount Eccles through the back door

When I pulled back the curtains this morning before 7 o’clock the sun was shining and the day looked great. But how quickly that changed! The sky began to cloud over and the light breeze turned into a very strong wind. We set off for Mt Eccles National Park and aimed for the South Western section which I thought would be a bit quieter. I need not have worried! I travelled along Woolsthorpe Heywood Road, turned left into Millards Road and right at Shamrocks Road. It lead to a very narrow 4 x 4 track, pretty well overgrown, so we back-tracked to Dunsmore Road travelled about two kilometres to a small clearing where I set up my portable station. I was on the air at 23:03 and called CQ. I was immediately answered by VK2XJM/p5, Josh, who was on SOTA summit VK5 SE 013. I then had contacts with VK5KGP, Graham; VK5LY, Larry; VK3YSP, Joe; VK7NWT, Scott at Boat Harbour; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK3MTB, Tim; VK3FOWL, Julie; VK3NAD/QRP, Peter; VK3ZPF/p, Peter in Chiltern – Mount Pilot National Park; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5AV, Tim; VK2UH, Andrew, Yass; VK5DJ, John; VK5EE, Tom; VK5FTRG, Tom; VK5NRG, Roy; VK5FMIF, Brian; VK5NIG, Nigel; Vk3AFW, Ron; VK5HCF, Col; VK3TKK, Peter; VK3FB, VK3AMX, Alex and VK3SOG, Fred. I thought 25 contacts was a pretty good start for the day. As I was packing up down came the rain. And the wind picked up to gale force strength. We got in the car and thought well we might as well give it away for the day. We drove around to Lake Surprise but it was too wet to take photos. After lunch in one of excellent shelters we decided to take a different track back to Portland.

The Information Board at Mount Eccles NP

The Information Board at Mount Eccles NP

Cobboboonee National Park VKFF – 728

We took the Wood, Wine & Roses Forest Drive which crosses Victoria’s newest national park, Cobboboonee. Some of the roads were very slippery and four wheel drive was engaged on some of the secondary tracks. When we arrived at Surry Ridge Picnic & Camping area, the sun had emerged and I thought it was worth an activation of this most impressive park which preserves bushland.

I called CQ on 7090, after checking that the frequency was clear, and was answered by VK3YSP, Joe. Then followed VK3ZPF/p, QRP, Peter at Warby Ovens National Park; VK5CZ, Ian; VK3VTH, Tony; VK5FMID, Brian; VK3MTB, Tim; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5LY, Larry; VK5EE, Tom; VK3SOG, Fred; VK3FMPB, John; VK7ALB, Peter and VK2HRX/p, Compton on SOTA summit VK2 SC 012. Thirteen contacts and down came the rain!

Coobboboonee National Park

Coobboboonee National Park

Mount Richmond National Park VKFF – 361

We travelled to Mount Richmond National Park with two major objectives: the first to have a contact with VK5PAS, Paul, who was activating Mt Lofty and Cleland Conservation Park and, hopefully, to give VK3ZPF/p, Peter, a 40 meter contact with me in this park. As it turned out it was too late for VK3ZPF, Peter but I had a contact with Paul on his birthday.

The first contact was at 05:12, VK3MRG/p, Marshall on Mount Dandenong, VK3 VC 025; VK3YSP, Joe; VK3FOWL, Julie; VK3FTRG, Tom; VK5HCF, Col; VK3HRA, Allen; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5PAS/p, Paul on SOTA summit VK5 SE 005 and Cleland Conservation Park; VK2FGJW/p, Greg on SOTA summit VK1 AC 035; VK3NAD, Peter; VK2NEO, Peter and, finally, VK5EE, Tom, making 12 contacts. And down came the rain!

A picnic table shack at Mount Richmond National Park

A picnic table shack at Mount Richmond National Park

Sota peak Mount Arapilies, VK3 VN 022, 4th January 2014

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Mt Arapilies - summit

Mt Arapilies – summit

I decided to activate Mount Arapalies today, 4th January 2014.  The temperature was in the low twenties, there was no rain but the wind was blowing a gale. I drove up the single lane sealed track to the top: an easy drive and from the car park, walked to the summit where the trig point is located and also the site of the CFA fire-watch tower. The tower was occupied and I could hear radio chatter through the door of the building. I resisted the urge to knock and make myself known!  And I resisted the urge to call on the Mount Arapilies two metre repeater on 146.850 and try and stir up some business. As it turned out I made the right decision. There was no shortage of contacts. My first contact was at 01:02 and my last, 34 (33 successful) was at 02:42. The discrepancy was because of my obsessiveness over my signal report to a NSW mobile station. He just couldn’t understand his report.  He was 5 and 0 with me and the zero proved the problem.

I decided not to set up on the summit as the wind was ferocious. I tucked myself away in a secluded spot and it wasn’t so bad. There are plenty of activation spots for the less adventurous, like me, if it is really windy. The place was busy: mainly walkers and rock climbers.

My first contact was with VK3CAT/p, Tony, in the Alpine National Park. Then followed VK5WG, Nev; VK5LY, Larry; VK3FB/p, Len; VK3FPSR, Peter; VK5CZ, Ian; VK5PAS, Paul; VK3YSP, Joe, at home; VK3FD, QRP 2.5 watts, Ian; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK5STU, Stu; VK5FUZZ, Paul; VK3IL/p, David; VK3ARR, Andrew; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5JDS/p, Darryl at Port Lincoln; VK3VBI, Ron; VK2DAG; VK3ANL, QRP, Delta Loop, Nick; VK5FRCP, Rex; VK3SOL, Fred; VK2YW/m, John; VK3YN, Mark; VK3BYD, Warren; VK3UT QRP, Greg; VK5HCF, Col; VK5IS, Ian; VK3MEG, Steve; VK1NAM, Andrew; VK3YDN, John, VK2PDW, Wayne; VK3VEK, Kevin and VK3JP, Ron.

The dedication plaque for Fire Service lookout

The dedication plaque for Fire Service lookout

Sota Peak, Mt William, VK3 VS 001, Grampians National Park, 3rd January 2014, VKFF – 213

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The start on the walking trail to the Mount William summit

The start on the walking trail to the Mount William summit

The climb to the  summit was quite strenuous and after checking out the Major Mitchell monument and the commercial radio installations I found a place  just four or five metres from the top where I could set up my station. Thanks to the 22 amateurs who made contact with me this morning on Mt William.

My first contact was with VK3HRA/P3, Allen who was on SOTA summit VK3/VS-001; VK3FPSR, Peter;  VK5WG, Nev;  VK3AMB, Bernard; VK3DET, Ernie; VK5STU/P5, Stu on Mount Gawler, VK5/SE-013; Vk5PAS, Paul;  VK5LY, Larry; VK2DAG, Matt; VK5WG, Nev; VK5NIG/P5, Nigel on SOTA summit VK5/SE-013; VK5CZ, Ian; VK3ANP, David; VK3FPSR, Peter; VK3IL/P3, David; VK3HRA, Allen; VK3AMB, Bernard; VK5MBD, Bill; VK1NAM, Andrew; VK3BHR, Phil; VK3BQ/P2, Andrew in Mount Kosciusko National Park and VK3XPT/P7, Perren at Devonport.