A funeral, two silos and two Parks

Tuesday 23 April 2024

It looked as if the day would be a quiet one for amateur radio activities. I needed to drive to Maffra for the commemoration of the life of David Scott VK3DY, who passed away in late March. David had entered the Remembrance Day Contest for 70 consecutive years. David was heavily involved over the years in the two local amateur radio clubs in Gippsland and had been awarded honorary Life Membership of both clubs.

Not long after having left home, I did manage to work Paul VK5PAS/p in Thorny Passage Marine Park VKFF-1751 from the vehicle.

Upon reaching my destination, I found a spot to park and headed into the service. Two local amateurs were amongst those who spoke about David’s life. I think that 14 amateurs were in attendance.

After the service, I headed down to near the Macalister River and parked at a location close to the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.

Gippsland Plains Rail Trail AU-7533
Maffra Silos VK-MFA3

On switching on the radio, I heard contacts being made on 7.144 MHz. I waited for my chance and worked Paul VK3AHM in Alpine National Park VKFF-0619. Paul was camped to the north of Licola, so not a large distance away. I then saw a spot for Paul VK5PAS/p on 20 m in VKFF-1102, so quickly changed from the 40 m whip to the Hampark antenna, with the wander lead set for 14 MHz. I soon had Paul in the log. I moved up in frequency and soon worked another eight stations. When I had no further callers, I swapped back to the 40 m whip and spotted. I worked seven stations fairly quickly, including 2 Silo to Silo contacts. I then decided that it was time to head off to the wake.

After a snack and a glass or two of water, and chatting to several of the amateur radio operators at the wake, I headed back to the vehicle to start the journey home. Being a delightful autumn day, I opted for a detour from the direct route, heading instead to have another look at a Reference not previously activated.

Just as I was getting underway, another spot came through. I soon had Paul VK5PAS/p in VKFF-1050 in the log. I drove out towards Newry and then towards Upper Maffra West before heading SW to reach the area of interest.

Macalister River Streamside Reserve VKFF-3759
Tinamba West Silos VK-TNT3

I had spent some time exploring the mapping for this Reference. MapshareVic shows that this Reserve is under a Grazing Licence. Satellite imagery indicates that most of the Reserve is part of working farming operations. As such, permission to access the Reserve will need to be granted by the Licence holder. An added complication is that the Reserve has a small section on the northern side of the river. Access from the northern side is likely under the control of a different landholder.. An attraction of access the main portion of the Reserve is that much of the Reserve is inside the activation zone of the nearby Tinamba West silos.

Access from the Macalister River itself might be possible, but the river banks are predominantly under heavy vegetation cover within the Reserve boundary, with very thick undergrowth from the bridge upstream towards the Reserve.

The easily identified house close to the Reserve is occupied by staff working for the property owner. The occupants cannot grant permission to access the Reserve. As I approached the house, I saw that a vehicle was parked beside the dwelling. I parked near the house, went to the front door and knocked. I explained who I was and my desire to access the Reserve. The occupant retrieved her mobile phone and rang the property owner. I was soon explaining my request to the owner. I was fortunate – permission to access was granted.

I first looked at the area to the west of the house, taking care to avoid the vehicle traffic associated with fodder harvesting to the west of the Reserve. As well as being close to the house and a powerline, the area was a bit scrubby with weeds. I ended up entering the property from Heyfield-Upper Maffra West Road via a gate between the house and the river. The paddock contained a group of cows in calf. I carefully drove across the paddock towards the centre-pivot irrigator system until I was sure that I was inside the Reserve boundary, checking the location with Gaia Maps. I was also inside the activation zone of the Tinamba West Silos. I stopped and retrieved my drive-on mast stand from the rear of the vehicle and soon had the stand under a wheel at the rear of the vehicle. I then turned off the vehicle and proceeded to set up the antenna and station after having posted a Spot advising that I would soon be on air.

The Reserve boundary, with the operating site marked with the yellow marker. Image thanks to Google Earth.

I used my 12 m Spiderbeam pole lashed to the drive-on stand. The doublet centre was at about 11.5 m above ground and the ends of the halyard lines simply tied off to tufts of grass. As there were cows in the paddock, I set up inside the vehicle, with the IC-7300 on the front passenger seat.

On switching on the radio, sitting on 7.144 MHz, I heard Brett VK3MCA/p operating from VK3/VC-014. I soon had Brett in the log and moved up in frequency. The next eight minutes were hectic, with 19 contacts logged. The last few contacts were despite a building signal from an Italian station calling CQ DX on the same frequency. I moved up another 5 kHz and respotted. The callers were quickly upon me. I ended up with a total of 46 contacts on 40 m SSB, in only 43 minutes.

I moved to 20 m SSB and soon had Steve KG5CIK in the log. I spotted myself and started calling. 15 minutes of calling saw another 17 contacts in the log. But by then the wall of EU callers had appeared. I had worked a few EU stations before I decided to swap to CW. As soon as I moved, I heard Steve KG5CIK calling. I worked another three stations before another EU station started calling CQ on the same frequency, so I moved up a few kHz. I soon worked another eight stations, but the wall of sound from the EU operators calling on top of each other became frustrating. I took the easy choice and moved to 40 m CW.

Here I worked seven stations fairly quickly before I jumped up to 20m SSB to work Paul VK5PAS/p in VKFF-1751. I then returned to 40 m CW, working another five stations.

When there were no further callers, I moved back to 40 m SSB and spotted. I worked another 12 stations and then closed. During that period, one of the cows was having a good scratch using the tow ball at the rear of the car, an interesting experience! I had been on air for about 110 minutes and had 101 contacts in the log.

The vehicle and part of the antenna at the operating location. Not the usual nice bush location!

I then packed up, drove back out to the road and then started the drive home. On the way out, I rang the property owner to advise that I was out, leaving a message to that effect when the call went to voice mail. Anyone wishing to activate the Reserve can make contact with me to request contact details for the landholder.

Many thanks to all who called.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Day 15

Sunday 31 December 2023

The forecast was for another fine and very warm day in NE Victoria. I decided to head east towards Corryong. There are several WWFF References in the area – too many to bag in a single day. During the drive out, I considered my options. I decided to start with a park just off the main road at Colac Colac (pronounced “Clack Clack” by locals), and then to move back towards Wodonga.

Corryong Creek K33 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3656 Not previously activated

Most of this reserve shows on MapshareVic as being under “delegated management”. Examination of the boundary file on Google Earth reveals that much of the reserve appears to be farmed, with a small portion occupied by a caravan park. There is a small portion on the southern side of the Murray Valley Highway, but there is a power line running beside the road. North of the Highway and just east of the Corryong Creek crossing there is a Rest Area, with a small portion of the Reserve in the NE corner of the Rest Area. There is about 380 square metres of overlap, providing enough space to erect a station and have the doublet inside the park boundary.

The section of the Park boundary overlapping the Rest Area. Image thanks to Google Earth.

I set up the antenna by strapping a squid pole to a fence post and then strung out the doublet along the fence line. I parked the car a little south of the fence and set up the station on the tailgate.

The activation started with me hunting Richard VK2OKR in VKFF-1410 on 40 m SSB. I moved down to find a clear frequency and spotted. Within 15 minutes, I had 30 contacts in the log, including Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3849. I then tried 10 m CW for 10 minutes, working only Jess W6LEN. I then jumped to 40 m CW to again work Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3849. Next, I tried 12 m CW, again working only Jess. 15 m CW produced four contacts, including Jess and Tom KG8P. It was now the new UTC Day and I moved to 15 m SSB, working two stations. I then moved to 40 m SSB to work Emile VK5WWW on VK5/NE-085 in VKFF-3189. A short session on 12 m CW produced four contacts. 20 m CW yielded six contacts, including John VK5HAA on VK5/NE-085 in VKFF-3189. I next moved to 20 m SSB, working five stations, including John VK5HAA on VK5/NE-085 in VKFF-3189. Ten minutes on 30 m CW yielded three contacts. I then jumped to 40 m SSB to hunt Peter VK3TKK, now in VKFF-3731. I also worked Peter on CW. I moved down the band and spotted on CW, working nine stations in 10 minutes. I moved back to 40 m SSB, making another 22 contacts, finishing with Alan VK3XE on VK3/VE-073. With 91 contacts in the log, I closed down and packed up.

By time I was ready to roll, it was after 1300 local time. I decided to head west, back towards Wodonga. I then took the turn off for Lucyvale. One reaches the start of the next Park just under four km south along Lucyvale Road.

Cudgewa Creek Streamside Reserve VKFF-3660 Not previously activated

The boundary file reveals that the Lucyvale Road is inside the reserve boundary. I was driving south and keeping an eye on both sides of the road and spotted a sign near a gate on the right. I stopped to look and found a sign indicating a free camping area. A grassy track descended down towards the creek. I opened the gate and drove in, then continued a short way after closing the gate. I swung to the right to be off the track. I found a spot to park and soon had a line over a branch about 18 m up, so the doublet was at the maximum height allowed by the feedline, with room to go higher if I had more feedline to connect. I again set up on the tailgate.

The boundary of VKFF-3660. Image thanks to Google Earth.

The activation started with a Park to Park contact on 40 m CW, with Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3671. I moved to 40 m SSB and spotted. I worked 37 contacts in the next 25 minutes, including Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3587 on SSB and CW. I next spent 20 minutes on 10 m CW, working only Jess W6LEN. Another 20 minutes of calling on 15 m CW yielded only one contact from VK6NU. I next jumped back to 40 m SSB to hunt David VK3TUN on VK3/VS-003 in VKFF-0766. 10 minutes of calling on 20 m SSB yielded only two contacts. I then jumped back to 40 m SSB to hunt Marija VK5MAZ/p and Paul using VI10VKFF in VKFF-0826. 15 minutes of calling on 20 m CW produced a contact with John VK6NU. I then moved to 40 m CW, which yielded 16 contacts, including Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3634. I moved to 40 m SSB to hunt Emile VK5WWW on VK5/SE-004, followed by Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3634. I moved to a clear frequency and worked another eight stations. I finished the activation by working John VK5HAA on VK5/SE-004 on 40 m CW. I had 73 in the log.

I packed up and head back to the highway and then again headed west. As I approached Bullioh, I decided to try one more Park, despite being later in the afternoon. Just over 24 km south along Tallangatta Creek Road you can find the next target Park.

Tallangatta Creek K11 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3875 Not previously activated

The Reserve is shown on Google Maps and Earth as Tallangatta Creek KI Streamside Reserve. It is easy to find and entry is via a typical farm gate with a please close the gate sign. I found several groups camped close to the creek. I found a spot to park away from the campers, with a reasonable tree branch nearby. I soon had the doublet in the air and the station set up on the tailgate.

I spotted on 40 m SSB and was fairly busy for the next 20 minutes, working 37 contacts. These included P2P with Marija VK5MAZ/p and Paul using VI10VKFF in VKFF-0916. I then moved to 40 m CW, making 15 contacts in just over 20 minutes. I returned to 40 m SSB for any further calls, making another five contacts. I closed with 51 contacts logged.

I packed up and headed back to Wodonga for the night.

Thanks to all who called.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Days 13 & 14

29 December 2023

With another hot day forecast, I decided to head towards Bright to activate a couple of Parks. The trip from Wodonga was straight forward. When I reached the Bright Information Rotunda on the edge of town, I swung left into Ashwood Avenue and proceeded to pull off the road onto a reserve beside 14 Ashwood Avenue to park just beyond the driveway into that property.

Ovens River J16 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3826 Not previously activated

This Reserve lies directly behind 14 Ashwood Avenue. It is largely overgrown and unkept, showing evidence of previous mining activities. There is a signposted access walking track to joint the Canyon Walk, which runs beside the Ovens River.

I walked down to the junction with the Canyon Walk and then back towards the vehicle. There was a slight northward kink in the walking track. I stopped on the northern edge of the track at the kink and checked my position with Gaia Maps, confirming that I was actually located just inside the Reserve boundary. I grabbed the gear from the car and set up hard up against the thicker undergrowth, tossing a line over a tree branch to haul up the doublet. I decided to carry the large battery and the IC-7300 the short distance from the vehicle to the operating site.

I did not even have the antenna fully strung out when a Spot came through on the logging app. I soon had Andy VK5LA in VKFF-4119 in the log on 40 m SSB, with the doublet legs still on the ground at the outer portions. I then finished setting up the station, making sure that the entire station was inside the Reserve boundary. I sat in a camp chair hard against the scrub. I did need to occasionally explain what I was doing as walkers passed.

Once set up, I listened for a few minutes to see if I could hear some overseas SOTA station, but none were strong enough to call. My next contact was again Andy VK5LA, this time on CW. I then moved to 40 m SSB and spotted myself, with less than 10 minutes before UTC midnight. I had a mini- dogpile, working 13 stations in nine minutes. The hectic pace continued after UTC midnight, finally slowing after another 10 minutes of operating. Amongst the callers was Chris VK1CHW on VK1/AC-008 in VKFF-0377. By 0015Z, there were no further callers on SSB, so I moved to 40 m CW and worked 11 stations in under 10 minutes. Another Spot came through, so I decided to check it – Andy VK5LA, this time on 15 m SSB. I soon had Andy in the log. I next tried 10 m CW, making seven contacts in less than 10 minutes. Another spot from Andy VK5LA had me jumping back to 15 m, this time on CW, to make another P2P with Andy. Next, I jumped to 40 m SSB to work Graham VK3ZSC in VKFF-2195. A 10-minute session on 17 m CW produced eight contacts, followed by six contacts on 20 m CW. Another spot came through for Andy VK5LA, this time on 10 m SSB from VKFF-4120. So, I jumped up to 10 m, working Andy on both SSB and shortly afterwards on CW. I then tried 17 m SSB, making five contacts. Next it was up to 15 m SSB to again work VK5LA, then a jump to 40 m SSB to chase Phil VK7ID on VK7/SC-068 before returning to 15 m SSB for a VK5 hunter. I then returned to 40 m SSB, working 19 stations in 15 minutes, including VK3OAK and VK3PWG, both in VKFF-2314. The last contacts were with Andy VK5LA on 20 m SSB. With 108 contacts logged, I decided to close and pack up.

I drove into Bright and out the SE side, making my way to Jenveys Swimming Hole, conveniently located within boundaries of the next Park.

Ovens River J15 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3825 Not previously activated

The area around Bright is very popular with tourists, especially around major holiday periods. I was not surprised to find plenty of people around. But there was space to park near the western end of the car park, with a convenient tree branch to provide aiming practice for my throwing arm. I soon had the station set up and was on air less than an hour after closing at the previous park.

First in the log were John VK5HAA and two of his children, all on VK5/NE-014 in VKFF-0914, on 40 m SSB. $0 m SSB provided another 29 contacts in the next 24 minutes, including Graham VK3ZSC in VKFF-2190 and Chris VK1CHW on VK1/AC-023 in VKFF-0377. A 10-minute session on 20 m SSB produced only three contacts. 20 m CW was more productive, providing 12 contacts in around 30 minutes, including Andy VK5LA in VKFF-4122. Next was 40 m CW, yielding 11 contacts over 15 minutes. Next was some hunting, making contacts with Mal VK3OAK and Peter VK3PWG in VKFF-2269, and Andy VK5LA in VKFF-4122. After finding a clear frequency and spotting, I made another 11 contacts on 40 m SSB, including Peter VK3ZPF in VKFF-2135 and Dennis VK3SM in VKFF-0760. I then decided to close and pack up, with 74 contacts logged.

I then made my way back to the main road and headed back to Wodonga for the night.

30 December 2023

I decided on another trip to the area near Bright, aiming to activate two more WWFF references. I set off from Wodonga and headed south, with some moderate traffic closer to Bright. I drove through Bright and then to Tawonga Gap Road, turning east briefly before turning south onto Old Harrietville Road. I was soon travelling just east of the boundary of the first Park for the day. I looked at some of the openings in the bush which looked like potential operating sites, but rejected them all. Instead, I ended up in the car park at the Snowy Creek Picnic Area, near the southern end of the Park.

Ovens River J20 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3827 Not previously activated

I ended up parked on the southern edge of the of the car parking area, hard against the undergrowth. I was close to a tree, with a convenient branch to toss a line across to deploy the doublet. I set up the station on the tailgate of the vehicle. By time I was ready, the clock had moved to the new UTC Day.

The station at VKFF-3827.

I started by hunting Stef VK5HSX/2 in VKFF-1785 on 40 m SSB. I moved down the band slightly and spotted. Twenty minutes later and I had 30 contacts in the log, including Chris VK1CHW in VKFF-3180. I jumped up the band to hunt Robert VK3ARM in VKFF-2337 before moving back down to the Parks focus frequency. Here I worked another 11 stations in nine minutes.

I jumped to 17 m CW, working Isam VK2/JH0WMN on VK2/CT-032 in VKFF-0041. I tried 10 m CW, working Jess W6LEN. 15 m SSB produced only one contact into VK5. A spot took me back to 40 m SSB to hunt Joel VK3LE on VK3/VN-027, followed by John VK5HAA and Emile VK5WWW, both on VK5/NE-010 in VKFF-0360. I went to 17 m CW, making six contacts: Michigan, Texas, Tasmania, central coast NSW and South Australia. I jumped to 20 m SSB to hunt John VK5HAA on VK5/NE-010 in VKFF-0360. A session on 20 m CW produced one contact in VK6. Next it was down to 40 m SSB to hunt Chris VK1CHW, now in VKFF-3184. I then went to 20 m SSB, working 13 stations in 10 minutes. I then jumped back to 40 m CW to again hunt John VK5HAA on VK5/NE-010 in VKFF-0360, followed by Robert VK3ARM on 40 m SSB from VKFF-2033. A 10-minute session on 30 m CW yielded five contacts. Then a jump to 20 m CW for another contact with John VK5HAA on VK5/NE-010 in VKFF-0360. I then moved to 40 m CW, working 11 stations in about 15 minutes. I then moved to 40 m SSB, working another 11 contacts in 10 minutes. Then the callers dried up. With 101 contacts logged, I closed and packed up.

The drive to the next Park was short – back onto the road, across the bridge and then left into the small camping area on the western side of the river. A total distance of about 250 m.

The 2 operating sites. Image thanks to Google Earth.

Freeburgh Streamside Reserve VKFF-3690 Not previously activated

With only a short drive required, I was set up and on air again in only 30 minutes.

The station in VKFF-3690

The next 30 minutes on 40 m SSB were a little hectic, with 43 stations logged. I then jumped up the band to hunt Robert VK3ARM in VKFF-2078. 15 m CW yielded only two contacts, whilst 17 m CW produced four contacts. Next, a brief jump back to 40 m SSB to hunt Joel VK3LE on VK3/VC-002 in VKFF-0556, before moving to 20 m SSB. This yielded four contacts, followed by one contact on 20 m CW before I jumped back to 40 m CW to again hunt Joel VK3LE. I returned to 20 m CW and worked another six contacts. Next was 40 m CW, yielding 10 contacts in 10 minutes. I then jumped to 40 m SSB to hunt Dennis VK3SM in VKFF-4301. 30 m CW produced two contacts before I jumped back to 40 m SSB to chase Soren VK7/ZL1SKL on VK7/NW-046 in VKFF-0432. Back to 30 m CW for another two contacts. I then moved back to 40 m SSB, working another 21 contacts over the next 25 minutes, including a couple of AM contacts. With 101 contacts in the log, I closed down and packed up.

I then headed back to Bright and north to Wodonga for the night.

Thanks to all who called.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Days 11 & 12

Wednesday 27 December 2023

Yet another hot day was forecast. I considered my options and headed to another new Park to the SW of Wodonga. I headed west towards Barnawartha, then south on Indigo Creek Road to reach the target Park, just north of the junction with Watchbox Road.

Indigo Creek Streamside Reserve VKFF-3728 Not previously activated

MapshareVic shows that parts of this reserve are licensed – primarily the sections immediately adjacent to the creek. There is a section about 200 m north of the road junction mentioned where the wide portion of the reserve is not licensed and shown as under Direct Management.

Google Earth view of boundary and MapshareVic image of Reserve.

There was an unlocked gate about 200 m north of the road junction, so I opened the gate and drove into the Reserve and parked. I soon had two lines over tree branches, one for the doublet and one for a 15 m vertical. I set up the gear on the tailgate.

The station on the tailgate at VKFF-3728.

I started on 40 m SSB, with two Park to Park (P2P) contacts: Chris VK1CHW in VKFF-3182, followed by Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-4279 as the first caller when I moved to a clear frequency. Over the next 20 minutes I made 20 contacts. I briefly jumped down to 40 m CW to work VK3TKK for a P2P on CW before returning to SSB. The next 20 minutes produced another 15 contacts, including some repeats on the new UTC day.

I then tried CW on some of the higher bands, working Steve KG5CIK and Jess W6LEN on 15 m and 10 m. I jumped back to 40 m SSB to again work VK3TKK, now in VKFF-4280. I returned to CW mode on higher bands, again working Jess and Steve on 24 m, 17 m and 20 m. Back to 40 m SSB to work VK1CHW, now in VKFF-0851. As I finished working Chris, a large truck pulled up at the side of the road. The driver jumped out and entered through the gate, so I walked around the vehicle to greet him. After introductions, I found that he was the landowner of the property on the eastern side of the creek and the licence holder of part of the Reserve. I explained what I was doing and he was happy, agreeing with my assessment that I was located in a publicly accessible portion of the Reserve. We chatted for a while before he departed.

I resumed radio activity by chasing Peter VK3TKK on 40 m CW, now in VKFF-4278. I moved to a clear frequency for 40 m CW and made another seven contacts.

Back to 40 m SSB for a final run, making 19 contacts in the next 17 minutes, including Rhian VK2FRBQ in VK-1711. With a total of 78 contacts in the log, I decided to close down and pack up.

I then headed north to Barnawartha.

Frying Pan Creek Streamside Reserve VKFF-3692 Not previously activated

The northern part of this Reserve is licensed. The remainder appears to be under “Delegated management”. I drove around to the western end of Short Street and drove towards Frying Pan Creek. The road swings right to pass under the rail line – low clearance! There was a gate just as the road swung south, next to which I stopped. On the other side of the gate was a sign indicating the Reserve. The gate was not locked, so I opened it and drove in to park.

Google Earth view of boundary and MapshareVic image of Reserve.

I found a spot near a suitable tree branch and soon had the doublet in the air. The gear was again set up on the tailgate.

The sign inside the gate at VKFF-3692.

The activation started with two P2P contacts: Chris VK1CHW in VKFF-1775 and Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-4293. I moved to a clear frequency and spotted. I worked 30 stations in only 15 minutes! I then jumped to 40 m CW to work Ian VK5CZ in VKFF-4055. I then tried 17 m CW, making five contacts. I jumped back to 40 m SSB for another P2P with Peter VK3TKK, now in VKFF-4292. Next was 20 m CW for a SOTA contact with Isam VK2/JH0WMN on VK2/SY-001. I next tried CW on some higher bands, working Tada JA1VVH on both 12 m and 10 m. A spot induced another jump back to 40 m SSB to again work VK3TKK, now inVKFF-4291. I then tried 20 m CW, working Steve KG5CIK. Another spot induced a change to 20 m SSB, to again work Ian VK5CZ in VKFF-4055. I next tried 30 m CW, making three contacts. Another spot caused a jump to 20 m CW to again work VK5CZ in VKFF-4055. I then moved to 40 m CW, making six contacts. I then returned to 40 m SSB, making another 14 contacts, plus two more on CW. With 71 in the log, I closed down and packed up. I then returned to Wodonga.

Thursday 28 December 2023

The morning started with some domestic duties, undertaking some tasks for Mum. When I returned to base, I grabbed the last couple of items and headed off. When I was about half way to my destination, I remembered that I had forgetten to pick up the big battery, left on charge in the garage. I would need to rely on the two small batteries….

I drove to the area previously identified as a possible operating site, but found that there were few trees suitable to support the antenna and provide some shade. I drove a few hundred metres back and found a spot to park off a track leading to private property on the far side of the creek. There was a white letterbox on the side of the road (# 877). I pulled off the track and parked and soon had the doublet in the air. Note that there was a Private Property sign on the Reserve side of the bridge across the Creek.

Barwidgee Creek Streamside Reserve VKFF-3589 Not previously activated

Looking at the station from the bridge over the creek.

I again set up on the tailgate. On switching on, I could hear Marty VK4KC in VK-7162 on 7.144 MHz. I waited for a chance and called. Signals were weak but workable. I soon had eight contacts in the log: four callsigns from Marty and two each from Richard VK2OKR/4 and Mark VK4TI. Next was Deryck VK4FDJL in VKFF-0677. When I returned to listen briefly on 7.144 MHz, I heard Marty announce that he was moving to 15 m SSB. After a short wait, I started calling CQ. Less than 20 minutes after switching on, I had 26 contacts in the log. I moved to 40 m CW, working 10 stations in 20 minutes. I then started exploring higher bands, spotting myself and calling CQ for around 10 minutes before change band or mode. I had two contacts on 10 m SSB, but none on CW. I moved back to 40 m SSB to work Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3746. Then 20 m SSB to work John ZL3MR and Nick ZL3NLA, both on ZL3/CB-419 in ZLFF-0022. 17 m CW produced one contact before I returned to 40 m CW to gain work Peter VK3TKK. I returned to 17 m without success, and nothing was heard on 12 m. I had no callers on 20 m SSB or CW. 30 m SSB yielded a single contact, followed by four contacts on CW. I next returned to 40 m CW, making three contacts. I finally moved to 40 m SSB, making 15 contacts over the next 11 minutes.

I was about to close down when a spot came through for Wade VK1MIC on VK2/ST-039. I moved down but heard nothing. On checking SOTAwatch, he had just spotted on 20 m SSB. Again, nothing heard. I tried to send a message via SOTAwatch that he needed to allow at least five minutes for the Spot to propagate from SOTAwatch to ParksnPeaks. While I was doing that, he had jumped back to 40 m, then jumped back to 20 m only a few minutes later. Nothing was heard of him. Fred VK3DAC also said that he had not heard Wade on 40 m. A few minutes later, Wade spotted that he was going QRT with no contacts. I hope that he sorts out whatever problem that he had prior to heading out again.

Looking upstream from the bridge over Barwidgee Creek.

I had been on air for 2.5 hours, so closed down and packed up. I had 66 contacts logged. I then headed back to Wodonga via Stanley and Beechworth, taking the scenic drive as the afternoon warmed up.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Day 10

26 December 2023

Another hot day was forecast. I was a little late departing Wodonga, but had a smooth drive out to the Reserve. I parked the vehicle off the road close to the stile, located west of the high point of the road, with the main Reserve sign clearly visible up the hill from the stile. The hand rail of the stile was very rickety!

Mount Ochtertyre Scenic Reserve VKFF-3790

I had activated this Park back in October, but had only made 26 contacts before the arrival of rain caused me to close and rapidly pack the station. I therefore needed another 18 contacts to qualify the Park for WWFF.

I lifted the gear over the fence and then climbed over. I walked up the hill to beyond the sign to a spot where I found a tree suitable to toss a line over a branch. I soon had the antenna in the air and set up the station under some shade. Anticipating that I would soon lose the shade, I erected a fly sheet. I had carted the IC-7300 and the large 100 Ah battery to the operating site.

Looking up the hill towards the operating site (at the chair) in VKFF-3790.

I started on 40 m SSB, making 15 contacts in 15 minutes. With no further callers, I moved to 20 m CW. Here I made six contacts fairly quickly. I then tried 17 m CW, making one contact. I returned to 20 m CW before UTC midnight, making one more contact before the new day. I made another contact after UTC midnight, but with no further calls for a couple minutes, I moved to 30 m CW. Here I made three contacts. Next was 40 m CW, where I made 12 contacts. I then returned to 40 m SSB, making another 26 contacts over the next 20 minutes. With a total of 66 contacts in the log, I closed down and packed up.

I soon had the gear back at the fence, climbed over and packed the gear into the car. I drove back to the east and then headed north on Mia Mia Road to the junction with Gooramadda Road. The next target Park was on the north side of Gooramadda Road.

Murray River K15 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3804 Not previously activated

The Reserve is about 660 m long and only about 50 m wide, running between the road reserve of Gooramadda Road and Bobarado or Wild Duck Lagoon. Whilst investigating the Park prior to this visit, using Streetview on Google Maps, I had noticed a gate just to the east of the junction of Mia Mia Road. I drove to close to the gate and parked.

I found that the gate was locked and assessed the terrain nearby. There was some very tall grass and a sudden drop off down towards the lagoon. I saw a relatively clear area under a large river red gum about half way between the fence and the lagoon. I moved the gear to beside the fence and then climbed the gate and moved the gear down to the cleared area. I soon had a line over a branch of the tree and set up the station, again using the IC-7300.

The station at VKFF-3804, with a fly sheet hurriedly pulled over the gear to protect it from some drizzle.

I once again started on 40 m SSB, only 30 minutes after my last contact at the previous Park. Contacts were quickly made, with 11 contacts in 10 minutes. After a pause in responses of a couple of minutes, a very loud VK2EXA called. Greg is located only just over 4 km form my location. I then made a series of contacts with Greg on different modes and bands – from 80 m through to 6 m, followed by 160 m SSB. I then returned to 40 m SSB, making a further six contacts. Next was 17 m CW, providing four contacts. 20 m CW yielded three contacts. Next was 40 m CW, where I worked another seven contacts. I finished off on 40 m SSB, making another seven contacts before I closed down, with a total of 63 contacts.

I packed up the gear and lugged it up the slope to the gate, then moved it into the car.

I headed southeast on Gooramadda Road, but just less than 2.7 km.

Murray River K16 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3805 Not previously activated

This was another Park which required some care before attempting an activation. MapshareVic shows that most of the Reserve is under “Delegated Management”, with a small section near the road as “Direct Management”. Having studied the boundaries with online mapping tools, I thought it best to speak to one of the neighbours before attempting access. As I approached the gate of the property on the western side of the Reserve, I noticed that the gate was open. I drove in and parked the car. I walked to the door and rang the doorbell. I introduced myself and explained what I was about, asking about the Reserve. The gentleman believed that the section of the Reserve shown as “Direct Management” was actually leased by his neighbour. I explained about the WWFF Award scheme and asked if it possible for me to drive down his paddocks to find a spot inside the boundary to set up the station and “play radio” for an hour or so? Permission was given. I headed down the track and found a spot on the bank of the billabong, just inside the park boundary. I set up with a line of a tree branch to raise the antenna.

The view along the billabong from the operating site at VKFF-3805.

Once again, I started on 40 m SSB. I worked 34 stations in 30 minutes. When there were no further callers, I moved to 17 m CW, making five contacts. 20 m CW produced only a single contact, as did 30 m CW. Next was 40 m CW, where I made seven contacts. I returned to 40 m SSB, making another eight contacts before there were no further callers. With 56 contacts in the log, I closed down and packed up.

I made my way back towards the road, spotting the property owner in a truck near the house. I stopped and he asked how I had fared. I advised of the total number of contacts, explaining that I had worked stations across SE Australia, plus US and Japan. He congratulated me. I thanked him again for the permission to enter his property. He expressed that he would be likely to grant permission in the future to any Activator making a civil approach for permission to access the Reserve. I again gave my thanks and headed off to return to Wodonga.

Thanks to all who called me during the day.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Days 7 to 9

Saturday 23 December 2023

I decided to head out to one of the Streamside Reserves on the lower Mitta Mitta River. I headed out to east of Tallangatta and then turned south on the Omeo Highway, travelling for about eight kilometres to reach Pigs Point. The “free camping” area sits within the boundary of the target Reserve, so was an obvious place to set up.

Mitta Mitta River K26 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3768 Not previously activated

The Reserve has long drop toilets but few other amenities. There are some fireplaces. There is a large cleared area after a short drop down from the highway, with tall trees around the cleared area. There is a dirt boat ramp. I had mobile coverage (Telstra network).

On my visit, there were several camps set up near the southern edge of the clearing and one camp near the northern end. I decided to park and set up about 50 m south of the northern camp, with some shade from the trees. I soon had a line over a tree branch and hauled the doublet into the air. I set up the station on the vehicle tailgate.

I spotted and started calling on 40 m SSB. I worked 24 stations in only 24 minutes. When the callers stopped, I spotted for 15 m SSB, but had no responses. I then spotted from 15 m CW, initially with no responses. I heard a SOTA Spot come through, so changed to 12 m CW and soon worked Katsu JP3DGT/3 on JA/HG-058. I returned to 15 m CW and worked three stations. An initial period on 40 m CW produced only one contact. I moved to 17 m CW, making six contacts. I returned to 40 m CW, making three contacts before UTC midnight. Another nine contacts followed on the new UTC day.

Another Spot came through, for Chris VK1CHW in VKFF-0986, so I moved to 40 m SSB and worked Chris. I then moved up the band and spotted. I made 11 contacts in six minutes, after which I had no further callers. The temperature was climbing rapidly and I was now in full sun, so I closed and packed up, with 60 contacts in the log.

I then headed back to Wodonga.

Sunday 24 December 2023

The weather forecast was for another hot day, so I headed off for today’s target at a reasonable hour. The route today was initially similar to yesterday, until I reached the southern end of the Sandy Creek arm of Lake Hume. I then took the slight zig-zag right and left to move onto Lockharts Gap Road. The road climbs up over Lockharts Gap before descending to reach the Omeo Highway at Tallandoon. Here I swung north onto the Omeo Highway, travelling about 1.8 km to reach the turn off into Peters Bridge Rest Area just before again crossing the Mitta Mitta River. The turn off has a typical Rest Area blue sign.

Mitta Mitta River K27 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3769 Not previously activated

This Reserve lies mostly east of the Omeo Highway. MapshareVic shows that almost all of the Reserve is under a Water Frontage Licence. One could request permission to access the Reserve from the licence holder, likely the adjacent landholder. The CAPAD boundaries show that there is a small section of the Reserve on the western side of the highway. The Rest Area itself is outside of the Reserve. One needs to be careful to ensure that you set up inside the Reserve boundary so that you are compliant with the Rules.

The western portion of VKFF-3769 showing a small section of the Reserve west of the Omeo Highway. Image thanks to Google Earth.

I set up about 15 metres west of the highway, just north of the access track to the Rest Area. I estimate that I was about 8 metres from the western boundary of the Reserve. I set up the drive-on stand and soon had the doublet in the air supported by a squid pole. As I had no shade, I set up the radio on the front passenger seat and sat inside the car, with the windows down for some ventilation.

I spotted myself on 7.144 SSB just after 2233Z. I was aware that I would need to move due to the News Broadcast later. I quickly made 15 contacts before I heard the bleed-through of the announcements which precede the Broadcast. I moved up the band and spotted the new frequency. I made another 13 contacts quite quickly. When the callers disappeared, I moved up to 10 m CW and spotted. I made five contacts before moving to 10 m SSB and again spotting. Here I made three contacts. I next tried 12 m CW, making one contact. 17 m CW was more productive, providing seven contacts. 17 m SSB provided three contacts. On the new UTC day, I moved to 40 m CW, making 12 contacts. 40 m SSB yielded 18 contacts. 30 m SSB provided three contacts, with CW yielding another 12 contacts. Next was 20 m CW, providing three contacts, with another two contacts on SSB. I then moved back to 40 m SSB to hunt Nik VK3ZK/p in VKFF-3798, before moving up the band slightly and working four more contacts. With 100 contacts in the log, I closed down. I packed up and retraced my route back to Wodonga.

Day 9 of the trip was Christmas Day. I spent the day with family.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Day 6

Friday 22 December 2023

With another hot afternoon forecast, I spent some time in the morning to take a walk before heading off. I then headed to Porepunkah and around to the Mount Buffalo National Park. As always, one needs to be alert when driving, with cyclists often found on the road. It was interesting to find a female cyclist descending at high speed who was more than a metre on my side of the centre line as I came around a corner, only inches on the wrong side of the centreline. I was quickly back hard against the lefthand edge of the bitumen, but she was yelling abuse and shaking her fist at me. Intriguing, as she was the one further on the wrong side of the line! I continued up the hill without further incident, parking in The Horn lookout car park. I was soon loaded up and climbed up to the summit platform.

An aside regarding Activation Zone estimation

A word of caution for intending Activators who may be planning summits in terrain similar to that found at The Horn. These comments come after I recently viewed a video on YouTube from an Activator describing his planning for his attempt on The Horn. The activator used the “flooding technique” on Google Earth Pro to estimate the extent of the Activation Zone (AZ). From the video, I believe that the AZ was grossly overestimated. How did this come about? There are several contributing factors:

• Google Earth (GE) heights are based on SRTM height estimates. It is well known that the SRTM data has height anomalies, especially when the area in question has sharp drop offs due to cliffs or similar terrain, as observed at The Horn.
• GE flooding technique gives the summit height as either 1679 or 1680 m, significantly lower than the official SOTA database height of 1723 m. In fact, the GE height for the summit is lower than the real lower limit of the AZ.
• Creating a GE flooding area to represent the AZ at 25 m below the GE summit height results in an AZ lower boundary which is below 1680 m, possibly as low as about 1670 m, significantly lower than the actual AZ limit based on the SOTA height, which should be 1698 m. Thus the AZ is grossly overestimated.

The MapshareVic topographic contours do not show a spot height for the summit, showing 20 m contours in the area. The last contour shown is 1700 m. The Victorian Government Survey Marks Enquiry Service website shows two Survey Marks for The Horn, with heights of 1721.7 m and 1722.5 m, with the SOTA height possibly based on the latter height rounded up.

Based on these data, one must conclude that the AZ lower boundary is a little (2 m) below the 1700 m contour line and thus much closer to the actual summit.

A similar problem exists for The Hump. GE reveals a summit height of 1674 or 1675 m, significantly lower than the SOTA height of 1695 m. Thus, the AZ limit is 1670 m. The MapshareVic topo contours show the 1680 m and 1660 m contours, with the AZ boundary between these two contours. As long as the Activator is confident that they are close to the 1680 m contour line, they will be comfortably located inside the AZ for The Hump.

One should consider all the available data when planning an activation and be sure that the GE estimates provide an answer close to the official mapping contour heights.

The Horn VK3/VE-014 1723 m 10 points
Mt Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339

I strapped a squid pole into the NW corner of the platform area and soon had the doublet set up. The squid pole was sloping up and out at about 45 degrees, with half the doublet hanging vertically and the other half tied back to the hand rail south of the platform. Initially I sat on the granite boulder on which the platform is mounted, but later moved the radio onto the viewing compass rose and stood. During the activation I need to explain what I was doing to others that came up to the summit.

I started on 40 m SSB just after UTC midnight. I worked eight stations fairly quickly before the callers dried up. I tried 40 m CW, working two stations. 30 m CW produced only one contact. 20 m CW provided seven contacts. I then jumped back to 40 m SSB to work the trio of VK3PXS, VK3KIM and VK3BCM, all on VK3VT-064. I moved up to 17 m CW, making seven contacts before I closed, with a total of 20 in the log. I packed up and climbed back to the car.

I drove back down to the bottom of the hill and around to car park below The Cathedral to park. I loaded up again and steadily climbed up to the activation zone of The Hump.

The Hump VK3/VE-019 1695 m 10 points
Mt Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339

I set up using the squid pole, strapped to a snow gum, to hold up the doublet. I again started to 40 m SSB, working seventeen stations over 20 minutes, including Ross VK3BEL in VKFF-0739. I then moved to 40 m CW, working seven stations over about 10 minutes. I decided to close and head back down before the day was too warm.

I then walked back down to the car and drove back to Wodonga.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas – Day 5

Thursday 21 December 2023

The forecast was for another hot day, so I spent some time in the morning to go for a walk before I headed out. The route was similar to the last couple of days, basically heading towards Mount Beauty on the Kiewa Valley Highway, then turning off to reach the targeted Park. In this case, head to Dederang, then turn east onto Keegans Lane, then left into the Reserve just before the bridge across the Kiewa River. Google shows the Reserve as “Kiewa River K2 Streamside Reserve”.

Dederang Streamside Reserve VKFF-3663

Parts of the Reserve are under Water Frontage Licence, and parts are obviously treated by the neighbouring farmers as part of their property. One needs to be sure that you are set up inside the Reserve boundary. See the images below for guidance: you need to be in the pale green area in the right-hand image which corresponds with being inside the overall Reserve boundary as shown in blue on the left-hand image.

The Boundary shown on Google Earth, with the MapshareVic map on the right.

On arrival, I managed to work Graeme VK3ZSC in VKFF-0621 from the mobile rig. I then set up near the eastern edge of the boundary with a little shade from the trees on the west bank of the river. I used a drive-on stand to support a 12m Spiderbeam pole to support the doublet.

I was soon set up using the tailgate as the operating table. I turned on and 7.144 MHz was quiet. I asked if the frequency was in use before quickly making four contacts. Graeme VK3ZSC then came on the frequency, so I moved up the band to leave 7.144 to Graeme. I then worked 17 stations in the next 20 minutes. 10 minutes on 30 m yielded only a single contact. 20 m SSB provided five contacts. 17 m SSB provided two contacts, Jeff VK6JK and Steve KG5CIK. I then jumped back to 40 m SSB to work a trio of SOTA Activators on VK3/VE-031 and VKFF-3793 (VK3BCM, VK3PXS and VK3KIM). I then tried 10 m CW, working only Jess W6LEN. I next tried 17 m CW, working both Jess and Steve. 20 m CW provided six contacts. 30 m CW provided two contacts. I then jumped to 20 m SSB to work Matt ZL4NVW in ZLFF-0036. Next was 40 m CW, yielding four contacts. I then jumped to 40 m SSB to chase the SOTA trio, now on VK3/VT-022. I then moved up the band and made another three contacts before I closed with 55 in the log.

I packed up and headed back to the Kiewa Valley Highway. I turned south and headed to Tawonga, turning east onto Ryders Lane / Mountain Creek Road, then south onto Damms Road.

Mount Beauty Streamside Reserve VKFF-3778

This Reserve is beside the Kiewa River East Branch, either side of Damms Road. The road reserve is excluded from the Reserve. Much of the reserve has thick undergrowth. Note that the Kiewa River Water Frontage excludes part of the area which one might think is part of the park. An additional challenge is that the section of the Reserve west of Damms Road has a power line running across the Reserve. The section east of Damms Road has thick undergrowth and an access road to a quarry. There is also a pony club area just east of Damms Road, north of the access road to the quarry.

The quarry was very active, being a week day, with regular loud “bang” noises and plenty of truck movements. The water carriers added to the noise with vehicle movements and the petrol driven pump.

The Reserve boundary shown on Google Earth.

I decided to set up just inside the boundary, west of Damms Road. I needed to be clear of the track down to the stream and a ford, as trucks were using the track to pump water into tankers. I tossed a line over a branch to haul up the doublet.

I started on 40 m SSB, working 17 stations in the first 18 minutes. I then jumped down the band to chase our SOTA trio, now on VK3/VT-013. I then tried 30 m SSB, working two stations. 20 m SSB yielded three contacts, with 17 m SSB next, producing four contacts. I moved to 17 m CW, working Jess and Steve. Next was 20 m CW, producing four contacts. I next jumped back to 40 m SSB to hunt Ian VK7IAN in VKFF-2898. Next was 40 m CW, yielding eight contacts. I then returned to 40 m SSB, making another 13 contacts before I closed, with a total of 57 contacts logged.

I packed up and headed back to Wodonga for the night.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas Days 2 to 4

Monday 18 December 2023

After a few tasks in the morning, I headed up to Beechworth to catch up with Geoff VK3SQ. I then headed towards Chiltern, but not very far. North of the turnoff to Woolshed Falls and on the east side of the Beechworth-Chiltern Road was a new Park. It was a hot day with bright sunshine.

Reedy Creek K17 Streamside Reserve VKFF-3843 Not previously activated

This Park is shown on MapshareVic as under a “Riperian Management Licence”. I checked the boundary carefully from the road as I drove slowly towards the Reedy Creek bridge. No signs and no fences, so I decided to access the Park. I turned around at the bottom of the hill and drove back up to a spot near a road sign where there was space to park to the east of the road sign, without obstructing the sign. I parked and grabbed the SOTA rucksack, a folding chair and a flysheet.

The boundary outline of VKFF-3843. Thanks to Google Earth.

I walked into the scrub until I was inside the Reserve boundary and found a spot to set up. I soon had a line over a tree branch and the lightweight ZS6BKW in the air. I then set up the flysheet to give me some shade.

The set up in VKFF-3843, almost completely packed up. I finally remembered to take a photo. Behind the station site, the ground dropped steeply down to Reedy Creek.

I set up the IC-705 and started calling. I soon had Geoff VK3SQ in the log on SSB, AM and FM-N. I heard Gerard VK2IO call, but he could not hear me. After several attempts followed by several CQ calls, I stopped. I returned to the car to grab the IC-7300, ATU and a large battery. I was soon set up on the higher power station and almost immediately worked Gerard. I was soon receiving replies to my calls, but at a slow rate. Andy VK5LA called and we worked SSB and CW on the same frequency. After 0216Z, I had no further callers and moved to 17 m SSB. 10 minutes calling produced three contacts. Next was 17 m CW, yielding eight contacts. An SMS from Geoff VK3SQ suggested voice on 17 m, so I swapped back to SSB to work Geoff. Next, I moved to 30 m CW, working two stations in eight minutes of calling. I swapped to 40 m CW and worked six stations over about 25 minutes. I finally returned to 40 m SSB, working another three stations in the next 10 minutes. With no further callers and 47 in the log, I closed down and packed up.

After lugging the gear back to the car, I headed back to Wodonga.

Tuesday 19 December 2023

I finally was ready to hit the road at about 1020 local time, later than planned. I headed east and then south to reach the target of the day.

Kergunyah Streamside Reserve VKFF-3737 Not previously activated

This Reserve is simple to find. It straddles Kergunyah Road at Kergunyah, immediately east of the Kiewa River. There is a parking area on the north side of the road. There I found several tents set up adjacent to the river, so I found a spot to park away from the campers.

The boundary of VKFF-3737, with the track into the northern portion of the reserve visible. Image thanks to Google Earth.

I soon had a line over a branch at about 16 m up. More height than needed… I pulled up the doublet until the end of the feedline would just reach the ATU unit. I set up the IC-7300 on the tailgate and was soon ready to call. I entered the POTA reference as a VKFF reference in the logging app and posted an incorrect Spot. It seems that the VKFF reference has not yet been added to the ParksnPeaks website. I had not recorded the reference before I had left Wodonga. I spotted my error and changed the Spot to a POTA spot and started working stations, making 13 contacts before working Stuart VK3UAO. I had been explaining the reference error. Stuart advised that he would look up the reference number for me and I soon had an SMS from him with the details. I corrected the logging app and respotted. After about 50 minutes of operating, I had 30 contacts logged, including a few on AM. Another day of slow progress.

The station set up on the tailgate in VKFF-3737. A vehicle was parked close to the picnic table, so I set up a respectful distance away.

I moved to 10 m CW but made no contacts. 12 m CW yielded only Jess W6LEN. Next was 17 m CW, producing only two contacts in 10 minutes of calling. I took a couple of minutes to toss another line over the branch and soon had a 15 m vertical dipole (a Flowerpot design) in the air. The next 10 minutes yielded six contacts. An SMS request had me returning to 17 m CW, resulting in another four contacts. 20 m CW yielded only one contact. Next was 30 m CW, yielding another three contacts. 40 m CW produced four contacts. I finally swapped to 40 m SSB, where I worked 13 contacts in 15 minutes. I had 64 contacts logged. The day was hot and humid, so I closed down and packed up. I then headed back to Wodonga.

Wednesday 20 December 2023

The day was going to be hot, so I went for a long walk in the morning. That meant that I was not out and set up in my target Park until after UTC midnight.

I headed out towards Kergunyah and then south to Kergunyah South, then east towards Gundowring. The target Park was easiest to access via a track heading south into the reserve on the east side of the Kiewa River. I drove to the end of the track and then backtracked to a spot near a nice tree to park and set up. Google Maps and Google Earth show the Reserve as “Boyds Bridge Reserve”.

Gundowring SSR VKFF-3715 Not previously activated

The boundary of VKFF-3715. Image thanks to Google Earth.

I set up 2 lines over branches, so I had the ZS6BKW doublet and the 15 m vertical dipole in the air. I again set up on the tailgate of the vehicle.

I spotted and started calling on 40 m SSB, making 23 contacts in around 20 minutes (including some on AM). Amongst the Hunters was David VK5DG in VKFF-3407. I swapped to 15 m SSB, making two contacts. 15 m CW produced contacts with Steve KG5CIK and Jess W6LEN. A session on 12 m CW produced one contact – W6LEN. 17 m CW provided three contacts. 20 m provided four contacts on CW, followed by three contacts on SSB, plus another CW contact on the SSB frequency. 30 m provided six contacts on SSB and four on CW. I then jumped to 17 m SSB to hunt Matt ZL4NVW in ZLFF-0176. I moved to 40 m CW, making eight contacts. I then moved to 40 m SSB for “Final calls” and made 13 contacts before I closed.

It was a hot afternoon, so I packed up and headed back to Wodonga.

Annual trip to NE Victoria for Christmas

It was time for the annual trip to North East Victoria to visit family for the festive season.

Saturday 16 December 2023

For various reasons, I delayed departure a day. Instead, I drove to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs to pick up a couple of items. The trip to Melbourne was slow due to the Monash Freeway being closed near Pakenham, requiring a detour through Pakenham. After finishing my shopping, I headed to The Basin, then up Mountain Highway to Sassafras.

Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2187

This Park is an interesting shape, following Sassafras Creek and some tributaries, so the are many possible operating sites. I had previously activated the Park using VK3BEZ on a day of poor propagation, making only 19 contacts. I therefore needed another 24 contacts to bring the tally to 44. I decided to simply use my own callsign.

The car parking area just east of the Tourist Road is just inside the Reserve boundary.

I parked in the car park just north of the Sassafras Preschool. Conveniently, the car park is mostly inside the Park boundary. I soon had a line over a branch, the antenna set up running roughly N-S, and the radio on the front passenger seat. I operated from inside the car, given the cooler temperature and the stiff breeze.

I started on 40 m SSB, working 18 stations over about 25 minutes. 10 minutes of calling on 30 m SSB yielded only a single contact. Next was 20 m SSB, with only three contacts in 15 minutes. 20 m CW produced only two contacts. I spent some time trying higher bands without any success. I dropped back to 40 m CW and made five contacts. I returned to 40 m SSB, making another 14 contacts over the next 20 minutes, bringing the total to 44 for the activation. At that point, I decided to close down and pack up. During the activation, I stopped briefly a few times to explain to passersby what I was doing and the antenna hanging over the drive-through the car park. All were at least vaguely, and some very interested, in my activity.

I headed for home through the hills. The trip was perhaps slightly slower, but it avoided the traffic snarls associated with the Freeway closure.

Sunday 17 December 2023

I finished putting gear in the car and headed off around 1000. The plan was to head east to Bairnsdale, then take the Great Alpine Road.

I was part way to Traralgon when a Spot came through. I soon had Peter VK3ZPF in the log from Flinders Peak VK3/VC-030 in VKFF-0982 on 40 m SSB. The rest of the drive to Omeo was uneventful. I continued towards Mount Hotham until I reached the Cobungra CFA Station.

Cobungra Streamside Reserve VKFF-3648 Not previously activated

Most of this Reserve is under licence. The CFA Station is inside the Reserve boundary and open access, provided that the CFA are not called out. You must be located behind the fence line on the north to be inside the boundary – the main fence at the edge of the road reserve. I parked at the eastern extent of the hard stand area in front of the main doors to the CFA building and set up the station using a squid pole strapped to a stand under a wheel of the car. I knew that this might require a rapid shut down and pack up if a CFA callout occurred. I had activated this park for POTA before it was added to WWFF, so this was the first activation for WWFF.

The area of the CFA station is licensed separate to the remainder of the Reserve, which is under a Grazing Licence. Beware CFA callouts and the wide road reserve.

I spotted and started calling on 40 m SSB. I worked 28 stations in around 35 minutes. I then tried 30 m SSB, working old two stations. I next jumped to 20 m SSB, with the first contact being a Park to Park with James VK2TER in VKFF-0049, followed by another four stations. I switched back to 40 m SSB to work Peter VK3ZPF in VKFF-0055, then moved down to again work James VK2TER.

Next, I moved to 17 m CW, making three contacts. I jumped back to 40 m SSB to work Peter VK3TKK in VKFF-3840. 10 minutes on 20 m CW produced two contacts. I then went to 40 m CW to again hunt James VK2TER for a P2P. I then moved up 3 kHz, spotted and started calling. I worked three stations, including Peter VK3TKK for another P2P. After a few more minutes of calling without responses, I moved back to 40 m SSB. Over the next 20 minutes, I worked another 19 stations. With a total of 70 contacts logged, I closed down and packed up.

During the activation, a car pulled in with a CFA member from Omeo onboard, plus a member from Bairnsdale. They had come to look at the new building. I explained what I was doing. It turned out that the Bairnsdale member used to be an Amateur, but has let his licence lapse. We chatted briefly before they undertook a walkaround of the building and left several minutes later.

I was soon back on the road and drove over Mount Hotham and down to Bright and then on to Wodonga.