Hi there, kidlets. It is raining lightly, I am sitting at home, I just got off the radio hunting POTA stations, I am eating shrimp and relaxing. Who could ask for more?
Friday the 25th, SWMBO wanted to go to Bunker Hill Farm, an historic site in Michaux State Forest. It is a nice location, not far from the Appalachian Trail and only a couple miles from Pine Grove Furnace. We strolled around, took some pics of the ruins and enjoyed a nice afternoon. The site was used for many things over the years. It was a farm, a religious camp, a CCC camp and also was used as a place to interrogate WWII POWs. Part of the barn is still there but you cannot get near it as there is danger of it falling on you. Some of the stones are teetering on the verge of succumbing to gravity. It a cool place to visit.
Next, we went up to the ATV lot on top of the ridge and activated Michaux State Forest US-5471. (for those not familiar with POTA, the US- followed by numbers is the POTA designation for the park.) It was quiet up there with not too many TAV riders in evidence and only a couple of campers. We got on the air and it was one of those days where making contacts was like pulling teeth! It took us about an hour to make 10 contacts. I believe it was a combination of poor conditions and time of way. Oh well, a successful activation is a success whether you make 10 contacts of 100. 🙂
On Saturday the 26th, we took a drive to East Broadtop Railroad. We had tickets pre-purchased for the caboose. (I learned that the plural for caboose is cabooses though it is also acceptable to use cabeese) Prior to going there I looked up the frequencies they sue for operations and found two. They operate in 152.375 and 152.900 MHz which my hand-held radio can monitor. I climbed up into the cupola and rode there as the view was great. SWMBO decided to stay on the lower level. Riding a train being pulled by a steam locomotive is relaxing. We trundled through the PA countryside. We were cruising along when all of a sudden we came to an abrupt halt. I heard on the radio that one of the truks (sets of wheels on a car) had come off the track and then bounced back on. We were back in motion in moments, but it was a bit jarring. The rest of the ride was smooth and enjoyable.
Today we went grocery shopping and then trolloped over to one of the local Walmarts. After we got home I did my ride on the stationary bike (while playing a video game to distract me from the fact that I was exercising) I spend the remainder of the afternoon on the radio working POTA stations. Conditions are good today. Now I will spend the evening relaxing in preparation for working tomorrow.
Cherish every moment as it is unique and goes fast. Namaste, kids and keep your stick on the ice.
