Our final activation for the 4th year anniversary weekend for the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award was the Eric Bonython Conservation Park 5CP-062 & VKFF-0877.  The park is located about 100 km south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

It was just a short drive from Waitpinga, and we soon reached the park.  Eric Bonython is a small narrow park, comprising 6 hectares of native scrub.  It follows Rymill Road and sits on the top of a ridge line about 280 metres above sea level.

The park was named after Eric Glenie Bonython (1910-1971) who was an author, explorer, and conservationist.  Bonython’s chief occupation was in landholding and grazing, however he had a very wide interest in history, geography and anthropology.  He became a well known explorer of the Lake Eyre Basin, at that time one of the most mysterious geological areas on earth.

The park is surrounded by cleared land used for farming purposes, particularly dairy.

There are some nice views from the park out across the Southern Ocean, to The Pages (2 small islands) and Kangaroo Island.

We set up in the south western corner of the park in a clearing amongst the scrub.  We extended the awning on the Toyota Hi Lux and set up the deck chairs and fold up table.  For this activation we ran the Yaesu FT-857D, and the 80/40/20m linked dipole on the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.  On 40m we ran 10 watts PEP (complying with Marija’s Foundation licence conditions), and on 20m I cranked up the power to 30 watts output.

Above:- Aerial shot of the park showing our operating spot.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

There was quite a stiff breeze blowing, so the VK5 Parks Award flag was flying proudly on the top of the squid pole.

I started off proceedings at Eric Bonython, calling CQ on 7.144 on 40m, which was answered by Helen VK7FOLK and Jonathan VK7JOPN who were activating the Rocky Cape National Park VKFF-0432 in Tasmania.  Their signals were incredibly strong.  Marija and I swapped the mic to log both Helen and Jonathan Park to Park.  We did the same for three other park activations:

• Andrew VK5MR in the Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278;
• Greg VK5GJ in the Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936; and
• Brett VK3FLCS in the Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763.

After logging 16 stations from VK2, VK3, VK5, VK6, and VK7, Marija jumped into the operators seat and called CQ.  This was answered by Dennis VK2HHA, followed by Peter VK3FOGY and then Steve VK3FSPG/VK3MPR.  It wasn’t long and Marija had a little pileup going.  Marija logged a total of 24 stations from VK2, VK3, VK5, VK7, VK8.  This included a contact with Greg VK8GM in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

After a bit of a wander through the park, I went back onto the mic, calling CQ on 7.139, which was promptly answered by Ivan VK5HS in the Riverland, followed by Alan VK3LSD in the Wimmera region of Victoria.  Things had slowed down a little, and I logged 10 stations from VK1, VK3, VK5, and VK7.

Marija and I then took the opportunity of tuning across the 40m band and logging a few park activators:

• Rob VK4AAC/p, Tewantin National Park VKFF-1318
• Chris VK5FR, Morgan Conservation Park 5CP-141 & VKFF-0911
• Bill VK4FW/p, Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363

The weather was starting to move in, with the occasional shower, so we were forced to put up a side wall on the awning.  It also sheltered us a bit from the bitterly cold wind coming in off the Southern Ocean.  It was cold!  After all, the next land mass, was the Antarctic.

I then called CQ on 7.105, where I worked a total of 19 stations including:

• Peter VK3PF/p, Green Lake State Park VKFF-0967
• Adrian VK5FANA/p, Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1706

It was nice to also log Marco VK3FTRI, and be his 1st ever contact on HF.

I then QSY’d to 14.310 on 20m and called CQ, competing with the Over the Horizon Radar which was extremely strong (S9 plus when it intermittently came on).  My first station logged on 20m was Ozren 9A7W in Croatia, followed by John VK6NU, and then Swa ON65SWA in Belgium.  I worked a total of 13 stations on 20m, but it was incredibly difficult with the radar.  Despite that it was nice to log a little bit of DX, long path to Europe: Croatia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France and Italy.

It was now 5.45 p.m. local time and the sun was setting and it was certainly not getting any warmer.  So I headed down to 3.610 on the 80m band and started calling CQ.  Adrian VK5FANA mobile, on his way home from his park, was the first in the log.  Marija was sitting on 30 contacts, with just 14 more to go to qualify the park for the global WWFF program, and she had a ‘second wind’ of enthusiasm and took control of the mic.

Marija logged 10 stations on 80m including Bill ZL2AYZ in New Zealand (Marija’s first ever ZL contact on 80m), and Gerard VK2IO who was portable in the Columbey State Conservation Area VKFF-1303.  Marija was now on 38 contacts and needed just 6 more contacts, but QSOs soon dried up on 80m, so we lowered the squid pole and removed the 80m links and headed back to 40m.  Marija commenced calling CQ on 7.130 and soon racked up her required number of contacts, with QSO number 44 being with Steve VK3SN/p in the Alpine National Park VKFF-0619.  A nice way for Marija to get her 44, with a Park to Park contact.

Marija ended up with a total of 47 contacts in the log, which included 10 Park to Park QSOs.  I had a total of 69 QSOs in the log, including 11 Park to Park QSOs.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7FOLK/p (Rocky Cape National Park VKFF-0432)
2. VK7JON/p (Rocky Cape National Park VKFF-0432)
3. VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278)
4. VK5GJ/p (Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936)
5.  VK3FLCS/p (Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763)
6. VK2HHA
7. VK3FOGY
8. VK3FSPG
9. VK3MPR
10. VK7KW
11. VK3BL
12. VK5PET
13. VK3CJD
14. VK3FLJD
15. VK3TKK/m
16. VK2QK
17. VK3LSD
18. VK3MRH
19. VK2HOT
20. VK3MNZ
21. VK8GM
22. VK3FRAB
23. VK4HNS/p
24. VK5HS
25. VK4AAC/p (Tewantin National Park VKFF-1318)
26. VK5FR/p (Morgan Conservation Park 5CP-141 & VKFF-0911)
27. VK4FW/p (Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)
28. VK3PF/p (Green Lake State Park VKFF-0967)
29. VK3FSLG
30. VK4FDWS
31. VK4AAT
32. VK4LX
33. VK3ZPF
34. VK3SN/p (Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
35. VK1DI
36. VK2GKA
37. VK3FEVT

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/p (Columbey State Conservation Area VKFF-1303)
2. ZL2AYZ/p
3. VK3ARH
4. VK3HRA
5. VK5MRT
6. VK5FANA
7. VK3GGG
8. VK3PMG
9. VK2UH
10. VK3MCK

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7FOLK/p (Rocky Cape National Park VKFF-0432)
2. VK7JON/p (Rocky Cape National Park VKFF-0432)
3. VK3SQ
4. VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 &VKFF-0278)
5. VK5GJ/p (Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936)
6. VK3FLCS/p (Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763)
7. VK3ELH
8. VK3FOGY
9. VK3LBW
10. VK3FSPG
11. VK3MPR
12. VK3TL
13. VK3EY
14. VK6ZFG
15. VK2NP
16. VK2HHA
17. VK3HS
18. VK3LSD
19. VK3BSG
20. VK3GGG
21. VK3PMG
22. VK3FRAB
23. VK3MRH
24. VK3VIN
25. VK1DI
26. VK7DW
27. VK4AAC/p (Tewantin National Park VKFF-1318)
28. VK5FR/p (Morgan Conservation Park 5CP-141 & VKFF-0911)
29. VK4FW/p (Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)
30. VK3CIB
31. VK2SVN
32. VK7EV/m
33. VK3IL/m
34. VK3NBL
35. VK5FAKV
36. VK3PF/p (Green Lake State Park VKFF-0967)
37. VK3VEF
38. VK4QQ
39. VK6BD/7
40. VK3VEK
41. VK3FSLG
42. VK3FORD/m
43. VK4HNS/p
44. VK5FANA/p (Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1706)
45. VK3MIJ
46. VK3FTRI
47. VK5KLV
48. VK2GPT

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. 9A7W
2. VK6NU
3. ON5SWA
4. 9A3NM
5. OZ5HP
6. VK4QQ
7. ON4VT
8. DL1SPE
9. VK4NH
10. F4GTD
11. IZ2QDC
12. OO2T
13. VK4MWG

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FANA/m
2. VK3GGG
3. VK3PMG
4. VK3SQ
5. VK2UH
6. VK2IO/p (Columbey State Conservation Area VKFF-1303)
7. ZL2AYZ/p
8. VK3ARH

At the end of the activation we headed off to the Yankalilla Hotel for tea.  It was a nice end to another fun anniversary weekend for the VK5 Parks Award.

References.

Illawong Texel Lamb, 2017, <http://www.illawongtexel.com.au/pages/where-the-seasons-come-and-go.php&gt;, viewed 11th April 2017

Our first planned park activation for Sunday morning (2nd April 2017) was the Waitpinga Conservation Park 5CP-243 and VKFF-0940.  The park is located about 113 km south of Adelaide, and about 40 km west of the seaside tourist town of Victor Harbor, on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Waitpinga Conservation Park, south of Adelaide.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

Our morning commenced with some breakfast and a nice cup of coffee. at the Deep Creek homestead.  The Western Grey kangaroos were also out and about, all around the homestead, also enjoying their breakfast.  It was quite a bleak morning, with a lot of cloud cover, and some very heavy rain overnight.  We both had our fingers crossed that the cloud cover may burn off and the weather fine up.

Prior to activating the park, we detoured down to Boat Harbor Beach where we enjoyed some fantastic views out across the ocean to Kangaroo Island.  As we looked out to the south east there was some heavy shower activity which signalled some alarm bells.

The track down to the carpark is definitely for 4WD only.  You can then take a walk down to the beach where you can often see dolphins playing in the surf.  There are some great views of the park along the way.

We then headed back to Range Road and then took Illawong Road, approaching the park from the eastern side.  The weather we had seen out to the south east had now hit with vengeance.  The showers were quite heavy and our prospects of activating were not looking good.  We travelled south along Illawong Road and soon reached a ‘Road Closed’ sign.  As the track was very wet, we decided not to try out luck and we headed back to Range Road and then took Tunkalilla Road and approached the park from the west.

The eastern side of Illawong Road

If you approach the park on Illawong Road from the west, you need to travel down through the creekline and passed the old farmhouse ruin on your right, before reaching the park boundary on your left.

The western side of the creekline on Illawong Road leading down to the park

Waitpinga is a small park, and although it is just 3 hectares in size, it is very important in that it conserves the rare Coral Fern.  Waitpinga consists of low open forest of stringy bark and Pink Gum, over an under storey of bracken, tea-tree, sedges and grasses.  The park is within the extent of ‘Illawong Swamp’ which is listed as a wetland of national importance.  The park also backs on to the quite large Second Valley Forest Reserve.

Waitpinga is a corruption of the aboriginal word ‘Waitpi-unga’ which means ‘the windy place’.

The park is located about 5 km to the north west of the surf fishing beach, Waitpinga Beach, which is in turn located within the Newland Head Conservation Park.

We sat in the vehicle for around 20 minutes, waiting for the showers to clear.  Sadly they didn’t.  We then set up the awning of the Toyota Hi Lux, getting wet in the process.  For this activation we used the Yaesu FT-857d, set at 10 watts PEP for Marija, and the 90/40/20m linked dipole on the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.

We were all set up and ready to go by just after 0040 UTC (11.10 a.m. South Australian local time).  A little later than expected.  Marija started off the activation, as I had previously activated and qualified the park.  Prior to calling CQ, we tuned across the band and found Tony VK3XV/5 on 7.100 calling CQ from the Ewens Ponds Conservation Park 5CP-064 & VKFF-0796.  Tony’s signal was fluctuating severely with QSB, but was spiking up to 5/5.  We both managed to make contact with Tony who gave us a 5/1 signal report.  It was a nice way to start the activation with a Park to Park contact.

We then moved down to 7.095 and Marija started calling CQ.  But it was very slow going, with just a handful of callers.  Sadly, we had no phone coverage, so we were unable to self spot on parksnpeaks.  With just 5 contacts in the log, Marija decided to go for a walk along Illawong Road to see if she could get some phone coverage, and spot us on parksnpeaks.  Whilst Marija was doing this I jumped onto the mic and called CQ.  This was answered by Sergio VK3SFG, followed by Jonathan VK7JON, and then Gerard VK2IO who was portable in Werakata State Conservation Area VKFF-1391.  I also logged Greg VK5GJ who was portable in the Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936, and David VK3IL who was activating SOTA peak King Billy No. 1 VK3/ VE-016 located within the Alpine National Park VKFF-0619.

Marija then returned from her journey up the road and took control of the mic again, soon obtaining her 10th QSO, qualifying the park for VKFF.  I then jumped back into the chair and called CQ.  Marija and I swapped the mic to log the various Park and SOTA activators who called in.  This included:

• Andrew VK1AD/p, SOTA Mount Stromlo VK1/ AC-043
• Les VK5KLV/p, Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920
• Peter VK5KPR/p, Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920

When callers slowed down, we tuned across the 40m band where Marija worked Gerard VK2IO/p in Werakata State Conservation Area VKFF-1391.  Marija had missed Gerard earlier when he called in.  And Marija also logged Greg VK5GJ in the Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936.

We then went back to 7.095, but in that short time, it had been taken up by some other stations, so we found 7.105 clear and I started calling CQ.  This was answered by Adrian VK5FANA who was activating the Minlacowie Conservation Park 5CP-135 & VKFF-0909.  Marija was also keen to log Adrian, Park to Park.  I worked another 2 stations, Craig VK3CRG and Geoff VK3SQ, before my attention was drawn to a Scarlet Breasted Robin who was quite active a few metres away from us.  Marija jumped back onto the mic whilst I took the opportunity of taking some photographs.

Marija logged a further 16 stations from VK2, VK3, VK5, and VK7, including Peter VK2PX/3 who was in the Greater Bendigo National Park VKFF-0623, Steve VK3SN who was portable in the Alpine National Park VKFF-0619, and Greg VK5ZGY who was activating the Carpenter Rocks Conservation Park 5CP-038 & VKFF-1018.

female Superb Fairy Wren

Grey Fantail

Scarlet Breasted Robin

We continued our game of ‘musical microphone’ and I again jumped into the ‘driver’s seat’ working a steady flow of callers.  Marija had only intended to get 10 contacts from this park, qualifying Waitpinga for VKFF, but she was rapidly approaching 44, so we exchanged the mic so she could add some QSOs to her tally.  We also logged some more Park and SOTA activators.  They being:

• Chris VK5FR/p, Morgan Conservation Park VKFF-0911
• Brett VK3FLCS/p, Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763
• Col VK5HCF/p, Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park 5CP-225 & VKFF-0804
• Adrian VK5FANA/p, Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1706
• Andrew VK1DA/2, SOTA Bobbara Mountain VK2/ ST-044
• Tony VK5MRT/p, Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873

Other interesting contacts were with Peter VK2STO and Kevin VK2FOUZ who were operating the club call of VK2STO.  They were portable at the First Shaft lookout at the Lightning Ridge Opal Field in outback New South Wales.

Time was marching on, and we needed to get to our second park of the day, Eric Bonython.  But before going QRT I headed down to 3.610 on the 80m band and called CQ.  As we had no internet coverage I was unable to spot on parksnpeaks or Facebook.  Sadly, 5 minutes of CQ calls went unanswered.  I then moved up to 14.310 on the 20m band and called CQ.  Again, as there was no internet coverage, we were relying on luck that some park hunters would find us.  My first caller on 20m was Igor VK6ZFG, with a good strong 5.8 signal, followed by Bruce VK2HOT, Rob VK2ZH, and finally Neil VK4HNS/p in Goondiwindi.

What started off as a less than promising activation, with very poor weather, turned into a successfully qualified park.  Marija had a total of 51 contacts in the log, including 14 Park to Park contacts.  I also had a total of 51 contacts in the log, including 17 Park to Park contacts.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3XV/5 (Ewens Ponds Conservation Park 5CP-064 & VKFF-0796)
2. VK2LX
3. VK7AV
4. VK3FSPG
5. VK3MPR
6. VK3SFG
7. VK3MRH
8. VK3MRG/p
9. VK3PAT
10. VK7FPRN
11. VK1AD/p (SOTA Mount Stromlo VK1/ AC-043)
12. VK5KLV/p (Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920)
13. VK5KPR/p (Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920)
14. VK2IO/p (Werakata State Conservation Area VKFF-1391)
15. VK5GJ/p (Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936)
16. VK5FANA/p (Minlacowie Conservation Park 5CP-135 & VKFF-0909)
17. VK3GGG
18. VK3PMG
19. VK3CRG
20. VK5WG
21. VK2PX/3 (Greater Bendigo National Park VKFF-0623)
22. VK3FLES
23. VK3NBL
24. VK7JON
25. VK2RP/m
26. VK3NCC/m
27. VK3SN/p (Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
28. VK5ZGY/p (Carpenter Rocks Conservation Park 5CP-038 & VKFF-1018)
29. VK2YW
30. VK3CM
31. VK3FSTA
32. VK2SMS/p
33. VK3FQSO
34. VK5FR/p (Morgan Conservation Park VKFF-0911)
35.  VK3FLCS/p (Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763)
36. VK5HCF/p (Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park 5CP-225 & VKFF-0804)
37. VK3FOGY
38. VK3HN
39. VK2STO/p
40. VK2FOUZ/p
41. VK3XL
42. VK3VIN
43. VK5FANA/p (Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1706)
44. VK7QP
45. VK1DA/2 (SOTA Bobbara Mountain VK2/ ST-044)
46. VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3XV/5 (Ewens Ponds Conservation Park 5CP-064 & VKFF-0796)
2. VK3SFG
3. VK7JON
4. VK2IO/p (Werakata State Conservation Area VKFF-1391)
5. VK3MRG/p
6. VK5GJ/p (Stipiturus Conservation Park 5CP-220 & VKFF-0936)
7. VK3IL/p (SOTA King Billy No. 1 VK3/ VE-016 and Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
8. VK3MRH
9. VK1AD/p (SOTA Mount Stromlo VK1/ AC-043)
10. VK3WE
11. VK3ARH
12. VK7PRN
13. VK5KLV/p (Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920)
14. VK5KPR/p (Munyaroo Conservation Park 5CP-154 & VKFF-0920)
15. VK3FSPG
16. VK3MPR
17. VK2RP/m
18. VK3VIN
19. VK5FANA/p (Minlacowie Conservation Park 5CP-135 & VKFF-0909)
20. VK3CRG
21. VK3SQ
22. VK5ZGY/p (Carpenter Rocks Conservation Park 5CP-038 & VKFF-1018)
23. VK5FR/p (Morgan Conservation Park VKFF-0911)
24. VK3FQSO
25. VK3FLCS/p (Lerderderg State Park VKFF-0763)
26. VK2PX/3 (Chiltern Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0623)
27. VK3XL
28. VK3MAB
29. VK5NAQ
30. VK5ZRY/m
31. VK7EK
32. VK5HCF/p (Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park 5CP-225 & VKFF-0804)
33. VK3FOGY
34. VK3HN
35. VK2SMS/p
36. VK2STO
37. VK2FOUZ
38. VK3GGG
39. VK3PMG
40. VK5FANA/p (Eastern Spencer Gulf Marine Park VKFF-1706)
41. VK7QP
42. VK6ZFG
43. VK1DA/2 (SOTA Bobbara Mountain VK2/ ST-044)
44. VK3FVIC
45. VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)
46. VK5AYD
47. VK3SN/p (Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK6ZFG
2. VK2HOT
3. VK2ZH
4. VK4HNS/p

References.

Cockburn, R, “2002, South Australia.  What’s in a Name?”

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2011, “Parks of the Fleurieu Peninsula”.

Wikipedia, 2017, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waitpinga_Conservation_Park&gt;, viewed 11th April 2017

Once we got home to the homestead, I set up the equipment outside again and headed to 14.310 on 20m and called CQ.  As we had no internet coverage, I was just hoping that someone would come across my signal.  It didn’t take long and I was called by Ozren 9A7W in Croatia.  Ozren’s signal was not overly strong but we successfully exchanged 5/5 signal reports.  Next was Chris VK4BX, followed by Sasa 9A3NM in Croatia.

This was followed by a handful of Europeans from France, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, Slovak Republic, and just 2 Australians from VK8 and VK6.

It was a pretty cool evening, only 13 deg C, so I was rugged up with my beanie and jacket.   It was a much cooler evening compared to the night earlier.  Marija was kind enough to bring my tea outside to me, and I took a break, while Marija called CQ on 7.144.  Steve VK4QQ was her first caller, followed by Simon VK3FSLG and then Ian VK1DI.  Marija logged a total of 24 stations from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK7, and New Zealand.  This included Allan VK3ARH who was on SOTA peak Mount Beckworth VK3/ VC-024 and Gary VK5FGRY who was portable in the Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783.  Marija was also very pleased to have her second contact into New Zealand, with Oliver ZL1XS.

After finishing tea and lighting the slow combustion heater, I started calling CQ on 7.144.  It was getting too cold for Marija, and she retreated indoors to the fire.  My CQ was answered by Marshall VK3MRG who was camping on the banks of the Upper Yarra.  This was followed by Damien VK3FRAB, and then much to my surprise, Lubos KP2AD in the American Virgin Islands.  Lubos was booming in at 5/9 plus and gave me a 5/5 which I was very happy with.   I quickly summoned Marija outside and asked Lubos if he would be so kind to listen out for Marija.  He agreed and I would the power back down to 10 watts PEP.  Much to our amazement Lubos came back with a 4/4 signal report for Marija.  We were both very excited as this was a new DXCC entity for Marija.

I went on to work a total of 32 stations on 7.144 from VK2, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, Virgin Islands, New Zealand, and USA.  This included Bill VK4FW who was portable in the Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363, Peter VK3PF/p who was portable on SOTA peak VK3/ VW-007, Steve VK3SN who was portable in the Mount Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339, and Gerard VK2IO was portable on SOTA peak Broken Back Range VK2/ HU-054.  I was also very pleased to work Clive ZL4CJR who was operating portable from the Fjordland National Park ZLFF-0004.  Clive and I had quite a lengthy chat.

I then headed to 7.130 as I had been informed that Pedro NP4A in Puerto Rico was very loud and was working VK.  He certainly had quite a pile up going, and thanks to Mike VK2BXE who advised Pedro to have a listen out for me, I logged Pedro 5/9 both ways.

I then headed down to 3.610 on the 80m band and started calling CQ.  The Over the Horizon radar was choofing away in the background, but it didn’t take long and I had my first caller, Chris VK3YUN.  This was followed by Mark VK6BSA who had a terrific 5/9 signal.  I worked a further 6 stations from VK3, VK4, VK6, and VK7, including Tony who was on top of SOTA peak Mount Mitchell VK3/ VN-012.

I then headed back to 40m and I tuned across the band.  I heard Alberto P29LL with a huge pile up from North America.  I then heard Bill W1ZY calling CQ from Rhode Island.  He wasn’t so busy and we had a short chat, exchanging signal reports 5/9 sent and 5/7 received).  Bill was quite amazed with my operating conditions.

I then called CQ on 7.155 and worked 7 stations, including Mark AF6TC in California USA and Oliver ZL1XS, before going QRT for the evening.

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. 9A7W
2. VK4BX
3. 9A3NM
4. F1BLL
5. SP5INQ
6. IK4LZH
7. S52KM
8. OM7OM
9. VK8RD
10. VK6AHR
11. IZ1ERW

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3MRG/p
2. VK3FRAB
3. KP2AD
4. VK5FANA
5. VK1MTS
6. VK3VG
7. VK2GPT
8. VK2LDN
9. VK3NU
10. VK4FW/p (Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)
11. VK3PF/p (Near Boroka Lookout VK3/VW-007)
12. VK4GSF
13. VK3SN/p (Mount Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339)
14. VK2XQX
15. VK2IO/p (SOTA Broken Back Range VK2/ HU-054)
16. VK6FCAO/p
17. VK3HBG
18. VK1FC
19. VK7ALB
20. VK7VZ/p
21. ZL4QT
22. VK3ANL
23. VK2HJVK7PRN
24. KN7D
25. VK1HW
26. VK2SR
27. VK2HHA
28. VK7PSJ
29. VK7PAL
30. VK2IAN
31. ZL4CJR/p (Fjordland National Park ZLFF-0004)
32. NP4A
33. W1SY
34. VK2ZIW
35. AF6TC
36. VK6NTE
37. VK1AL/2
38. VK2XXM
39. ZL1XS
40. VK2IWU

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK3YUN
2. VK6BSA
3. VK7PRN
4. VK3ZIP
5. VK4GSF
6. VK3CAT/p (SOTA Mount Mitchell VK3/ VN-012)
7. VK6HRC
8. VK3PAT

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK4QQ
2. VK3FSLG
3. VK1DI
4. VK2GPT
5. VK2LDN
6. VK2ND
7. VK3ARH (SOTA Mount Beckworth VK3/ VC-024)
8. VK3MMX
9. VK4NH
10. VK4FLJT
11. VK3FSPG
12. VK3MPR
13. VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
14. VK3ANL
15. VK3LBW
16. VK3NGD
17. VK7FEAT/m
18. VK3FCMC
19. VK3FRAB
20. VK2FSAV
21. VK3LPG
22. ZL1XS
23. VK2YW
24. VK3MRG/p
25. KP2AD
26. VK4FW/p (Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)

Our first activation for Saturday 1st April 2017 for the 4th Anniversary of the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award, was Talisker Conservation Park 5CP-223 & VKFF-0790.  I have activated and qualified this park previously on a number of occasions, but it was to be a unique park for my wife Marija VK5FMAZ for both the VK5 Parks Award and World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF).

Talisker is located about 100 km south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.  It was just a short drive from our accomodation at Deep Creek.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Talisker Conservation Park, south of Adelaide.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

After breakfast we packed the 4WD and headed off to Talisker.  It was quite an overcast morning with some dark clouds in the sky.  We certainly had our fingers crossed that the weather would hold off.

Talisker Conservation Park was established in 1976 and consists of 211 hectares of native scrub set in very hilly terrain.  The park incorporates the old Talisker silver-lead mine, which was discovered by John McLeod in 1862.  It was named after a locality on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.  Talisker employed Cornish miners and supported a nearby township called Silverton.  The population of Silverton grew to 3000 at its peak in 1870.  The Talisker Mining Company worked the mine until falling ore grades and a lack of finance, forced the mine’s closure in 1872.  Between 1917 to 1920, the mine was worked again, mainly for arsenic.

More information on the park and its fascinating history can be found at my previous posts at…..

Talisker Conservation Park 5CP-223 and VKFF-0790

Talisker Conservation Park

Talisker Conservation Park

We set up in our normal spot, a clearing in the scrub near the old camp ground, off Talisker Road.  There is plenty of room here to stretch out the 80/40/20, linked dipole.  We were all set up and ready to go by just after 2300 UTC (9.30 a.m. South Australian local time).  The sun was occasionally popping its head out from the clouds, so we set up the solar panels to top up the power pack.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Talisker Conservation Park showing our operating spot in the northern section of the park.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

As I had activated and qualified the park previously, Marija started off on air first.  Prior to calling CQ we had a quick tune across the 40m band to see if we could find any other VK5 park activators.  It didn’t take us long.  We soon found Tony VK3XV/5 calling CQ on 7.144 from the Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905.  Tony was very low down (5/1), but as there was no man made noise on the band from the park, Tony was easily worked (5/1 received).  It was clear that close in propagation was going to be a challenge during the activation which was a real pity, as we were both hoping for some Park to Park action.

After speaking with Tony, Marija then headed to 7.150 where she commenced calling CQ.  This was answered by Roald VK1MTS with a strong 5/8 signal, followed by Steve VK3FSPG/VK3MPR, and then Geoff VK3SQ.  It didn’t take long for a mini pile up to ensue, and considering Marija has only been licenced for 12 months, she did a very admirable job managing the pile up.  Marija logged a total of 34 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7.  But at that stage, Tony was our only VK5 Parks activator.  It appeared that Tony, Marija and I were the only early starters for the anniversary weekend.

After a good run on 40m, we then lowered the squid pole and inserted the links for the 80m band and headed to 3.610.  I spotted Marija on parksnpeaks and Marija called CQ.  This was answered by the ever reliable Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, with a strong 5/8 signal from western Victoria.  Adrian VK5FANA who was portable in the Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812 in the Mid North of South Australia then called us.  Sadly, due to a high noise floor on 80m we were just not quite able to pull Adrian through.  We weren’t really sure where the noise was coming from, as we were certainly not near any known interference sources.  Marija then spoke with Col VK5HCF in Mount Gambier, Ivan VK5HS in the Riverland, and then John VK5DJ at Millicent in the South East.  Adrian then called in again, and thanks to his patience and persistence, we were able to make a valid contact just as out noise floor dropped for us.  I also logged Adrian Park to Park.

Marija and I then decided to try the 15m band.  We had seen a few comments on one of the Facebook sites from some USA stations asking us to try 15m.  So it was down with the 80/40/20m linked dipole, and up with the 15m 1/2 wave dipole.  Sadly, about five minutes of Marija’s CQ calls went unanswered, so I jumped into the operator’s seat and called CQ.  After about 5 minutes of CQ calls, Hans VK6XN from Western Australia came back to my CQ call.  Unfortunately Hans was our only contact on 15m.  Marija was now just 1 contact short of qualifying the park for WWFF, with 43 contacts in the log.

We headed back to the 40m band where we both worked Wade VK1FWBD who was portable on a SOTA peak, Tuggeranong Hill VK1/ AC-038.  Wade was Marija’s 44th contact, and a successful park activation in the log.

I then took control of the mic and called CQ on 7.144.  My first taker there was Fred VK3DAC, followed by Les VK2DSG and then regular park hunter Rick VK4RF/VK4HA.  A few of the VK5 Park activators now started to appear, and Marija and I swapped the mic each time to log them Park to Park.

The trig point in the park, opposite our operating position

South Australian park activators logged on 7.144 on 40m were:

• Mark VK5QI/p – Warren Conservation Park 5CP-247 & VKFF-0941
• Adrian VK5FANA/p – Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812
• Greg VK5ZGY/p – Lake Frome Conservation Park 5CP-108 & VKFF-0900
• Greg VK5GJ/p, Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038
• Norm VK5GI/p, Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038
• Gary VK5FGRY/p – Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783
• Ray VK5RR – Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892
• Tony VK5MRT/p, Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873
• Peter VK5PET/p – Cleland Conservation Park 5CP-042 & VKFF-0778 & SOTA Mount Lofty VK5/ SE-005
• Mark VK5QI/p – Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779

Interstate park activators logged on 40m were:

• Peter VK3PF/p, Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345
• Neil VK4HNS/p -Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587
• Mark VK4SMA/p – White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676
• Rob VK4AAC/p – Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722
• Mick VK3PMG/VK3GGG/p – Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629

Interstate SOTA activators logged on 40m were:

• Gerard VK2IO – VK2/ HU-080
• Peter VK3PF/p, Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048
• Mick VK3PMG/VK3GGG/p – West of England Range VK3/ VW-013

Some other interesting contacts included Steve VK5SFA who was using a 1.2 m diameter loop antenna, and Craig VK3CRG who was streaming my QSOs on VK3RTV Digital Amateur Television.

After logging a total of 79 stations on 7.144, traffic started to slow down.  So we took the opportunity of tuning across the 40m band and picking up a few more South Australian & interstate park activators.

• Tony VK3XV/5 – Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 & VKFF-0802
• Andrew VK5MR/p – Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278
• Greg VK5ZGY/p – Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791
• Keith VK5OQ/3 – Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296

We were now 5 hours into our activation and I had not yet got up to 20m.  So it was time to try that band.  I self spotted on parksnpeaks and then called CQ on 14.310 and this was answered by Hans VK6XN in Western Australia, who I had worked a little earlier on the 15m band.  Hans was a good 5/8, considerably stronger than his earlier signal on 15m.   I worked a further 8 stations on 20m including:

• Mark VK4SMA/p -White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676
• Neil VK4HNS/p – Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0587

It was now approaching 0500 UTC (3.30 p.m. local time), and we decided to have one last listen on 40m before calling it a day at Talisker.  We were pleased we did, as we logged David VK5HYZ in the Mount Remarkable National Park 5NP-015 & VKFF-0360.

Marija and I ended up with a total of 158 QSOs for this activation, including a total of 42 Park to Park contacts.

Thankyou to everyone who called, and thanks to those who took the time to spot us.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3XV/5 (Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905)
2. VK1FWBD/p (Tuggeranong Hill SOTA VK1/ AC-038)
3. VK3DAC
4. VK2DSG
5. VK4RF
6. VK4HA
7. VK5QI/p (Warren Conservation Park 5CP-247 & VKFF-0941)
8. VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)
9. VK3SQ
10. VK3PF/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
11. VK3TKK
12. VK3FRAB
13. VK3PAT
14. VK3GGG
15. VK3PMG
16. VK3SFG
17. VK3FCMC
18. VK5JW
19. VK1DI
20. VK3MRH
21. VK3TJK
22. VK3GTS
23. VK3FLCS
24. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ HU-080)
25. VK5ZGY/p (Lake Frome Conservation Park 5CP-108 & VKFF-0900)
26. VK5GJ/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
27. VK5GI/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
28. VK5IS/p
29. VK3UCD
30. VK3ANL
31. VK3SB
32. VK7JON/m
33. VK7FOLK/m
34. VK5AW
35. VK3GWS
36. VK3RV
37. VK4HNS/p (Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587)
38. VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
39. VK7PRN
40. VK3BNJ
41. VK3MAB
42. VK5FAKV
43. VK3CBP
44. VK5RR/p (Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892)
45. VK5KB
46. VK5EMI
47. VK4SMA/p (White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676)
48. VK3ARH
49. VK4AAC/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722)
50. VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)
51. VK5PET/p (Cleland Conservation Park 5CP-042 & VKFF-0778 & Mt Lofty summit VK5/ SE-005)
52. VK2YW
53. VK5HCF/m
54. VK5FCDL
55. VK3PF/p (SOTA Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048)
56. VK5KLV
57. VK3VLA
58. VK5FMWW
59. VK5SFA
60. VK3GGG/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629 & SOTA VK3/ VW-013)
61. VK3PMG/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629 & SOTA VK3/ VW-013)
62. VK3CRG
63. VK5HS
64. VK5QI/p (Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779)
65. VK3ALA/7
66. VK2LX
67. VK3FLJD
68. VK4GSF
69. VK2HHA
70. VK2FENG
71. VK5MLB
72. VK3ATC
73. VK2VW
74. VK3KMA
75. VK5NMG
76. VK5KSW
77. VK3KMH
78. VK3BBB
79. VK3FSPG
80. VK3MPR
81. VK5ZRY/m
82. VK3FEVT
83. VK3XV/5 (Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 & VKFF-0802)
84. VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278)
85. VK5ZGY/p (Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791)
86. VK5OQ/3 (Lower Glenelg River National Park)
87. VK5HYZ/p (Mount Remarkable National Park 5NP-015 and VKFF-0360)

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043)

I worked the following station on 15m SSB:-

1. VK6XN

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK6XN
2. VK2HOT
3. VK4DA
4. VK4QQ
5. VK2XXM
6. VK6AHR
7. VK4SMA/p (White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676)
8. VK4HNS/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0587)
9. VK4YLH

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3XV/5 (Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905)
2. VK1MTS
3. VK3FSPG
4. VK3MPR
5. VK3SQ
6. VK7JON
7. VK3SFG
8. VK4FW
9. VK4RZ
10. VK2AMF
11. VK3ARH
12. VK7NOH
13. VK2WG
14. VK2YW/p
15. VK3FSLG
16. VK3KMA
17. VK3FCMC
18. VK4RF
19. VK4HA
20. VK4HNS/p
21. VK7PRN
22. VK3OHM
23. VK3QA
24. VK3VIN
25. VK2XXM
26. VK3PAT
27. VK3FRAB
28. VK5FMWW/m
29. VK3YE
30. VK3FHCT
31. VK7FOLK/m
32. VK2FADV
33. VK2VAA
34. VK3GGG
35. VK3PMG
36. VK3TKK/m
37. VK3SQ
38. VK1FWBD/p (Tuggeranong Hill SOTA VK1/ AC-038)
39. VK3PF/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
40. VK5ZGY/p (Lake Frome Conservation Park5CP-108 & VKFF-0900)
41. VK5GI/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
42. VK5GJ/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
43. VK4HNS/p (Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587)
44. VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)
45. VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
46. VK5RR/p (Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892)
47. VK4AAC/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722)
48. VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)
49. VK3PF/p (SOTA Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048)
50. VK5QI/p (Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779)
51. VK3XV/5 (Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 & VKFF-0802)
52. VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278)
53. VK5ZGY/p (Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791)
54. VK5HYZ/p (Mount Remarkable National Park 5NP-015 & VKFF-0360)

Marija worked the following stations on 15m SSB:-

1. VK6XN

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK3GGG
2. VK3PMG
3. VK5HCF
4. VK5HS
5. VK5DJ
6. VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)

At the end of the activation we drove down to Blowhole Beach.  The track down to the beach is definitely only 4WD.  It is very rocky and steep, and has numerous washaways.  It is clearly marked 4WD ONLY.

As we grew closer to the bottom car parking area we saw that there were a number of surfers enjoying the waves.

There are some very nice views here, out across the Southern Ocean and out to Kangaroo Island.

We then drove down to the bottom of Tapanappa Road and along the dirt track to the camping area.  We enjoyed some sensational views of the coastline from here.

References.

Wikipedia, 2017, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talisker_Conservation_Park&gt;, viewed 3rd April 2017

It was time for another anniversary activation weekend for the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award.  This time we were celebrating 4 years of the VK5 Parks Award.  And as we have done for the past couple of years, my wife Marija VK5FMAZ and I headed down to the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide.  We had four planned parks to activate over the duration of the weekend: Deep Creek Conservation Park, Talisker Conservation Park, Waitpinga Conservation Park, and Eric Bonython Conservation Park.

For this stay, Marija and I had booked in to the Deep Creek homestead located within the Deep Creek Conservation Park, about 100 km south of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Deep Creek Conservation Park, south of Adelaide.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

It is a lovely drive from our home in the Adelaide Hills, through the Hills, and then through the Fleurieu Peninsula.  The Peninsula was named after Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu, the French explorer and hydrographer, by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin during his exploration of the south coast of Australia in 1802.

Above:- Portrait of de Fleurieu.  Courtesy of wikipedia.

The drive took us down through Echunga, Meadows, Mount Compass, Yankalilla, Second Valley, and then Delamere.  We then travelled along Range Road, and Tapanappa Road until we reached gate 29.  The Deep Creek Homestead was visible from here down in the gully amongst the scrub.

As we drove down along the track leading to the homestead, we saw a number of Western Grey kangaroos out for their late afternoon brunch.  Western Greys are found across almost all of the entire southern part of Australia.  They weigh between 28-54 kg and stand approximately 1.3 m tall.

There was a row of banksia trees along the driveway not far from the homestead and these were alive with various nectar feeding birds, including New Holland honeyeaters, Rainbow lorikeets, Musk lorikeets, and Red Wattlebirds.

We also had another small welcoming committee, a number of Galahs and Welcome Swallows.

The homestead is located in the northern section of the park, in a gully a few km from the Southern Ocean.  It is a nice secluded location surrounded by scrub and some cleared land.

Above:- Aerial shot showing our operating spot within the Deep Creek Conservation Park.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

In 1945 Dr. Goode purchased 5,000 acres of land to be known as Tapanappa, after the creek which runs in front of the homestead.  His son Bill, a returned serviceman and his wife Yvonne took up residence in 1946 when the main portion of the current homestead was built.  The jarrah floorboards came from the loft of Dr Goode’s garage on Jetty Road at Brighton.  They raised 2 daughters, Susan and Cherrie on the property and the dining and master bedrooms were added during the early 1960’s as the family’s needs grew.

In 1971 Mr & Mrs Goode retired to Victor Harbor and the property was sold to the Mail family who used the land to run cattle with their 3 children.  In 1974, National Parks and Wildlife placed an acquisition order on the property for inclusion into the Deep Creek Conservation Park.  The surround land was leased to Jack Biddle for grazing while the property itself stood empty for the next 20 years.

In 1994, Southern Ocean Retreats took on the management of the property.  Over the next 4 years, countless hours of time was spent on returning the homestead to its present state.

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The area of Deep Creek Conservation Park lies within the lands traditionally associated with both the Ramindjeri and Kaurna aboriginal people.  Settlement of areas in and around Deep Creek by European settlers occurred from the late 1850’s when farms were established.  During the mid 1880’s land grants were given and apart from farming, land uses included wattle bark stripping and later during the depression years , Yacca gum was collected.  From the 1920’s onwards, further settlement of the area occurred with a concentrated effort to clear land for farming.  It was not until 1965 that the environmental significance of the Deep Creek area was recognised and the South Australian State Government commenced purchasing land to form what is now known as the Deep Creek Conservation Park.

Deep Creek is 44.96 km²  in size and was established on 1st January 1971.  It preserves the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula.  It provides some of the most scenic and challenging bushwalking areas in South Australia.  The park contains 18 km of coastline with views out across the Southern Ocean, The Pages Islands, and Kangaroo Island.  Over 380 species of native flora have been recorded in the park.  A total of 32 of those are recorded as rare.

The park is home to over 100 species of bird, with at least 10 species being listed as vulnerable, including the Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo.  About 11 species of native mammal can be found in the park including the Western Grey Kangaroo, Short-beakced Echidna, Yellow-Footed Antechinus, and the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

After unpacking the vehicle and settling in, I then set up the amateur radio station, comprising the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts output, and the 80/40/20m linked dipole, supported on the 7 metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole.  I operated from the decking outside of the living area of the homestead.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear NO man made noise when I turned on the transceiver.  BEAUTIFUL!

I was all set up and ready to go by 0710 UTC (5.40 p.m. South Australian local time).  I tuned across the 40m band and found TI2CDA in Costa Rica working Europe and North America on 7.150.  I gave him a call, but sadly I was unable to break the pile up.  It was a shame, as that would have been a new DXCC entity for me whilst operating portable.

Unfortunately there was no phone coverage, so I was unable to spot on parksnpeaks.  The 40m band was quite busy, with lots of VK and European activity, so my preferred frequency of 7.144 was unavailable.  I found 7.135 clear and I started calling CQ.  First caller was Peter VK3PF who was portable in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954, with a terrific 5/9 signal.  Marija was keen to also log Peter as a Park to Park contact.  This was a nice way to start the activation with a Park to Park.

A number of the ‘usual suspects’ followed, including Jonathan VK7JON, Ian VK1DI, and Peter VK3TKK mobile.  Much to my surprise, I was then called by Narcisco IZ1JMN in Italy who was a sold 5/8 into Deep Creek.  Six QSOs later, I logged Filipe CT1EXS in Portugal who also had a strong 5/8 signal into the park.  It was a real thrill to be able to log a few European stations on 40m with relatively low power and a piece of wire.

Marija was kind enough to bring me my tea and I had that between overs.  A nice meal of sausages, beef patties and salad.  I went on to work 41 stations on 7.135.  Stations logged were from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, New Zealand, Portugal, USA, Canada, and Italy.  It was nice to log Oliver ZL1XS from New Zealand, who has become a regular park hunter.  My other DX contacts were with Steve VE6WZ who was operating remote.  Steve was using his station in Canada, whilst sitting in a hotel room in Perth.  Steve’s station in Canada consisted of a 2 element yagi @ 100 feet and 1 KW.  No wonder he was 5/9.  I also spoke with Mark AF6TC in California with a huge 5/9 plus signal.

It was starting to get dark, with the time being just after 0900 UTC.  It wasn’t getting any warmer either.  The temeperature had dropped to 13 deg C.  I suspected I had left my run on 20m a little too late.  But I lowered the squid pole and removed the links and headed up to 14.310 and started calling CQ.  Sadly 5 minutes of CQ calls went unanswered.  This wasn’t help by the fact that I couldn’t self spot due to no phone coverage.  So feeling a little disappointed I tuned across the 20m band and did not hear a single European signal coming in on the long path.  My only contact on 20m was with Tack JE1RXJ in Japan, who 5/9 +, and was running 1 KW into a 4 element tribander @ 20 metres.

I then headed off to 80m hoping to log a few of the South Australian park hunters.  Close in propagation on 40m was very poor, with just 1 VK5 logged, Shaun VK5FAKV in the Riverland region.  I called CQ on 3.610 and this was answered by Phil VK5FILL who was 5/9 ++ from the southern suburbs of Adelaide.  This was followed by Erwin VK3ERW, Phil VK2HPN mobile, and then Bill VK4FW.  I worked a further 8 stations on 80m from VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK5.

It was now after 1000 UTC (8.30 p.m. local time) and it was pitch black.  I headed back to 40m and booked in to the 7130 DX Net, where I worked a total of 8 stations from VK2, VK7, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and USA.  This included Ed NT2X in New York, and John KT6E in Calafornia.

At the conclusion of the net I moved up to 7.135 and called CQ.  This was answered by Keiran VK2QK, followed by Robert VK2XXM, and then Greg VK8GM in Alice Springs.  Thankyou to Bill VK4FW who also came up to say hi again, and was kind enough to spot me on parksnpeaks.  These spots go direct to the cluster, and I am sure that this resulted in the DX contacts that followed.  I logged Bill W1OW in Massachusetts USA, Nenad VE3EXY in Ontario Canada, and then Mike KA5PNX in Nebraska USA.  Sadly a combination of the Over the Horizon Radar and an operator I suspect from Indonesia or Malaysia causing me QRM, forced my hand to move from the frequency.

It was now 10.00 p.m. local time and I was feeling a little weary, but I decided to have one last listen on 80m before going QRT for the day.  The temeperature had now dropped down to 10 deg C.  I called CQ on 3.610 and this was answered by Roger VK3SB, followed by Peter VK3FICE.  It was Peter’s first ever time on HF radio.  Welcome Peter.  I worked a further 4 stations from VK3 and VK5, before calling it a night.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF/p (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
2. VK7JON
3. VK1DI
4. VK2VKB
5. VK3TKK/m
6. VK4NH
7. VK3KRH
8. VK2EJH
9. VK3QA
10. VK7DW
11. IZ1JMN
12. VK3APA/m
13. VK2KJJ
14. VK3FOGY
15. VK4FW
16. VK4SMA
17. CT1EXS
18. VK3BFR
19. VK4PDX
20. VK3SFG
21. VK3GH
22. ZL1XS
23. VK4HNS
24. VK6JRC
25. VE6WZ
26. VK4FILS
27. VK4WJW
28. VK3FCMC
29. VK3CIB
30. VK3FORD
31. VK3ARH
32. VK3UCD
33. VK3MAB
34. VK5FAKV
35. AF6TC
36. VK2ND
37. VK2/WA6EWI
38. VK3FSLG
39. VK3TL
40. VK3FSPG
41. VK3MPR
42. VK7ROY
43. NT2X
44. FO5JV
45. ZL2ASH
46. KT6E
47. VK7VZ
48. VK7PRN
49. VK2SMS
50. VK2QK
51. VK2XXM
52. VK8GM
53. W1OW
54. VE3EXY
55. KA5PNX

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. JE1RXJ

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FILL
2. VK3ERW
3. VK2HPN/m
4. VK4FW
5. VK4QD/p
6. VK2SR
7. VK3HRA
8. VK3FROD
9. VK3VIN
10. VK5FANA
11. VK3FNQS
12. VK5HYZ
13. VK3SB
14. VK3FICE
15. VK3HBG
16. VK3CAH
17. VK3JUG/m
18. VK5NM

References

Department for Environment and Heritage, 2004, ‘Bushwalking in Deep Creek Conservation Park’

Wikipedia, 2017, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleurieu_Peninsula&gt;, viewed 3rd April 2017

Wikipedia, 2017, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_grey_kangaroo&gt;, viewed 3rd April 2017

Marija VK5FMAZ and I are home from our short trip away to the Fleurieu Peninsula for the 4th year anniversary of the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award.  As always, we had a terrific time and enjoyed our stay south of Adelaide.  This year we stayed for 2 nights in the homestead located within the Deep Creek Conservation Park.  We can highly recommend this accomodation.

We activated a total of 4 Conservation Parks over the weekend and made a total of 532 QSOs.  This included a total of 99 Park to Park contacts.

Sadly, participation by VK5 activators was down from previous years.  But it was very pleasing to see a number of interstate park activators heading out to take advantage of the Park to Park opportunities for World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF).  We also logged numerous activators for the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program.

Here is a summary of our activity…..

Friday 31st March 2017

Deep Creek Conservation Park 5CP-054 and VKFF-0780

• VK5FMAZ – 1 QSO
• VK5PAS – 74 QSOs

Saturday 1st April 2017

Talisker Conservation Park 5CP-223 and VKFF-0790

• VK5FMAZ – 60 QSOs
• VK5PAS – 98 QSOs

Deep Creek Conservation Park 5CP-054 and VKFF-0780

• VK5FMAZ – 26 QSOs
• VK5PAS – 60 QSOs

Sunday 2nd April 2017

Waitpinga Conservation Park 5CP-243 and VKFF-0940

• VK5FMAZ -46 QSOs
• VK5PAS – 51 QSOs

Eric Bonython Conservation Park 5CP-062 and VKFF-0877

• VK5FMAZ –  47 QSOs
• VK5PAS – 69 QSOs

Thanks to everyone who took part in the weekend, both activators and hunters.  I hope everyone had as much fun as we did.  I will prepare some stats about the weekend over the coming weeks and place on the VK5 Parks Award website, Facebook page, and Yahoo group.  I will also place some additional information here about each of our activations.   And don’t forget to send me your logs so I can upload them to the WWFF database, Logsearch.