Cox Scrub Conservation Park 11th October 2013

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Cox Scrub Conservation Park

Cox Scrub Conservation Park

Cox Scrub CP showing burn off

Cox Scrub CP showing burn off

Cox Scrub CP 'green' shoots appearing

Cox Scrub CP ‘green’ shoots appearing

On Friday morning while driving to Middleton I decided I would activate Cox Scrub Conservation Park which I drive past on my journey. Last time I came back from the south coast, about three months ago after lunching with South coast amateurs, and with VK5KC, David and VKATW, Trevor on board, and on passing the park I was disappointed to see how badly burnt it was as a result of a ‘controlled’ burn that quickly got out of control! The Friends of Cox Scrub Conservation Park web page indicates that the park is 544 hectares in area and all but five hectares in the South Western corner were burnt out. The park protects the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. I thought while the park was on my to do list I would not be in a hurry to visit. Any way Friday, a warm and sunny day, was the day I chose! I pulled into a parking bay within the park and set up my gear. Before UTC roll over I checked 7.100, found it was clear,  and called CQ. At 2310 in answer to my CQ call, VK5LY, Larry replied. He said my signal was 5 and 9 in Renmark and so was his at my end. I had contacts with VK5MBD, Bill; VK5HS, Ivan and VK5LI/m, Craig. All received signals were 5, 9 and my worst report was 5 and 5 from Craig. Then the band went quiet. I called CQ a few more times and checked up and down the band: nothing heard. I took three photos and packed up my gear and continued to Middleton. My photos do not adequately show the destruction.

Mount Remarkable National Park 3rd October 2013, VKFF – 360

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Mount Remarkable National Park is rugged, hilly and a magnificent place. This time we approached the Park from Wilmington, that is, from the East and drove the sealed road to the Alligator Gorge car park. We have also camped at Mambray Creek where the camp ground is very popular. Mambray Creek is approached from the West and is a short drive from Highway One.

Allligator Gorge

I was starting to think that the trip during the last two days was all in vain, because of poor propagation, and this was reinforced again this afternoon. I managed to send a text to VK5PAS, Paul, advising him I was on 7.100. I heard him : 5 and 0. Obviously Paul could not hear me.  May be starting to activate the park at 06:37 was a bit late! VK2ARK, Tom at Kandos could not hear me and nor could VK1CJ. There was no propagation to Adelaide. I could barely hear VK5BW, Barry in the noise – static crashes!

My day was made when I caught up with VK3AXH, Ian, in Ballarat, with whom I have had many weak signal contacts on 144.1 + from home. Ian was 5 and 9++ and I received a 5 and 5/6. Not a satisfactory outcome from Mount Remarkable National Park, but Ian was left in no doubt about how pleased I was with the contact.

Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, VKFF – 189

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Entry to Vulkathuna-Gammon Ranges National Park

Entry to Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park

We have visited the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park on previous occasions and have camped in the park using our camper trailer. But this time we made our base the Arkaroola Private Wilderness Sanctuary, which is next door to the National Park. If you have not visited Arkaroola you should. It is a great place and you can see the results of careful conservation work over a number of decades, especially in the care of the local flora. It is a large property. There are plenty of 4 x 4 tracks and lots of interesting places to see. We saw two Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies at the Arkaroola waterhole. There are also two astronomical observatories each beautifully equipped with 14 inch telescopes: see their web site for further details http://www.arkaroola.com.au/. And the Ridge Top Tour leaves people with enduring memories!

It was also great to catch up with VK5HS, Ivan, who with his wife, were taking advantage of their one hour gift flight on the Bell helicopter.

Bell Helicopter ready for VK5HS, Ivan & XYL

Bell Helicopter ready for VK5HS, Ivan & XYL

Six cylinder boxer engine: one side visible

Six cylinder boxer engine: one side visible

Weetootla Gorge 30th September 2013

My first activation in the very extensive park was at Weetootla Gorge Camping Ground. It was blowing a gale and dusty and I thought I had found a relatively protected spot. I managed seven contacts before everything blew down or away: log sheets going in all directions! I had contacts with: VK5LY, Larry; VK5HS/m, Ivan; VK1NAM/p QRP, Andrew, on VK3 VN005; VK5PAS, Paul; VK2FALL, John; VK5NQP and VK5WG, Nev.

V-GR NP Weetootla Gorge camping ground

V-GR NP Weetootla Gorge camping ground

Bolla Bollana 1st October 2013

Tuesday was a great contrast with Monday: a warm and sunny day arrived and we drove the 4 x 4 track from Arkaroola to the park at Bolla Bollana, where the old copper smelter remains are just inside the park boundary. I enjoyed contacts with VK5PAS, Paul; VK5ATW, Trevor; VK5HS/m, Ivan on his way to Arkaroola for a helicopter ride; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5MBD, Bill and VK5HCF, Col: six contacts in all before the other vehicles arrived with their sightseeing passengers and the ignitions and refrigerators making a racket.

I did promise three activations, the third planned for Wednesday and here is the reason why I didn’t keep my promise. A bus load of passengers arrived at Arkaroola including a 24 hour gastro bug. I succumbed! I was not happy.  Twenty four hours may be a reasonable time for a younger person to overcome a 24 hour bug, but it took me more like 30!

Crossing Creek bed from Arkaroola into Vulkathunha

Crossing Creek bed from Arkaroola into Vulkathunha

Bolla Bollana Smelter and portable operation

Bolla Bollana Smelter and portable operation

Mount Brown Conservation Park 29th September 2013

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Mount Brown Conservation Park and summit is about 13 kilometres from Quorn. I would have liked to tackle the 13k walk to the summit and back, but common sense prevailed. I was a bit sore after the Dutchmans Stern activation the day before.

I activated this park by calling on the VK5 call back after the WIA broadcast. I was hoping to stir some interest on 7.100 MHz, as it turned out not very successfully. I had contacts with VK5PX, Peter, VK5ATQ, Trevor; VK5WG, Nev; VK5KGP, Graham; VK5LY, Larry; VK5IS, Ian; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5CZ, Ian, VK5PAS, Paul a second time after a posting advice of my activity; VK3PF/p QRP, Peter 5, 0 to him and 4, 3, from Mount Tassie, VK3 T046 and finally with VK5NWE, Roger and a tough contact with VK5FMJC, John who had a high noise level: 12 contacts in all.

The approach to Mount Brown Conservation Park

The approach to Mount Brown Conservation Park

I did have other contacts: I joined the 7073 KHz net and received excellent reports from the mobile (FT857D) and I also had a QRP contact (FT817) on 20 metres QRP with VK4QC, Peter. I was in Arkaroola and the contact was at 0515.

My first SOTA activation: Dutchmans Stern, VK5/NE-028

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Today I climbed to the summit of the Dutchmans Stern (no apostrophe, woeful English grammar in my opinion) and activated VK5-NE-028 (six points). I am delighted to report I had 23 contacts. Thanks to all who took time out on AFL Grand Final Day to give me a contact and thanks to those who alerted others. This summit is located within the Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park and also counts for the SANPCPA award (1 point). It took a little over two hours to climb the 4.2K route to the summit and about one hour forty minutes to descend. I was feeling pretty tired by then. I used my new seven metre squid pole and a couple of trees to support my dipole and a 4.3 amp hour sealed lead acid battery for power.  My gear is too heavy! I will be working hard to reduce the weight. I am considering Li Po batteries and I have a SOTA linked dipole (which I haven’t tried yet) and continue to use my home made dipole which is so rugged.

The following contacts were made on 40 metres: VK5CZ, Ian, who was unwell and could not join me in the activation; VK5IS QRP, Ian; VK5HS, Ivan; VK5WG, Nev; VK5NQP, David, who with some encouragement and slow use of phonetics was able to made a successful contact; VK5LA, Andy; VK2YW, John; VK3FPSR, Peter; VK2UH, Andrew; VK3CAT, Tony; VK3ANL, Nick; VK3DET, Ernie; VK5LY, Larry; VK5PAS, Paul; VK5AV; Tim; VK3MCD, Brian; VK3HRA, Allen; VK5PAS, Paul, with the AFL scores; VK5AKH, Andrew; VK5FMID, Brian; VK5HCF QRP, Col; VK5AR/p, Allan portable at Eagle on the Hill and undertaking antenna experiments and VK3YY, Glenn. The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park is a great place for a hike. It is also very beautiful on the slopes and towards the summit. Unfortunately acres of Salvation Jane, a favourite with the bees, was not good for my lungs. You walk through this to get to the trail. We also noticed plenty of goats, four legged ones. However, the kangaroos were pretty quiet and did not rush away, but stopped and watched us make our way down the path. We saw lots, including plenty of juveniles. I commend to you the Walking Trails Support Group brochure if you are planning a trip. We spoke to a young woman training for her attempt at Mt Killimanjaro who left the car park at the same time as us and took the longer loop track to the top. We caught up with her again on her descent 100 metres from the summit. We also spoke with a couple, about our age, from NSW and a man, a bit younger than me, a Vietnam Vet, keeping fit. Otherwise the Park was ours! We left a note in the visitors’ book kept in a sealed container at the summit. It will tell future readers of the VK5 and SOTA awards.

On the Dutchmans Stern

On the Dutchmans Stern

The 'Shack' on board

The ‘Shack’ on board – the 7 m squid pole is in my right hand. Notice one of the locals on the path

Flinders Ranges National Park, 24th September 2013, VKFF – 176

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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

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

Standing near the Golden Spike

The Ediacaran Period

The Ediacaran Period

Edicaran plaque 'Golden Spike'

Ediacaran plaque ‘Golden Spike’

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Arid lands Conservation Parks 22 September 2013

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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

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

Winninowie Conservation Park

Homeward Bound

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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

Kelvin Powrie Conservation Park

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

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

Mount Monster Conservation Park

In Mount Monster CP campground

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

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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

Wonga campground, Wyperfeld National Park

Wyperfeld National Park

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

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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

At the Little Desert National Park

A great spot!

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!