And It Rains as a Memorial

May 27, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Today is Pseudo-Memorial Day. I call it that as the real day of memorial was declared to be May 31st but politicians wanted to have a 3 day weekend so they changed tradition and changed the holiday into a meaningless day of sloth and bar-be-ques rather than remembering those who gave their lives for the service of this country. Okay, off of the soapbox lol. By now no one is reading this. lol. We had a bit of a scary and stressful time. Our oldest cat, Mote (age 10) has been losing weight and not acting himself. We feared the worst. We took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with a kidney infection and possible bad kidneys. We have now put him on a diet. This is much better than the cancer which we had feared. I was fully expecting to have to hold him as he crossed over, which I have done in the past for other furbabies. We are so happy that we have more time with him. Now on to more stuff. It is raining today. Very fitting. Friday we went to lunch at the Newville Diner and then activated King’s Gap SP. We made 15 contacts of which 3 were park-to-parks in about 45 minutes. Some people walked past us but no one stopped and asked us anything. Next we stopped off at State Game Lands 169. This is a nice quiet place and we worked 11 of which 6 were park-to-parks. Some of those I went hunting for as the propagation was not the best. We did not do any activations on Saturday but yesterday, Sunday, we went to the ATV lot in Michaux State Forest. We worked a total of 28 contacts and 8 of these were park-to-parks. I have decided that we need to get a sunscreen for the car. I covered the windshield part way with a shirt to screen the radio but my wyfe had to move her cell phone (which she uses to keep time) as it was getting very hot. I also need to keep a pair of gloves in the car as my mag-mount gets very hot. We were discussing on the way home where I could keep these gloves. If only the car manufacturers had designed some compartment in the cars to hold gloves. Maybe someone should suggest it to them. Well enough for now. I am going to stare at the rain and the go ride my stationary bike. Namaste kidlets.

Mayapples and Roadapples

May 16, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

So the solar storm abated and we went out the other day. That was on Sunday the 12th. We set up in Big Spring State Park US-4355 and in about half an hour we worked 17 stations including 2 park-to-park contacts. The rain held off and I got a few pictures of the area and we got to enjoy the outdoors. A good day overall. Yesterday was a bit different. Sort of. Kind of. We had lunch and then decided on the spur of the moment to do an activation. We needed a few things from the big store so we decided to load up the gear and stop off at a game land that we have been wanting to activate for a while. That is how we found ourselves at PA State Game Land 169 US-8867 on a Wednesday afternoon. The parking lot where we parked was off of a not so busy road and that suited me. I like it quiet. It being early afternoon, I did not have high expectations for 40 M but started there anyway. I made 1 contact and then nothing for a few. I changed antennas and tried 6 meters. Now the solar prediction software may tell you that 6 Meters is open but that doesn’t mean that anyone is listening there. I called for a while on 50.130MHz, just above the SSB calling freq and got no response so I went back to 40 Meters where I had much better luck. I checked the spots and hunted up a couple of other activators who had come on in the past few minutes and that changed my luck. Within half an hour we logged a total of 14 and that made it a bonafide activation and made me happy. We tore down and, as always, made sure we left no trace of our being there. Well enough for now kids. Namaste and happy owls to all.

Out on a whim

May 2, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

So yesterday, the 1th of May, we , my wyfe and I, activated 2 parks on a whim. We are getting some practice in setting up with “Hamstick” antennas and keeping a low profile. We started out at the ATV lot above Pine Grove Furnace in Michaux State Forest US-5471. In a short spell we worked 12 stations and moved on to Kings Gap US-4361. I had an online Elmer of mine, WV1W , remind me that I was on 7.175 and that this was excluding General class ops. As an Extra, I sort of forgot about that border. I thanked him and moved up a bit. After a few more minutes of making contacts, another op worked me and then asked me for a favor. He politely asked me to move as an established net was soon going to start about 1K above where I was parked. He was very gracious about it. I gladly QSY’d. Overall it was a positive experience and we made a total of 22 contacts at Kings Gap. For both park activations we totaled 14 park-to-park contacts.

Today, 2st May, we did another activation on a whim. On the way to supper we stopped off at State Game Land 230 on top of Waggoners Gap US-8927. This was a new entity for me. It was also practice in a hit-and-run type of activation. Propagation was in the dumps but it took about 35 minutes to work 10 stations including 4 park-to-parks. We have no pictures from here as it was windy and Zarathustra kept blowing off my car. All in all a good time was had by all. We are getting better at the quick set up and take downs and by the time we are on vacation I feel we will have it mastered. Of course it isn’t all about the radio. You can expect more and more pictures of nature and our surroundings. well, namaste for now, kidlets.

The mansion garden at Kings Gap … a magical place!

The Flamingo Has Landed!

March 3, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

A great day, today. We set out to activate 2 parks and met our goal. After a great breakfast at Newville Diner we drove down to Mont Alto State Park (K-1386). Initially I did not have high hopes for this park. It is a tiny park located along a somewhat busy road and is down between some hills. I didn’t think the radio signals would get out, combined with the contesting going on this weekend. I was wrong! We made 33 contacts including 5 park-to-parks , all on 40 meters during the morning! The only negative was that I had unintentionally started out too close to a net which I did not hear. I had asked if the frequency was open, heard no reply and listened for 2 minutes before asking again. I worked a few stations and then got asked to move. I apologized and found another frequency. Stuff happens. We spent about an hour there and it was very fruitful.

After picking up our gear, SWMBO and I went to Caledonia State Park, K-1337 where we worked a total of 28 contacts of which 9 were park-to-parks. There were a lot of people out and about in the park, biking, walking, and enjoying the day in general. We had one man approach us and ask questions about what we were doing and regale us with stories about his father having a Zenith short wave receiver which he used to listen to the world broadcasts on. A couple of pickup trucks pulled up next to us and we met face to face with W3TWB and N3AIR who were also out activating. We chatted for a few minutes before they took off and went to set up their operation. I was very pleased with how the morning went and SWMBO seemed to enjoy herself. She even got to see a very cool pavilion at Mont Alto next to Antietam Creek and she took a video of a waterfall at Caledonia. As has been said many times, many ways, a good time was had by all. Namaste Kidlets!

Charade the flamingo feeding off of stray rf at the foot of the antenna as Tootsie watches our 6

Hilltop Hamming at Kings Gap

February 22, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

I think I am blaming myself for this weather. I bought that ice fishing shelter and the weather turned warm. I have only used it twice this winter so the warm winter must be my fault. The shelter and the propane heater. Oh well. It was a beautiful day. SWMBO and I set out to do an activation and went to Kings Gap, K-4361. The usual spot where I set up was usurped by a crew that was cutting wood and grooming the forest so we went next to the mansion. It didn’t take long to set up and the activation was legit within a short period of time (18 minutes) on 40 meters. I did a little band hopping but my best results were on 40 though I did manage to work an Italian station on 20 Meters. The most surprising contact was on 15 Meters when I was contacted by a station who was mobile and about 4 kilometers (straight line) away. I worked 3 park-to-park contacts and had no encounters with lions, tigers and/or bears; it is a good idea to have an owl with me. My long suffering wyfe did a great job with the logging and we really make a good team. Anyway, I made a total of 24 QSO’s and the important thing is that we had fun. Namaste for now kidlets.

And the Days Go Bye

February 8, 2024 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Wow, what a day! We didn’t set out to do it, really we didn’t. We started out having breakfast at the Newville Diner in Newville PA. Our intent was to have a breakfast and, while eating, decide on a destination in Cumberland County to activate. Easy enough, we did. We set out after breakfast for Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, K-4361. This is a very pleasant hilltop with a stone mansion and a lot of areas to operate from. I like the place as it is nice and peaceful. While we were there we were approached by a man with a pair of binoculars. He was a bird-watcher heading to the mansion and was curious. He understood ham radio but was wondering about the owl on the hood of my car lol. I chatted with him for a few before going back to hamming. Between 40 and 12 meters I worked 29 contacts including Italy and Sweden on 12 meters. A good day indeed. But wait! There’s more! My long suffering wyfe said, and I quote : “Hey! Let’s go to the ATV lot!”. Well, there was nothing to do but to comply, after all, I call her SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) for a reason! We quickly packed up and trolloped (yes I use Trollop as a verb meaning to travel or move) off to the Michaux State Forest ATV lot (K-5471) on Piney Mountain. It did not take long to settle in there and get set up with some coffee. The ATV lot is located on Bendersville Road at the top of Piney Mountain above Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Between 17, 20 and 40 meters we worked 38 contacts and had a great time. Today we worked a total of 4 Park-to-Park contacts of which 1 was a double so 5 really. With the temperature around 11C it was a very comfortable day for February. We even had to open the car door as it was getting too warm in there. Well I am going to close for now. Have fun and stay radio active, kidlets. Namaste!

calling CQ and getting an answer

Always have a plan “B”

November 16, 2023 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

Once again it was too nice a day to waste, so my long-suffering wyfe, my owl Ptolomy and myself set out to activate a park. I wanted to get a new one (at least new to me) in the books so we headed to Col Denning State Park, just on the other side of Doubling Gap. It was a great day and it did not take long to get set up. Unfortunately I was unable to make more than one contact. He was mobile and in RI so I know it wasn’t my antenna. Just circumstances, I guess. There was no internet signal where I was so I could not see if I was spotted, nor could I spot myself. Oh well, such is life and ham radio. On to Plan B. Not too far away is the Three Square Hollow Vista in Tuscarora State Forest, which I have worked from before. It is a beautiful location with an outstanding view and good radio visibility. Within about 1/2 hour of operating I was able to make 29 contacts including some park-to-parks which helped ease the sting of an unsuccessful attempt. All in all it was a great day. I even got to chat a bit with some of the other hams out there. I am attaching the obligatory photos of Ptolomey, my radio and the view from both locations. Namaste, kidlets, until next time.

Ptolomey watching my 6 at Col Denning State Park.
Yes, that is a thermos of coffee.

Ptolomey at Three Square Hollow Vista blocking my view of Cumberland County PA.

Tuesday the 10th vs Friday the 13th

October 13, 2023 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

This is a tale of 2 activations, 2 owls and one park. On Tuesday, Oct 10th, My long suffering wyfe and I set out to Kings Gap (K-4361 for you POTA types) and I activated the park. This consists of setting up my radio and making a minimum of 10 contacts. I was able to make 34 contacts in the time I had to be there and enjoyed the day. Everything went smoothly. I got my antenna line over a tree branch in one throw and was set up in less than 15 minutes. My wyfe wandered around taking pictures and also spent some time on the interwebs and enjoying the weather. It was a great afternoon. As I said, everything went smoothly. My owl decoy, Ptolomey (pictured below) kept watch for bears and made sure we weren’t bothered by insects or other pests. Then there was today, Friday the 13th. My wyfe, on the spur of the moment, decided that she wanted to do some videoing up at Kings Gap and since we would be going up there I decided to bring my equipment and activate. First, I had to turn back 1/2 km from home as I had forgotten to barricade off the area of the house where the cellar stairs are. I rather prefer not to return home to our Rhoomba on its back at the bottom of the stairs screaming for help and being circled by well-meaning cats. Then the small store at the bottom of the hill at Kings Gap did not carry the brand of chips my wyfe wanted. Once we go to the top of the hill where the mansion is, there were workmen doing various and sundry things preparing the place for the upcoming fall/winter seasons. My wyfe settled herself in to doing her thing and I started setting up my radio. Yeah … On the 4th throw, my throwing bag wound 3 times around a branch. I stood there, about 15 or so meters below staring at it and uttering lots of nsfw words. There was no way I could leave an weighted throwing bag attached to several meters of florescent twine attached to that branch. Finally the thought hit me: The twine has 2 ends!! I took a convenient stick and tied it up with the other end of the twine and threw it over the branch 3 times. This unwound the throwing bag. Unfortunately, my wyfe had wandered over to observe the spectacle and almost got hit with the bag when it came loose and plummeted to the ground. Now 3 more throws got it over the branch and I was able to raise my antenna. My usual 15 minute set-up took me almost 45 minutes. Now my owl Tootsie was able to scare away any bears but the gnats were another story. They ignored him and swarmed me. I did my best to ignore them. I made 55 contacts and had a very successful activation in spite of Friday the 13th and Murphy. Feel free to look at my pictures and to laugh at me. 🙂 Pic 1 is Ptolomey, Pic 2 is Me on the 10th, Pic 3 is Tootsie and Pic 4 is me on the 13th. Namaste Y’all

WOW!! Where did September go???

October 4, 2023 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

It has been a busy month, I guess. I have really been into the whole POTA thing and between that and work and keeping my life from falling into the usual chaos, it has been one amazing fun filled blur. I mentioned in my last post that I had activated 2 parks on 3 September. Well, just the other day, 1 October, I went out to the same place, Big Spring State Park, located in Tuscarora State Forest and activated again. I made a total of 49 contacts in an hour including several park-to-park contacts and was able to withstand the constant bombardment of acorns falling from the trees. It was a beautiful early autumn day and I was very happy to be out and about. I will include a picture or 2 below. I prefer to go out on nice days as I do not want my radio rained on. There are pavilions I could use, I guess but I do prefer the open air and sunshine. It doesn’t take me long to set up and I can be on the air within 15 minutes of pulling into the park. I prefer to use a G5RV Junior antenna as it is a good multi-band antenna and works well as an inverted vee. Right now the only limiting factor in my setup is my power situation. The battery pack I use just isn’t up to the job which is why I am going the pick up a LiFePo 12V 20ah battery tomorrow which will allow me to run my rig for a much longer period of time. You can expect a more contacts listed from my next activation report. well kidlets, enough for now. Namaste, you’all.

Not a Good day, a Great day!

July 23, 2023 / KB3CVO / Leave a comment

It was a great day today. The weather was beautiful and it was a very nice day to be off. One of those Sundays that come along once in a while that make you want to go outside and do things. Today my wonderful wyfe and I went out to a State Park about 15 miles down the road and did a POTA activation. POTA stands for Parks On The Air and is a program for ham radio operators to get out and be active in the public, operating in State and Federal parks, Forests and Game Lands. The park we were at was Big Spring State Park ( POTA Number K-4355) which is located on the western edge of Perry County PA. As I said, it was a beautiful day. It only took me about 15 minutes to set up. I put up an inverted Vee antenna with the apex up about 30 feet. My radio is a Yaesu FT891 and I was using my new LDG Z11 Pro II tuner. The setup worked great and I was able to make 26 contacts in less than an hour of operating before the bugs drove me out of there. In the meantime, my wonderful and long suffering wyfe was enjoying herself making videos of nature and of me operating. All in all, a good time was had by all. Following is a pic of me operating and my setup. The random hunks of tree bark on the table were still there when we left. 🙂

Nature, Radio, and Me

A POTA Explorer's Diary

photography/video