After packing up at Mount Gawler I headed to the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2887.  This would be another first-time activation of this particular park.  The park is located about 8 km north of the town of Kersbrook and about 37 km north east of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

The Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve is 842 hectares in size and comprises a parcel of scrub representative of the original vegetation of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges.

The park is part of a large area of native forest which extends southward from the South Para Reservoir about 5 km south-west of Williamstown in the southern part of the Barossa Vallet.  The forest area is referred to as Old Kersbrook.  The park is surrounded by private land holdings.  The Para Wirra Recreation Park and Humbug Scrub private sanctuary adjoins the west side of Kersbrook NFR.

Above:- Map of the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve.  Map courtesy of Forestry SA.

The devastating January 2015 Sampson Flat bushfire burnt out most of the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve, stopping in the north of the park at the Castle yard Track.

The Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve is one of 15 NFR’s in the Mount Lofty Ranges.  The reserve is dominated by Long-leaf Box and Pink Gum, over a diverse shrub and understorey of native plants.  Two species of nationally endangered native orchid occur here.

Above:- An aerial shot of the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve, looking north towards the famous wine growing region of the Barossa Valley.  Image courtesy of google maps.

I headed north on the Kersbrook Road and soon saw a significant plume of smoke off in the distance.  It appeared to be very close to where I wanted to go.  A check of the Country Fire Service website failed to reveal any active fires, so I presume it was a controlled burn.

Above:- Looking north from the Kersbrook Road.

It was a bit of a challenge to get into the reserve.  I had studied the maps prior to leaving home and it appeared that this may have been a walk in.  My GPS first took me down Sheoak Road which was meant to run into Ridge Road.  However, Sheoak Road was a no through road.

So I turned around and headed back out onto the Kersbrook Road, travelling south.  The GPS then took me into another track which turned out to be a dead end.  Things were not looking good.  It was time to study the map again.

I decided to head north along Bassnet Road which took me into the little locality of Humbug Scrub which was severely impacted by the Sampson Flat bushfire.  During the 1800s, German settlers on their way to the Barossa Valley called this area Hamburg Scrub.  English speaking locals re-named it Humbug Scrub because the bushland was considered to be ‘very deceptive and incomprehensively embarrassing’ with people often getting lost in the scrub.

There is a bus shelter here which tells the history of the Humbug Scrub area.  The bus shelter was built in the 1970s.  At school drop off and pick up times the bus shelter became a popular meeting place for parents.  In the aftermath of the Sampson Flat bushfire, the bus shelter once again became a popular meeting place for local residents, despite the fact that it had been damaged by fire.  It was subsequently redesigned and information boards were placed at the shelter.

I continued north on Bassnet Road which soon led into Humbug Scrub Road.  It was not looking good for access points into the park.  But upon reaching the corner of Humbug Scrub Road and Bassnet Road I saw a sign for the park.  It was a welcome sight.

There were some beautiful views here of the reserve and the adjacent pine forests and hills.

Sadly, there was a lot of rubbish dumped here which did not seem to be attracting the attention of the authorities with respect to clean up.

As I was offloading my gear a Foresty SA vehicle pulled up and I explained what I was doing.  He seemed fine and discussed an old radio he previously had which he listened to overseas broadcast stations on.  I also confirmed that the smoke was from a controlled burn off.

After setting up on Cattleyard Track, I headed to 7.144 where I found Helen VK7FOLK/p and Jonathan VK7JON/p activating the Stanley Conservation Area VKFF-2919 in Tasmania.  I logged both Helen and Jonathan, and then headed down the band to 7.139.  I asked if the frequency was in use and Peter VK3PF came back to advise the frequency was clear.

After logging Peter, I called CQ and Deryck VK4FDL responded, followed by Peter VK3ZPF and then Damien VK3FRAB.  A flurry of callers followed, and it took me just 6 minutes to get contact number 10 in the log, a QSO with Cliff VK2NP.  I had qualified the park for VKFF.  Contact number 11 was another Park to Park, this time with Mike VK6MB/3 who was activating the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620.

It took me just 24 minutes to qualify the park for the global WWFF program with 44 contacts.  I logged a total of 56 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7, New Zealand and Spain.  This included a Park to Park with Neil VK4HNS/p who was in the Main Range National Park VKFF-0300, a contact with Peter VK3YE/p who was pedestrian mobile on the beach at Chelsea, and a contact with Deme EA5IPC in Spain which was a big surprise.

I then decided to try my luck with some DX on 20m.  I headed to 14.310 and found Greg VK4VXX/6 calling CQ from Stokes National Park VKFF-0468.  I then moved down to 14.305 and started calling CQ.  Murray VK4MWB came back to my call, followed by Glenn VK2WGW, and then Giancarlo IZ1AWC in Italy with a good strong 5/9 signal.  I logged a further seven stations on 20m including IZ8DFO in Italy and UT5PI in Ukraine.

One sad point of this activation was the response I received from an amateur on 14.307.  I had been operating on 14.305 for 15 minutes when some German speaking stations came up on 14.307, just 2 kc above me.  It was clear that one was from Australia, as he was very strong.  I went up to 14.307 and asked politely if they would QSY a little bit away from me.  I was ignored.  I asked again and was told by the Australian station ‘we have used this frequency for 30 years’.  I informed this gentleman that he did not ‘own’ the frequency and again asked if they would mind QSYing.  Sadly they ignored me, and I decided not to push the issue and I headed to 80m.  So I apologise in advance to anyone who may have been calling me.

I then called CQ on 3.610 on the 80m band and this was answered by Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula with a big signal.  I logged a further 6 stations from VK1, VK3, & VK5, including my wife Marija VK5FMAZ.

To conclude the activation I moved back to 40m where I logged a further 9 stations, including a Park to Park with Greg VK4VXX/6 in VKFF-0468.

I now had 84 contacts in the log, including 6 Park to Park contacts, and the temperature had dropped to 12 deg C.  It was getting cold and dark and it was time to pack up and head home.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK7JON/p (Stanley Conservation Area VKFF-2919)
2. VK7FOLK/p (Stanley Conservation Area VKFF-2919)
3. VK3PF
4. VK4FDJL
5. VK3ZPF
6. VK3FRAB
7. VK2LX
8. VK4RF
9. VK4HA
10. VK2NP
11. VK6MB/3 (Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620)
12. VK3SQ
13. VK3DBP
14. VK4SMA
15. VK4AAC/3
16. VK2VH/3
17. VK3NCC/m
18. VK3BSG
19. VK3DAC
20. VK4CZ
21. VK7DW
22. ZL1TM
23. VK4FARR
24. VK7ME
25. VK3ZE
26. VK4NH
27. VK4DXA
28. ZL4TY/VK4
29. VK3LTL
30. VK2HHA
31. VK2IO/m
32. VK4HNS/p (Main Range National Park VKFF-0300)
33. VK3AHR
34. VK2PKT
35. VK3FPSR
36. VK3ARH
37. VK2YK
38. VK3ANL
39. EA5IPC
40. VK3UH
41. VK1CT
42. VK2JXA
43. VK3TKK/m
44. VK2MG
45. VK3YE//p (pedestrian mobile)
46. VK2YE
47. VK3FBAA
48. VK4MWB
49. VK2FRKA
50. VK3BHR
51. VK3PI
52. VK3MCK
53. VK4BX
54. VK3UCD
55. VK2JAZ
56. VK2VW
57. VK1TX
58. VK3MPR
59. VK3GB
60. VK4TJ
61. VK5WU
62. VK3ATO
63. VK2UH
64. VK3BCM
65. VK4VXX/6 (Stokes National Park VKFF-0468)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4VXX/6 (Stokes National Park VKFF-0468)
2. VK4MWB
3. VK2WGW
4. IZ1AWC
5. VK4NH
6. VK4DXA
7. ZL4TY/VK4
8. VK4BX
9. VK4TJ
10. IZ8DFO
11. UT5PI

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FANA
2. VK3BSG
3. VK5FMAZ
4. VK5FLEA
5. VK3MAB
6. VK1DI
7. VK3ZPF
8. VK3MPR

References.

Forestry SA, 2016, Kersbrook & Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserves Management Plan.

Yesterday (Sunday 28th April 2019) I activated Mount Gawler VK5/ SE-013 for the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program, which is located in the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2888.

I have activated Mount Gawler many times previously, but this was a new calendar year and I would pick up another 2 SOTA activator points.  This brings my SOTA activator points up to 397.  At this rate, I will end up getting to Mount Goat level by the time I am 65.  A big fat 1,000 points are required to reach the illustrious Mountain Goat level.

This was to be a first-time activation of the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2888, which has only just recently been added to the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

Mount Gawler is located near Kersbrook in the Adelaide Hills, about 35 km northeast of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

I left home at around 10.30 a.m. and headed towards Kersbook.  It is a beautiful drive from my home in Mount Barker, north out through the Mount Lofty Ranges ‘Adelaide Hills’, through the towns of Nairne, Woodside, Lobethal, Gummeracha and then Kersbrook.

I travelled down Checker Hill Road towards the South Para Road and admired the terrific views towards Mount Gawler.  Checker Hill Road is often used in the Tour Down Under cycle race as part of the King of the Mountain Hill climb.

Looking west towards Mount Gawler

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) categories Checker Hill as a category 2 climb (the second hardest).  Checker Hill is described as short but fierce, boasting an average gradient of 14.2%, with a maximum of around 20%.  It has been described as a challenge even for the pros to conquer.

I then travelled into the town of Kersbrook which was named in 1841 by John Bowden who had arrived in South Australia aboard the Royal Admiral in 1838.  He took up land in the district and called his property ‘Kersbrook’ after his birthplace in Cornwall, England.

Above:- John Bowden, who founded Kersbrook.  Image courtesy of SA State Library

I then travelled west on the Kersbrook-One Tree Hill and soon reached Mount Gawler Road where I turned left.  On your right, you will see a sign for Mount Crawford Forest.  This is on the western side of Mount Gawler Road.  This is not the park.  Nor is the pine plantation on the eastern side of the road.  The park is a little further up on the eastern side of the road.

Above:- The pine plantation near the corner of Kersbrook Road & Mount Gawler Road.

This area was devastated by the Sampson Flat bushfire in January 2015.  The fire was the most destructive in the Adelaide Hills for more than 30 years.  It burnt an area of 12,569 hectares and destroyed 24 homes, 146 other structures, and five business premises.   The majority of the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve was burnt out.

The Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve is part of the Mount Crawford Forest Reserve.  It is 1,044 hectares in size and is a significant conservation area as it is representative of the original vegetation in the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges.

The park has two distinct sections.  One on the eastern side of Mount Gawler Road, and the other on the western side of the road.

Above:- Map showing the Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserve, and my operating spot.  Map courtesy of Forestry SA

Numerous native bird species can be found in the park, however, it is suspected that bird abundance and diversity has been reduced due to loss of habitat resources.  The Nationally Endangered Chestnut-rumped Heathwren was recorded in Mount Gawler prior to the Sampson Flat bushfire.

Native mammals found in the park are Western Grey kangaroo, Yellow-footed antechinus, koala, Short-beaked echidna, and Common Brush-tailed possum.

Above:- A Western-grey kangaroo I encountered on the Mount Gawler Road.

Mount Gawler is 541 metres above sea level and is the most activated SOTA summit in South Australia.  It was first activated by Andy VK5AKH and has been activated 35 times since.

Above:- Graph showing activations per year of Mount Gawler VK5/ SE-013.  Graph courtesy of Summits on the Air.

I set up just inside gate MG19, which is almost directly opposite the Mount Gawler trig point.  The trig point is located on private property.  This is well and truly within the activation zone of Mount Gawler.  I made a few trips to and from the car, and as this was an easy activation I had the luxury of my fold up table and deck chair.

Above:- An aerial view of Mount Gawler, showing the location of the trig point, and my operating spot.  Image courtesy of google maps.

There were some very nice views from here out to the east towards Mount Pleasant and the Eden Valley.

I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation, with a power output of about 40 watts.  There was plenty of room to stretch out the dipole.

I headed to 7.144 after setting up and found Mike VK6MB/3 calling CQ from the Chiltern- Mount Pilot National Park VKFF-0620.  Mike had a strong 5/9 and reciprocated with a 5/9 for me.  I then moved down the band to 7.139 and started calling CQ.  Cliff VK2NP in Sydney responded.  This was followed by David VK5PL/p who was activating the Little Mount Crawford Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2884.

A few calls later I had my first Summit to Summit in the log for the activation.  It was with Bill VK1MCW/2 who was on the top of Mount Mundoonen VK2/ ST-053 near Yass.

As this was a first-time park activation it did not take long for a fairly significant pile up to form.  I apologise to those who did not get through.  My only advice is not to give up.  If you can’t crack the pile up, then stand by on the side, as things generally do slow down.

Above:- My shack for the afternoon.

I logged 42 stations in around 30 minutes before callers dried up on 40m.  So it was down with the squid pole and out with the 20m links and off to the 20m band.  I called CQ on 14.310 and this was answered by Mike VK6MB/2 in the Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park.  It was great to get Mike Park to Park on another band.  Although, both out signals were much lower on this band (5/1 both ways).

I logged a total of 18 stations on 20m which included four New Zealand stations: ZL3GA, ZL1BYZ, ZL1WA and ZL4QJ.  The Australian States worked on 20m were VK2, VK4, and VK6.

I then lowered the quid pole once again and inserted the links for the 80m section of the antenna.  I logged my wife Marija VK5FMAZ on 3.615 and then saw a spot go up on parksnpeaks for Liz VK2XSE/p who was on 3.610 activating a park.  I moved down to 3.610 and logged Liz who was in the South West Woodland Nature Reserve VKFF-2724.

I then moved back to 3.615 and logged a further 5 stations, all from South Australia.  Despite conditions on that band being excellent, they were my only stations logged on the 80m band.

Above:- The 20/40/80m linked dipole, being support by the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.  Note the plane in the top right of the photo.

I moved back to 40m and called CQ on 7.144.  This was answered by Ron VK3AHR, followed by Terry VK3UP, and then Robert VK2YMU.  A few calls later Liz VK2XSE gave me a shout from the South West Woodland Nature Reserve.  Liz’s signal was much stronger here on 40m compared to 80m.

I logged a further 22 stations on 7.144 from VK2, VK3, and VK4.  This included a Summit to Summit with Gerard VK2IO/p who was activating SOTA peak VK2/ MN-112.  Perrin VK3XPT called in once again, using his Clansman military transceiver.

I saw a spot come up on parksnpeaks for Tait VK1FTRA who was activating a SOTA summit on 7.095.  Tait was on Black Mountain VK1/ AC-042 which is within the Black Mountain Nature Reserve VKFF-0834.  I quickly whizzed down there to log Tait for another Summit to Summit, before returning back to 7.144 where I logged a further 7 stations, including a Summit to Summit with Ben VK3FXBR who was activating Mount Kerang VK3/ VU-010.

Above:- The transceiver and the log.

It was time to pack up and head off to my next activation, the Kersbrook Native Forest Reserve.  It had been a terrific activation with a total of 102 contacts in the log, including 6 Park to Park contacts and 4 Summit to Summit contacts.

Thank you to everyone who called, and a big thank you to those who took the time to spot me.

I worked the following stations:-

References.

A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia, 2019, <http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 29th April 2019

Bushfire & Natural Hazards, 2019, <https://www.bnhcrc.com.au/news/2016/sampson-flat-fire-research-findings>, viewed 29th April 2019.

Forestry SA, 2016, Kersbrook & Mount Gawler Native Forest Reserves Management Plan.

Summits on the Air, 2019, <https://www.sota.org.uk>, viewed 29th April 2019

Last night (Thursday 25th April 2019) I was about to head off to bed when I decided to go up into the shack and have a listen on the 20m band.

Almost immediately after turning on the transceiver I heard R4FBH in Russia calling CQ with a big signal and I gave him a shout and got through on the first go.

I then decided to head up the band and put out a few CQ calls using the AX prefix.  What followed was a mad rush of contacts using AX5PAS before midnight.  I made a total of 65 contacts on the short path into Europe in a bit over an hour.

Above:- Map showing my 20m short path contacts.  Map courtesy of QSOmaps

My equipment was a Yaesu FT-2000, 100 watts, and a 5 element triband yagi at about 16 metres off the ground.

One of my contacts was with Marc ON5FP in Flanders Fields which was a major battle site between 1914-1918.

If anyone is seeking a special ANZAC Day AX5PAS QSL card, please QSL via my QSL Manager Charles M0OXO.

Above:- My AX5PAS QSL card

Today (Thursday 25th April 2019) is an extremely important day on the Australian calendar.  It is ANZAC Day, a National day of remembrance for Australia and New Zealand.  It commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.  It is also just one of three days during the year that Australian amateur radio operators can replace the normal VK prefix with AX.

Above:- My special ANZAC Day QSL card.

I decided to head out and have some fun with the special prefix and activate another one of the newly added parks here in South Australia.  My choice was the Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2886, which is located between Gummeracha in the Adelaide Hills and Williamstown in the southern part of the Barossa Valley.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve in the Adelaide Hills.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

I headed from home to Woodside and on to the town of Gummeracha.  I then travelled north on the Forreston Road and into the little town of Forreston which is named after Alexander Forrest.  He was a blacksmith by trade and had arrived in South Australia in 1848.  He settled in the Forreston area in 1850 and in 1858 laid out the village of Forreston.  At its peak, the town had a post office, store, wine shop, wheelwright, blacksmith, butcher, and school.  A number of the historic buildings remain, and a plaque indicating the location of many of the buildings can be located outside of the Forreston Hall.

I continued along the Foreston Road until I reached Watts Gull Road.  At this location, you can find a monument for the historic site of the Robert Burns Inn which was licenced between March 1851 to December 1857.  It was located in the settlement of Kirkwood which was established in c. 1850, and was later known as North Gummeracha.  The settlement once boasted a midwife, wheelwright, carpenter, blacksmith, store, legal practitioner, and sawmill.

Above:- Monument for the Robert Burns Inn.

This is truly beautiful country, with rolling hills and numerous vineyard and orchards.  Albeit very dry, as we have had very little rain here this year.

Watts Gully Road

Typing countryside in the area

I soon reached the Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve, which is part of the Mount Crawford Forest.  The park is well signposted.

The Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve is 342 hectares in size and comes under the control of Foresty SA.  It was dedicated as Forest Reserve in 1918.  The reserve is recognised as a significant remnant of the original vegetation in the area.  It is estimated that less than 15% of the original vegetation remains in the area.  Much of the vegetation was previously disturbed in the past by activities including mining and timber cutting.

The area surrounding the park includes a number of farms and pine plantations under the management of Forestry SA.  The park is dissected by Watts Gully Road.  There is no vehicular access into the park.

The reserve consists of Messmate stringybark and Long-leaved box Woodland.  It contains plant species with high conservation significance, including the Nationally vulnerable species, Clover glycine.

The are was used for grazing and cultivation purposes up to 1918.  Timber cutting in the reserve continued up until the 1950s.

Above:- An aerial shot looking west, of the Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve.  Image courtesy of google maps

The Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve is part of the Mount Crawford Forest which is named after the nearby hill of the same name, Mount Crawford which is 526 metres above sea level.  Apparently, it does not qualify for the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program as it does not have the necessary prominence.  The mountain was named in 1839 by explorer Charles Sturt after James Coutts Crawford (1817–1889).  Coutts and his drovers arrived overland from New South Wales in April 1839 with 700 cattle, setting up a hut and cattle run at the base of Mount Crawford.  Crawford soon moved on to be a pioneer of Wellington, New Zealand.

Above:- James Coutts Crawford.  Image courtesy of wikipedia

The reserve is home to a number of native mammals including Western Grey kangaroo, Koala, Short-beaked echidna, Brushtail possum, and Common ringtail possum.  Sadly a number of introduced pests can be found in the park including Red fox, Fallow deer and European rabbit.

Birds SA have identified a total of 69 native bird species in the reserve.  This includes Adelaide Rosella, Superb Fairywren, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Crescent Honeyeater, Striated Thornbill, Grey Shrike-thrush, Common Bronzewing, Brown Thornbill, White-browed Scrubwomen, Rufous Whistler, White-browed Babbler.

Below are some of the birds I observed during my visit.

The area is historically significant due to its mining heritage.  The reserve takes its name from James Watts who discovered gold in the area during 1884.  Watts was a Norwegian sailor who settled near Forreston in the 1850s.  At its peak, the goldfields had more than 200 men mining in the area, two stores and three blacksmiths.

The Evening Journal, dated 20th June 1885 reported…..

“Whatever the ultimate success of the Watts Gully Goldfield may be there can be no doubt that it has been exceedingly useful in providing employment for a large number of men during a dull period of the year.”

Above:- News article from The Evening Journal, Adelaide, Tuesday 28th July 1885.  Courtesy of Trove.

Watts was described as a first-class practical miner who had an almost intuitive knowledge of where to sink for gold.  Unfortunately, he met with an accident and had to have one of his legs amputated.  Watts lived with his wife and five children in a tent on the goldfields.  Mrs Watts subsequently built a hut and walked the seven miles into Gummeracha for work as a washer, receiving four shillings for 27 dozen washed items.  To supplement her income she cut down gum trees and split them into posts.  She received one pound for 150 posts.  What a lady.

In 1931/32 another gold rush occurred in the area when a 20-ounce gold nugget and other smaller pieces were found in the area.

The northeastern section of the reserve is currently part of the Mount Crawford fossicking area.  Permits are required prior to any fossicking and are available from the Mount Crawford Forest Information Centre.

I parked at the gate for Fire Track WG12.  The gate was locked and there was no vehicular access.

However, it appeared that at one time there was vehicular access into the reserve as at the end of the fire track there were a number of wooden tables and benches.

I set up about 100 metres down the track.  I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve, showing my operating spot.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

I put out a CQ call on 7.144 and this was answered by Mike VK6MB/3 with a strong 58 signal.  Mike kindly spotted me on parksnpeaks, which soon resulted in a mini pile up, as you would expect considering this was a unique park.  David VK5PL was second in the log, followed by Paul VK3DBP, and then John VK4TJ.

Within 8 minutes I had qualified the park for VKFF with 10 contacts.  QSO number ten was with Andy VK5LA.  Within 45 minutes I had contact number 44 in the log, and the park was qualified for the global WWFF program.  QSO number 44 was with Kevin VK2HLK.

I logged a total of 69 contacts on 7.144 from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, and VK7.  This included the following Park to Park contacts:-

• Allen VK3ARH/p – Alpine National Park VKFF-0619
• Peter VK3TKK/p – Holden Flora Reserve VKFF-2333
• Peter AX3TKK/p – Holden Flora Reserve VKFF-2333
• Alan AX2MG/p – Brisbane Water National Park VKFF-0056
• Ian VK1DI/2 – Queanbeyan Nature Reserve VKFF-1988
• Peter AX3ZPF/p – Warramate Hills Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2886
• AX1DA/p – Bullen Range Nature Reserve VKFF-0984

It was also great to speak with Amanda VK3FQSO after such a long time, and her hubby Bob VK3FLAK.  Great to hear you guys on the air.  Another nice contact was with Perrin VK3XPT using his Clansman military transceiver.  Very appropriate considering it was ANZAC day.

I then headed off to 20m where I called CQ on 14.310.  First in the log was Greg VK4VXX/p who was activating the Fitzgerald River National Park VKFF-0171.  It was a nice way to start off on 20m.  I then logged Andrei ZL1TM who is a very big VKFF hunter.  I logged a further 4 stations on 20m, one from VK2, and three from VK4.

Above:- the shack for the afternoon

It was then off to the 80m band.  I called CQ on 3.610 after placing a spot on parksnpeaks.  My good wife Marija VK5FMAZ came back to my call.  I worked a total of 12 stations on 80m from VK2, VK3, and VK5.  This included three Park to Park contacts:-

• Peter VK3TKK/p – Gisborne Flora Reserve VKFF-2322
• Liz VK2XSE/p – Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park VKFF-1786
• Peter AX3ZPF/p – SOTA VK3/ VC-029 & Warramate Hills Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2224

When things slowed down I tuned around the band and found Ian VK1DI/2 on 3.620 in the Queanbeyan Nature Reserve VKFF-1988.  Although both of our signals were low, we were able to comfortably have a contact.

I then headed back to 40m and spoke with Tony VK3WI (VK3XV) activating the HMAS Castlemaine, a Bathurst-class corvette which was constructed during World War II.   She is just one of two surviving examples of the Bathurst class, and is now a museum ship at Williamstown.  What a great contact on ANZAC Day.

Above:- HMAS Castlemaine.  Image courtesy of Wikipedia. 

I then moved up the band to 7.144 where I put out another CQ call.  Peter VK2FPAR came back to my call, followed by Ross AX7LH, and then Rod VK7FRJG.  I logged a further 20 stations which included Max IK1GPG in Italy.  Max has called me a few times now during my recent park activations and had a nice 5/7 signal.

It was that time of the day that the band was opening to Europe, and I soon had GW4UXS calling CQ on the frequency competing with me.  Sadly he couldn’t hear my little signal.

I moved back to 20m hoping for some long path Europe DX, but was sadly disappointed.  There appeared to be no DX opening.  I did, however, log Ray VK4NH up in Queensland who was a big 5/9 signal.

It was then back to 40m for a final CQ call before going QRT for the day.  I ended up being there for a little longer than expected, with a further 25 stations logged on 7.144 from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7, New Zealand, and Belgium.  The big surprise was to be called by Danny ON4VT in Belgium who had a nice 5/7 signal.

To complete the activation I had a tune across the band and worked Gerard VK2IO/p who was on 7.155 activating the Solitary Islands Marine Park VKFF-1411.  It was a nice way to end the activation with a Park to Park contacts.

It had been another terrific activation, with my past 4 park activations, exceeding 100 QSOs each activation.  This time I had a total of 144 contacts in the log, including 14 Park to Park contacts.  Thank you to everyone who called, and a big thanks to those who took the time to spot me: VK6MB/3, VK3PF, VK5FANA, VK3SQ, ZL1TM, VK3ZPF, VK5FMAZ, VK5VC, VK5DW, & VK3ANL.  It is greatly appreciated.

LEST WE FORGET.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK6MB/3
2. VK5PL
3. VK3DBP
4. VK4TJ
5. VK4/AC8WN
6. VK4/VE6XT
7. VK3MDH/p
8. AX3PF
9. VK3MCK
10. VK5LA
11. AX3DAC
12. VK3MPR
13. VK3ARH/p (SOTA VK3/ VE-046 & Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
14. VK3AHR
15. AX3AFW (AM)
16. AX2PKT
17. VK3UH
18. AX2HHA
19. VK2KYO
20. VK2NP
21. VK3TKK/p (Holden Flora Reserve VKFF-2333)
22. AX3TKK/p (Holden Flora Reserve VKFF-2333)
23. AX4HNS
24. VK4HNS
25. VK3PI
26. VK3FRAB
27. VK4CZ
28. VK2FJGO
29. VK5WU
30. VK7QP
31. AX3KZ
32. AX3VBC
33. VK3GMO
34. VK3MB
35. VK4FDJL
36. VK5KLV
37. VK5GY/p
38. VK3FPSR
39. VK1VIC
40. VK2VIC
41. VK3AQZ
42. VK3VLA
43. VK4SYD
44. VK2HLK
45. AX2FSAV
46. AX2MG/p (Brisbane Water National Park VKFF-0056)
47. VK2ADB
48. AX2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ NR-0239)
49. VK2BXT
50. VK2VW
51. VK1DI/2 (Queanbeyan Nature Reserve VKFF-1988)
52. AX3UKW
53. AX2YW
54. AX3KTO
55. VK3FLAK
56. VK3FQSO
57. VK3OHM
58. VK5FANA
59. VK2ARJ/m
60. VK3XPT
61. VK3SQ
62. AX4NH
63. AX4DXA
64. ZL4TY/VK4
65. VK4NH
66. VK4DXA
67. AX3ZPF/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-029 & Warramate Hills Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2224)
68. AX1DA/p (SOTA VK1/ AC-033 & Bullen Range Nature Reserve VKFF-0984)
69. VK6KJ
70. VK3WI (HMAS Castlemaine)
71. VK3XV (HMAS Castlemaine)
72. VK2FPAR
73. AX7LH
74. VK7FRJG
75. AX3TNL
76. VK3PWG
77. AX2XSE/p (Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park VKFF-1786)
78. VK5VCR
79. VK2YK
80. VK3KTT/m
81. VK3CWF
82. AX3ASU
83. VK4SMA
84. VK3BHR
85. IK1GPG
86. AX3MKE
87. AX2WQ
88. VK3ANL
89. AX3ANL
90. VK7AN
91. AX3MH
92. VK4GSF
93. VK4MWB
94. VK4FARR
95. VK7JON/p
96. AX7FOLK/p
97. VK7MD/p
98. ON4VT
99. VK1AT
100. VK3OY
101. VK2MJW
102. VK3ZSG
103. VK3MXT
104. VK4OZI
105. VK3NL
106. VK2MOR
107. AX3BY
108. VK3BSG
109. VK3JK
110. VK2HMV
111. VK2BXE
112. VK3UP
113. VK3FCMC
114. ZL1TM
115. VK2UXO
116. VK4RF
117. VK4HA
118. VK4PDX
119. VK3FGSL
120. AX2IO/p (Solitary Islands Marine Park VKFF-1411)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4VXX/6 (Fitzgerald River National Park VKFF-0171)
2. ZL1TM
3. VK2NP
4. VK4MWB
5. VK4TJ
6. VK4VSM
7. AX4NH
8. AX4DXA
9. ZL4TY/VK4
10. VK4NH
11. VK4DXA

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FMAZ
2. VK5VC
3. VK5DW
4. VK3TKK/p  (Gisborne Flora Reserve VKFF-2322)
5. VK5FANA
6. VK2XSE/p (Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park VKFF-1786)
7. AX3ZPF/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-029 & Warramate Hills Flora & Fauna Reserve VKFF-2224)
8. VK5LA
9. AX5LA
10. VK6MB/3
11. VK5PL
12. VK5BJE
13. VK1DI/2 (Queanbeyan Nature Reserve VKFF-1988)

References.

Birds SA, 2019, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/watts-gully-native-forest-reserve/>, viewed 25th April 2019

Forestry SA, 2016, Watts Gully Native Forest Reserve Management Plan.

State Library SA, 2019, <http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/W.pdf>, viewed 25th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_Day>, viewed 25th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forreston,_South_Australia>, viewed 25th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Castlemaine>, viewed 25th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Crawford_(South_Australia)>, viewed 25th April 2019

This afternoon (Monday 22nd April 2019) Marija and I decided to do another park activation and chose another one of the newly added South Australian parks to the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.  This time we headed to the Knott Hill Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2892.

The reserve is located about 6 km west of the town of Meadows, and about 50 km south-east of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Knott Hill Forest Reserve VKFF-2892.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

The Knott Hill Native Forest Reserve is located in the Kuitpo Forest Reserve in the Mount Lofty Ranges ‘Adelaide Hills’.  It is 82.3 hectares in size and consists of native vegetation.  The primary management objective for the area is to conserve and enhance native flora and fauna and preserve biodiversity for the long-term benefit of the South Australian community.  The reserve conserves remnant native vegetation characteristic of the Mount Lofty Ranges.  It is estimated that less than 15% of the original vegetation remains.

Above:- An aerial view of the reserve, looking west, showing the adjacent pine plantations.  Image courtesy of google maps.

Over 400 native plant species can be found in the reserve, with 63 of those being of conservation significance.  The Reserve provides a unique habitat for over 50 species of native orchid, including the Dark-tipped sun-orchid which is rates Critically Endangered Nationally.

The reserve takes its name from the area dedicated to Dr John Knott, an early settler in the Kangarilla District.  Mr Knott is credited with pioneering the road over Mount Panorama to ‘the Meadows’.  This road is now known as Stagecoach Lane.

The reserve is integrated with an area of pine plantation which is managed by Forestry SA.  These pine plantations are located to the north, south and west of the reserve, with privately owned land adjoining the eastern section of the reserve.

I travelled along Peters Creek Road which runs off Brookman Road, until I reached Knotts Hill Road.  I turned right and parked in the carpark.  Although google maps show that Knotts Hill Road continues to the east, this is not the case.  There are locked gates at this location.

It would appear from what I saw, there is no vehicular access to the reserve via Kingfisher Road.  This is a narrow dirt track which takes you passed a number of farming properties and then a sign which states ‘authorised vehicles only’.  You could park there and walk up the track to access the reserve.

I collected up all of my gear and then took the 500-metre walk to reach the western boundary of the park.  It took me about 3 trips back to get all my gear, including the fold up table and deck chair.

I set up on the side of a fire access track which dissected the reserve.

First in the log was a Park to Park contact with Ian VK1DI/p who was activated the Macquarie Pass National Park VKFF-0298.  Ian had a beautiful bit 5/9 signal from New South Wales.  The 40m band had certainly been in very good shape over the Easter Break, and today appeared to be no different.

After logging Ian on 7.144 I moved down the band to 7.139 and asked if the frequency was in use, only to get 3 or 4 voices coming back to me to say it was clear.  I picked out Peter VK3PF who was very strong, and then logged Wayne VK2DWP and then Cliff VK2NP.

As this was a brand new park it did not take long for a mini pile up to ensue.  Within 4 minutes I had contact number 10 in the bag and had qualified the park for VKFF.  QSO number ten was with John VK4/VE6XT.

I logged a total of 68 contacts on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, New Zealand, and Italy.  This included a Park to Park with Peter VK3ZPF/p who was activating the Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465.  And a contact with Max IK1GPG who I have made contact with a few times now on 40m during my recent activations.

I then put out some calls on 14.310 on the 20m band and logged 8 stations from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK6 and New Zealand.  This included Gerard VK2IO/p who was activating SOTA peak VK2/ MN-098 in the Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504.

It was then off to 80m.  Our first contact there was with Peter VK3ZPF/p in the Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465.  We then moved up to 3.615 and started calling CQ.  Stuart VK5STU was first to call back.  It was a pleasure to log Stuey as he had posted on Facebook that he had been listening on 40m but could not hear us.  On 80m he was 5/9 and gave me a 5/5 signal report.

Next was Adrian VK5FANA who is a regular park hunter, followed by Charlie VK5VC.  As I had well and truly qualified the park, it was time for Marija to jump into the operator’s chair.  Marija logged 7 stations, all South Australian stations.

Marija now had 9 contacts in the log, and with no further callers on 80m, we headed back to 40m.  Marija started calling CQ on 7.130 whilst I placed a spot for her on parksnpeaks and on Facebook.  Perrin VK3XPT was first in the log on 40m for Marija, using his Clansman military transceiver.  Perrin had qualified the park for Marija.

Marija soon attracted her own little pile-up, with a steady flow of callers.  Within 35 minutes Marija had qualified the park for the global WWFF program, with 44 contacts in the log.  This included the following Park to Park contacts:-

• Mike VK6MB/3 – Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944
• Mark VK3FAMP/p – Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944
• Gerard VK2IO/p – SOTA VK2/ MN-098 & Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504

I also logged Mike VK6MB/3 and Mark VK3FAMP in the Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944, and also Gerard VK2IO on SOTA peak VK2/ MN-098 & Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504.

I then tuned across the band and heard Samuel EA1DLU calling CQ on 7.155 with his normal big signal.  As he was not busy I gave him a call and had a successful QSO.  I had spoken with Samuel yesterday.  Today my signal report was 2 S points lower.

Marija and I had seen a post on Facebook from David VK5PL stating that he was only hearing the park hunters and not us, so we finished off the activation by putting out some CQ calls on 3.610 on the 80m band, hoping to log David.  Alas, it was not to be.  We did not hear from David, but I did log VK3PF, VK5AYL, VK5WU, and VK3FDZE.

It was now freezing cold and time for us to pack up and head back to the vehicle.  It had been another successful activation, with both Marija and I qualifying the park for both VKFF and WWFF.  We made a total of 134 QSOs including 12 Park to Park contacts.

THANKYOU to everyone who called us, and a big thanks to those who took the time to spot us.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3ZPF/p (Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465)
2. VK3XPT/p (military tx)
3. VK3SQ
4. VK4AAC/3
5. VK2VH/3
6. VK4SMA
7. VK3OHM
8. VK3PI
9. VK6MB/3 (Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944)
10. VK3FAMP/p (Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944)
11. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ MN-098 & Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504)
12. VK4RF
13. VK4HA
14. VK2UH
15. VK7FJFD
16. VK2HHA
17. VK3ARH
18. VK3FORD
19. VK5PET
20. VK3MPR
21. VK3FRAB
22. VK4NH
23. VK4DXA
24. ZL4TY/VK4
25. VK5ZEA
26. VK3FSPN
27. VK2NP
28. VK4MWB
29. VK3VKT
30. VK3MAB
31. VK4TJ
32. VK4/AC8WN
33. VK4/VE6XT
34. VK3TKK/p
35. VK5FLEA
36. VK3PF
37. VK4FDJL

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK3ZPF/p (Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465)
2. VK5VC
3. VK5FANA
4. VK5DW
5. VK5WU
6. VK5KDK
7. VK5BJE
8. VK5FLEA

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1DI/p (Macquarie Pass National Park VKFF-0298)
2. VK3PF
3. VK2DWP
4. VK2NP
5. VK3SQ
6. VK4RF
7. VK4HA
8. VK4TJ
9. VK4/AC8WN
10. VK4/VE6XT
11. VK3PI
12. VK3AHR
13. VK3MDH
14. VK2HHA
15. VK4SMA
16. VK2VW
17. VK3TKK/m
18. VK3MKE
19. VK2JAZ
20. VK4CZ
21. VK3BSG
22. VK3BYD
23. VK2PKT
24. VK2CEC/m
25. VK5KLV
26. VK4FARR
27. VK3ARH
28. VK4FDJL
29. VK2EXA
30. ZL1TM
31. VK4HNS
32. VK3OHM
33. VK2ADB
34. VK4NH
35. VK4DXA
36. ZL4TY/VK4
37. VK2HOT
38. VK3PAT
39. VK3XL
40. VK5VCR
41. VK4VXX/6
42. VK3DBP
43. VK3DOU
44. VK3FPSR
45. VK2MOP
46. VK3NLK
47. VK5FLEA
48. VK3CM
49. VK3BMT
50. VK7KT/m
51. VK3ZPF/p (Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465)
52. IK1GPG
53. VK3MLU
54. VK3FLES/2
55. VK2KEV/m
56. VK7ZGK
57. VK2BLP
58. VK3FRNS/p (military manpack)
59. VK6XC
60. VK5KBJ
61. VK7KR
62. VK7DW
63. VK2FPAR
64. VK3FN
65. VK3DJY
66. VK7HRS
67. VK3JMA/m
68. VK4HAT
69. VK6MB/3 (Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944)
70. VK3FAMP/p (Wabba Wilderness Park VKFF-0944)
71. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ MN-098 & Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504)
72. VK3MCK
73. EA1DLU

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4HAT
2. ZL1BYZ
3. VK3XL
4. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ MN-098 & Ulidarra National Park VKFF-0504)
5. VK6XC
6. VK4SMA
7. VK2ARL
8. VK6NDX

I worked the following stations on 80m SB:-

1.  VK3ZPF/p (Traralgon South Flora Reserve VKFF-2465)
2. VK5STU
3. VK5FANA
4. VK5VC
5. VK3PF
6. VK5AYL
7. VK5WU
8. VK3FDZE

References.

Forestry SA, 2016, Mount Panorama, Knott Hill & Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserves Management Plan.

Yesterday (Sunday 21st April 2019) Marija VK5FMAZ and I headed to the Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserve VKFF-2893, one of the newly added parks in the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

Thirteen Native Forest Reserves located in the Adelaide Hills and on the Fleurieu Peninsula have been added to the program in the last 48 hours.  This is together with new parks added earlier in the year in VK6 and VK8, and also a number of parks in VK4.  Nearly 200 are to appear soon from VK3.

The Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserve is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges ‘Adelaide Hills’, and is about 8 km southwest of the town of Meadows and about 45 km south-east of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserve.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

The park is just a short drive from our home.  We travelled to Meadows and then south-west on Brookman Road towards Willunga.  We travelled passed the historic woodcutters cottage on Brookman Road which now offers accommodation, and then passed the Kuitpo Hall built of stone in 1926.  The pickers were out in force in the nearby Kuitpo Forest strawberry farm.

Kuitpo Hall

STrawberry farm

Woodcutters cottage

We then turned in to Brookman-Connor Road which took us through the pine forest towards the park.  It was an overcast day but quite mild, following a 32 deg C day on Saturday.

Above:- Brookman-Connor Road

There are some great views to be had of the surrounding countryside along the way.

Above:- a view of the surrounding countryside

The Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserve is 309.9 hectares in size and is one of three Native Forest Reserves located in the Kuitpo Forest Reserve in the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges ‘Adelaide Hills’.  Nearby Native Forest Reserves are Mount Panorama and Knott Hill.  These reserves are of high conservation value and contain a rich variety of trees, shrubs and ground cover species which provide significant habitat for native birds, reptiles and mammals.

The Kuitpo Forest Reserve was established in 1989.  It was the first of a number of forest plantations in the Mount Lofty Ranges, established to ensure a sustainable timber resource for South Australia.  The reserve is managed by Forestry SA.

The Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserve is an IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources 2005) Category IV reserve. These category of park are habitat or species management areas, protected and managed mainly for conservation through management intervention to ensure the maintenance of habitats and/or to meet the requirements of species.

The name Christmas Hill is derived from the peak of the same name on the north-eastern boundary of the reserve.  The reserve contains 400 identified native plant species, including 63 with conservation significance.  The entire Christmas Hill area was devastated by the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.

The Reserve is integrated with various pine plantations managed by Forestry SA.  The reserve’s southern boundary borders the Kyeema Conservation Park.

A large number of native bird species call the park home.  This includes Yellow-tailed black cockatoos, who were in abundance during our visit.

We set up just inside gate CH18 on Christmas Hill Road.

Above:- Map showing our operating spot in the park.  Map courtesy of Forestry SA

There was plenty of room here to stretch out the 20/40/80m linked dipole, and we were away from other users in the park.

The 40m band was alive with activity and it was quite difficult to find a clear spot.  I found 7.134 clear and started calling CQ whilst Marija placed a spot on parksnpeaks for me.  First in the log was Peter VK3PF with an excellent 5/9 signal, followed by Lee VK3HOT, and then John VK4TJ.

As this was a new park it did not take long for a small pile up to develop.  Within an hour I worked a total of 65 stations from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5 and VK7.  This included the following Park to Park contacts:-

• Mark VK4SMA/p – Spicers Gap Road Conservation Park VKFF-1651
• Jonathan VK7JON/p – Eugenana State Reserve VKFF-1800
• Helen VK7FOLK/p – Eugenana State Reserve VKFF-1800

I had qualified the park for both VKFF and WWFF, and now it was Marija’s turn to get onto the microphone.  Mike VK5FMWW was first in Marija’s log, followed by Danny VK5DW, Mike VK6MB/3, and then Ivan VK3OHM.  It took Marija just 8 minutes to get her 10 contacts.  QSO number ten was with Brian VK5TBC.

It took Marija just 45 minutes to qualify the park for WWFF.  The 40m band was in great shape.  Marija’s contacts were from VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and VK7.  This included the following Park to Park contact:-

• Mark VK4SMA/p – Spicers Gap Road Conservation Park VKFF-1651

Marija was extremely happy to have qualified the park for the global WWFF program, and it was my turn now to ramp up the power and make a few more contacts.  David VK3UCD came back to my CQ call, followed by Greg VK4VXX/6, and then Rick VK4RF.  I worked a further 9 stations, taking my total contacts for the activation to 77 QSOs.

Marija and I then lowered the squid pole and we removed the links for the 20m band.  I called CQ on 14.310 and it wasn’t long before John VK4TJ came back to my call.  This was followed by another regular park hunter Ray VK4NH.  I logged a total of 17 stations on 20m SSB which included Greg VK4VXX/6 who suggested we also try AM which we did.  It was my first ever AM contact on 20m.

The real highlight of 20m was a Park to Park contact with Kent K7CAR/p in the Dixie National Forest KFF-4395 in the USA.  The photographs below are courtesy of Kent.

Marija and I then returned to 40m logging the following Park to Park contacts:-

• Adam VK2YK/p – Hat Head National Park VKFF-0230
• Andy VK5LA/p – Jallumba Marsh Flora Reserve VKFF-2338
• Ian VK1DI/2 – Barren Grounds Nature Reserve VKFF-1885

I then moved down to the 80m band and called CQ on 3.610.  Mike VK5FMWW was my first taker, followed by Danny VK5DW, and then Linda VK7QP.  Band conditions were excellent on 80m.   But sadly I only logged 6 stations.

I then moved back to 40m where I logged a further 24 stations on 7.158, including Max IK1GPG in Italy.  Unfortunately, DC5ZVU came up on the frequency and started calling CQ, which made it impossible to copy any callers, as he was a 5/8 signal.  So I moved down to 7.156 where I made a further 4 stations.

To complete the activation I had a tune across the band and found Manuel EA1DLU/p in Spain on 7.175 calling CQ with a strong 5/9 signal.  I was very lucky to have Manuel come back to my first call.  Manuel gave me a 5/7 signal report into Spain with my 40 watts and small wire antenna.

Below is a short video of part of my QSO with Manuel.

I then found Craig VK3CRG/p on 7.170.  Craig was portable at Little River and had a friend Debbie with him, who was a budding ham.  Marija had a chat with Debbie and explained to her where we were operating from, and a little bit about Marija’s history in the hobby.  Sadly the rain started tumbling down at Craig’s location which resulted in Craig having to go clear.

David VK5LSB then called me to say hi, followed by Perrin VK3XPT/p who was operating portable on the beach at Sandy Point using his military transceiver.  Marija was keen to pack up and head home, so I apologise to anybody else who may have wanted to call into this new park.  We will be back.

Above:- Perrin VK3XPT’s operating spot at Sandy Point.  Image courtesy of VK3XPT.

Below is a short video taken by Perrin of our contact.

Below is a video I took on the iphone showing some of Marija’s contacts during the activation.

This had been an amazing activation.  Marija had qualified the park for VKFF and WWFF, and had 49 contacts in the log.  I had also qualified the park for VKFF and WWFF, and had a total of 136 contacts in the log.  This included ten Park to Park contacts between the two of us, including the Park to Park into the USA.

Above:- Map showing my contacts during the activation.  Map courtesy of QSOmap.org

Above:- Map showing my QSOs in Australia and New Zealand, during my activation.  Map courtesy of QSOmap.org

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5FMWW
2. VK5DW
3. VK6MB/3
4. VK5HS
5. VK3OHM
6. VK3PF
7. VK7ALH
8. VK3SH
9. VK5KLV
10. VK5TBC
11. VK7QP
12. VK3SQ
13. VK2PKT
14. VK4CZ
15. VK5WU
16. VK3FDZE
17. VK3MPR
18. VK4SMA/p (Spicers Gap Road Conservation Park VKFF-1651)
19. VK4HNS
20. VK2KJJ
21. VK3BYD
22. VK3XPT
23. VK2HHA
24. VK5PE
25. VK3AB/p
26. VK2YMU
27. VK4FARR
28. VK3FAMPT
29. VK2UTL
30. VK3BNC
31. VK4VXX/6
32. VK2WQ
33. VK3NCR/p
34. VK3YBP
35. VK3BSG
36. VK3IL/p
37. VK4RF
38. VK4HA
39. VK4TJ
40. VK4/AC8WN
41. VK4/VE6XT
42. VK1MCW
43. VK5IS
44. VK3KAI
45. VK3GV
46. VK5MK/m
47. VK5LA/p (Jallumba Marsh Flora Reserve VKFF-2338)
48. VK1DI/2 (Barren Grounds Nature Reserve VKFF-1885)
49. VK3CRG/p

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3HOT
3. VK4TJ
4. VK4/AC8WN
5. VK4/VE6XT
6. VK3SQ
7. VK3DAC
8. VK2MY/3
9. VK4AAC/3
10. VK2VH/3
11. VK5KLV
12. VK4HNS
13. VK4SMA/p (Spicers Gap Road Conservation Park VKFF-1651)
14. VK5FANA
15. VK3ANL
16. VK3FPSR
17. VK2YMU
18. VK4CZ
19. VK4NH
20. VK4DXA
21. ZL4TY/VK4
22. VK3DBP
23. VK7JON/p (Eugenia State Reserve VKFF-1800)
24. VK7FOLK/ (Eugenia State Reserve VKFF-1800)
25. VK3TKK/m
26. VK3MPR
27. VK2FAAA/3
28. VK7ALH
29. VK2VW
30. VK3ARH
31. VK3NDX
32. VK2IO/m
33. VK3WAR
34. VK3EAC
35. VK2AB
36. VK7EE
37. VK2JDS
38. VK3MCK
39. VK4NKL/p
40. VK4FARR
41. VK5FMWW
42. VK4FDJL
43. VK3VBC
44. VK2FHIT
45. VK7EK
46. VK1TX
47. VK5MK/m
48. VK5WU
49. VK5DW
50. VK3FDZE
51. VK5VGC
52. VK3TNL
53. VK3STU
54. VK3ZNK
55. VK5AUS
56. VK5TBC/m
57. VK5HS
58. VK7QP
59. VK6CP
60. VK5PE
61. VK6MB/3
62. VK2OD
63. VK5FBUD
64. VK5GP
65. VK2EMI
66. VK3UCD
67. VK4VXX/6
68. VK4RF
69. VK4HA
70. VK7LH
71. VK2GAZ
72. VK5FLKJ
73. VK3NBL
74. VK1MCW
75. VK5MAS
76. VK5PW
77. VK5WF
78. VK2YK/p (Hat Head National Park VKFF-0230)
79. VK5LA/p (Jallumba Marsh Flora Reserve VKFF-2338 )
80. VK1DI/2 (Barren Grounds Nature Reserve VKFF-1885)
81. VK3AHR
82. VK3CWF
83. ZL1TM
84. VK3KMH
85. VK2HHA
86. VK3SX
87. VK3IRM
88. VK3MLU
89. VK3MKE
90. VK2HBO
91. IK1GPG
92. VK3CGB
93. VK3IL/p
94. VK7KT
95. VK2PKT
96. VK2GJC
97. VK2CAF
98. VK7FRJG
99. VK2HRX/3
100. VK2PBC/p (QRP)
101. VK4RG
102. VK2XXM
103. VK6LG
104. VK1JP/2
105. VK7HAM
106. VK7PAK
107. VK6SKY
108. VK3VGB
109. EA1DLU
110. VK3CRG/p
111. VK5LSB
112. VK3XPT/p (military tx)

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4TJ
2. VK4/AC8WN
3. VK4/VE6XT
4. VK4NH
5. VK4DXA
6. ZL4TY/VK4
7. VK2GZ
8. VK6MAC
9. VK4CZ
10. VK4PDX
11. VK4VXX/6
12. VK2HDX
13. VK4TMZ
14. K7CAR/p (Dixie National Forest KFF-4395)
15. VK4AS
16. VK2JON
17. VK4HNS

I worked the following station on 20m AM:-

1. VK4VXX/6

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FMWW
2. VK5DW
3. VK7QP
4. VK5HS/m
5. VK5YX
6. VK3AHR

References.

Forestry SA, 2016, Mount Panorama, Knott Hill & Christmas Hill Native Forest Reserves Management Plan.

Yesterday (Saturday 20th April 2019) was a very blustery and hot day for this time of the year in South Australia.  The fire danger threat was quite high, so I waited until late in the afternoon once the wind had dropped, to head out into the field.

I headed to the Giles Conservation Park 5CP-076 & VKFF-0884, which is located about 16 km east of the city of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Giles Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

I have activated the Giles Conservation Park on five prior occasions.  My first activation was back in August 2013, and my latest activation at Giles was in September 2017.

The Giles Conservation Park is about 109 hectares (270 acres) in size and was established on the 30th day of September 2007.  Previously, the land was the eastern portion of the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park which is located to the west of Giles.

Above:- An aerial view of the Giles Conservation Park, looking west towards the city of Adelaide.  Image courtesy of google maps

The rugged slopes of this park are clothed with Brown Stringybark and Messmate Stringybark.  The lower slopes are dominated by South Australian Blue Gum, Pink Gum, Manna Gum and River Red Gum.  The understorey is made up of native cherry, golden wattle, native orchids, and dusty miller – a white flowering bush.

The park was named after the family of Charles Giles who is reported as being a pioneer in the fields of horticulture and floriculture in South Australia.  Giles arrived in the Colony of South Australia in 1838 on board the Recovery.  He had trained as a horticulturalist in Devon, England.  He purchased land in the Adelaide Hills while living at another property at Black Forest in the city, and walked to the Summit every Monday morning with his week’s provisions, returning home on Saturdays.  As there was no road leading to the valley back in the 1800s, Giles had to cross Third Creek a total of 21 times.

Above:- Charles GILES.  Courtesy of State Library SA

Giles established the Reedbeds Nursery in the valley on his Grove Hill property.  The focus of the nursery was flowers and trees, with an orchard nearby.  The men who worked at the nursery lived with their families in cottages built by Charles Giles along Third Creek.  The three attached cottages were called ‘Faith’, ‘Hope’ and ‘Charity’ and there was a free-standing cottage a little to the west.  Giles built Grove Hill house, a substantial two storey residence.

Over 60 species of native birds have been recorded in the park including Adelaide Rosella, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Crescent Honeyeater, Black-winged Currawong, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Black-capped Sittella, and Rufous Whistler.

Native animals found in the park include Western Grey kangaroo, koala, brush-tailed possums, yellow-footed antechinus, and short-beaked echidnas.

I set up in my normal operating spot, just inside the park gate on Woods Hill Road.

Above:- An aerial view of the Giles Conservation Park showing my operating spot.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

After setting up I headed for 7.144 on the 40m band and found Simon VK3ELH/p calling CQ from the Greater Bendigo National Park VKFF-0623.  After logging Simon Park to Park I headed down the band to 7.139 and started calling CQ.  Ulrich VK2UTL was the first to give me a call, followed by Brett VK2FSAV mobile, and then Rod VK7FRJG.

It was about 3.45 p.m. local time (0615) UTC and the band was open to Europe.  It didn’t take long for me to start experiencing some QRM from 7.138 from a German station.  It is very hard to find a clear spot on the 40m band at this time of the day.

Despite the interference, the band was in great shape, and it didn’t take long for a mini pile up to form.  Alan VK2MG/p was ninth in the log, with another Park to Park.  Alan was activating the Worimi National Park VKFF-0614.  Contact number ten, qualifying the park for me for VKFF, was with regular park hunter John VK4TJ.

I continued to work a steady flow of callers, and about 12 calls later I had my third Park to Park for the activation in the log.  Nik VK3ZNK/p was activating the North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2166.  Eight QSOs later I was called by Peter VK3YE/p who was pedestrian mobile on Carrum Beach in Melbourne.  Peter always puts out a nice signal, and today was no different, with Peter having a good strong 5/8 signal.

About 7 contacts later I worked Perrin VK3XPT who was using his military manpack transceiver with a 2.4-metre whip antenna.  Perrin had a strong 5/8 signal.  A few QSOs later I was called by Max IK1GPG in Italy.  Max had a good 5/7 signal and gave me a 5/5 in Italy which I was very happy with.  Just 2 QSOs later, contact number 44 was in the log, with a QSO with William VK2NWB.

Five QSOs later I had another Park to Park contact in the log.  This time it was Ian VK1DI/2 who was activating the Budderoo National Park VKFF-0062.  Seven contacts later I was called by Hans VK6XN/p in the Beechina Nature Reserve VKFF-2789.  Hans had a good 5/7 signal from some 2,000 km to my west.

I logged a total of 57 contacts on 7.139 before callers slowed down.  I decided to tune across the band and I found Samuel EA1DLU in Spain calling CQ on 7.158.  Samuel was a strong 5/9 signal, and I was fortunate to get through to Samuel on my first call.  I then found Jeff F4GGQ in Spain, calling CQ on 7.153.  He also had a 5/9 signal and was not busy, and I got through on my first call.  Jeff gave me a 5/3 signal report.

I then lowered the squid pole and removed the links on the dipole for the 20m band.  I called CQ on 14.310 and was soon called by Hans VK6XN in the Beechina Nature Reserve VKFF-2789.

Hans and I decided to stay on the frequency together and call CQ.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t long and we started to experience some QRM from a European station calling CQ on the frequency.  I logged Warren ZL2JML in New Zealand who was running QRP.  Sadly Hans was unable to hear Warren.  Hans was called by a number of stations on the east coast of Australia in New South Wales and Queensland who I was unable to hear.  Hans and I decided that we should split up considering the propagation conditions.

I tuned across the band and found Luciano EA8AM calling CQ on 14.287.  Luciano was a strong 5/9 and gave me a 5/7 signal report from the Canary Islands.  He was amazed that I was running just 40 watts and a piece of wire.

It was starting to get dark with the local time around 5.40 p.m., so I lowered the squid pole and inserted the links for the 80m band.  I called CQ on 3.610 and this was answered by Clem VK3CYD, followed by Dennis VK2HHA, and then Geoff VK3SQ.  I ended up logging a total of 17 stations on 80m, including my good wife Marija VK5FMAZ.

I then moved back to the 40m band hoping to log some North American stations, although my antenna is less than an ideal performer for DX contacts.  I logged 12 stations, including Chuck KO4SB who was mobile.  Chuck was low down, just 5/3 and gave me a 3/3.  Nonetheless, it was a USA DX contact which I was very happy with.

I then decided to have one last listen on the 80m band.  I logged a further 13 stations from VK2, VK3, VK5, VK6 and VK8.  Conditions were terrific, with very strong signals.  Humming on the band was the Over the Horizon Radar.  I even heard two American gentlemen speaking on the same frequency I was operating on, but sadly they were unable to hear my signal.

It was time for me to pack and head home for a bite to eat.  It had been a great activation, with 105 contacts in the log.  The 40m proved to be a great performer, with the vast majority of my contacts on that band, including some nice SSB DX.

The map below shows my contacts around the globe during the activation.

Above:- My QSOs during the activation.  Map courtesy of QSOmap.org

The map below shows my contacts around Australia and into New Zealand during the activation.

Above:- My QSOs around Australia and into New Zealand during the activation.  Map courtesy of QSOmap.org

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3ELH/p (Greater Bendigo National Park VKFF-0623)
2. VK2UTL
3. VK2FSAV/m
4. VK7FRJG
5. VK3LTL
6. VK2FPAR
7. VK3DBP
8. VK7DW/m
9. VK2MG/p (Worimi National Park VKFF-0614)
10. VK4TJ
11. VK3MWB
12. VK4SMA
13. ZL1TM
14. VK3FRAB
15. VK3ARH
16. VK3PF
17. VK4CZ
18. VK3NXT
19. VK3MDH
20. VK3MKE
21. VK2IO/m
22. VK3ZNK/p (North Western Port Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2166)
23. VK3OAK
24. VK3UCD
25. VK3ANL
26. VK4FDJL
27. VK3TNL
28. VK3MPR
29. VK2HHS
30. VK3YE/p (pedestrian mobile)
31. VK4NH
32. VK4DXA
33. ZL4TY/VK4
34. VK4HBT
35. VK4PDX
36. VK4HNS
37. VK3XPT (military manpack tx)
38. VK3FPSR
39. VK3ANP
40. VK3HY
41. VK3UH
42. IK1GPG
43. VK2WQ
44. VK2NWB
45. VK3YSA
46. VK2PBC/p (QRP)
47. VK2EXA
48. VK2HMV
49. VK1DI/2 (Budderoo National Park VKFF-0062)
50. VK3CGB
51. VK3DFZE
52. VK3FLCS
53. VK3MCK
54. VK3IH/m
55. VK2PKT
56. VK6XN/p (Beechina Nature Reserve VKFF-2789)
57. VK4WH
58. VK3ALB
59. EA1DLU
60. F4GGW
61. VK5WU
62. VK6MB/3
63. VK2APA
64. VK6FRDZ/m
65. KO4SB/m
66. VK4VXX/6
67. VK4FPZD/2
68. VK2FPAR
69. VK5FMAZ
70. VK4FNTH
71. VK4FARR
72. VK2AHZ

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK6XN/p (Beechina Nature Reserve VKFF-2789)
2. ZL2JML (QRP)
3. EA8AM

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK3CYD
2. VK2HHA
3. VK3SQ
4. VK5KLV
5. VK5VCR
6. VK3AJA/p (Little Desert National Park VKFF-0291)
7. VK2YMU
8. VK5FANA
9. VK4HNS
10. VK5HS
11. VK5FMAZ
12. VK3MDH
13. VK3FBKS
14. VK3MAB
15. VK3FDAA
16. VK2SS/p
17. VK5AAR
18. VK5FPAC
19. VK3PF
20. VK3ALB
21. VK3ZD
22. VK3PKY
23. VK5DW
24. VK6MB/3
25. VK2OP
26. VK3ANL
27. VK2NN
28. VK6LD
29. VK6JES
30. VK8GM

References.

Birds SA, 2017, <http://www.birdssa.asn.au/location/giles-conservation-park/&gt;, viewed 17th September 2017

Flinders University, 2017, <http://www.flinders.edu.au/ehl/fms/archaeology_files/research/HFZCHP/PDF/VoS%20Ch%2018%20Two%20Nurseries.pdf&gt;, viewed 17th September 2017

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giles_Conservation_Park>, viewed 21st April 2019

Tonight I qualified for my latest VKFF certificate, issued for having worked 1,225 different VKFF references.

Thank you to all of the VKFF activators.

Today (Tuesday 16th April 2019), me, Ivan VK5HS and Danny VK5DW, activated the Long Island Recreation Park VKFF-1724 on the mighty Murray River, at Murray Bridge.  This was the first time that the park had been activated for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.  The park is located about 80 km east of Adelaide.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Long Island Recreation Park VKFF-1724.  Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

The Long Island Recreation Park is 8 hectares (20 acres) in size and encompasses the full extent of Long Island in the Murray River, immediately east of the city of Murray Bridge.  According to the Ngarrindjeri aboriginal people, the island represents a lentlin (spear) thrown by Ngurunderi at Ponde (the fish) as it made it’s way to Wellington creating the river.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Long Island Recreation Park, looking south east.  Image courtesy of google maps

The island first received protected area status on 9th October 1958 as a recreation reserve proclaimed under Crown Lands Act 1929 and to be managed by the Corporate Town of Murray Bridge.  On the 1st day of September 1966, it was proclaimed as a fauna sanctuary under the Fauna Conservation Act, 1964-1965.  On the 8th day of July 1976, the recreation reserve was resumed under Crown Lands Act 1929 and then proclaimed as the Long Island Recreation Park under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Above:- The South Australian Government Gazette, September 1, 1966

After breakfast, I drove up to Murray Bridge and met up with Ivan VK5HS and Danny VK5DW who had driven down from the Riverland.  On the way, I chatted to John VK5BJE/p who was activating the Kinchina Conservation Park 5CP-277 & VKFF-1764 near Murray Bridge.  John had headed out hoping to get a Park to Park with us on 2m.  John was booming into the mobile.

We launched the boat at the end of Long Island Road and headed the short distance to the island.

Danny VK5DW enjoying the beautiful morning.

Captain Ivan VK5HS and myself

Unfortunately, we found it incredibly difficult to find any spots to moor on the island.  The vegetation was very thick and there were no obvious banks that we could land on.  We travelled the majority of the western side of the island and just couldn’t find a suitable spot.

We then travelled around to the eastern side of the island, and our situation did not improve.  There just didn’t appear to be any suitable spots to moor the boat and get onto Long Island.

We travelled around the northwestern tip of the island and then back down the Murray Bridge side of the island until we finally found a spot where we could pull in and jump ashore.

But we didn’t have much room to move.  We were confronted with very thick vegetation and reeds that were 6-7 feet tall.  As it was a hot 32-33 deg C day, we were less than keen walking through the dense vegetation, due to our fear of snakes.  It really was something like out of a Tarzan jungle movie.

Danny VK5DW trying to find a suitable spot to moor.

Ivan VK5HS checking out a possible operating spot.

Me, setting up the squid pole

Unfortunately, during this activation, we were unable to operate on the 80m band due to the vegetation.  As a result, we probably missed out on a lot of local VK5 contacts, but we just didn’t want to end up being the victim of a snake bite.

Also, a hindrance to our signal was our VSWR on 40m which was very high, which I suspect impacted on our signal strength.  I presume the VSWR was due to the amount of vegetation near the antenna and its close proximity to the ground.  We couldn’t even get the 7-metre squid pole up to its full height.

Above:- The 7m telescopic squid pole supporting the linked dipole, showing the very cramped conditions.

As I mentioned earlier, John VK5BJE had headed to nearby Kinchina Conservation Park hoping for a 2m Park to Park contact.  So we had a 2m antenna with us mounted on a tripod.

Above:- Our 2m antenna

I kicked off the activation on 7.144 on the 40m band, with first in the log being Peter VK3PF with a strong 5/9 signal.  This was followed by John VK5BJE/p at Kinchina Conservation Park who was 5/9 plus.  Next was Geoff VK3SQ, Dennis VK2HHA, and then Nick VK3ZNK/p who was in the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park VKFF-0745.

Sadly band conditions appeared to be quite poor, and our high VSWR didn’t help.  But I soon had 10 contacts in the log, qualifying the park for VKFF, the Australian arm of the WWFF program.

I logged 15 stations on 40m before swapping the mic with Danny VK5DW who also soon had his 10 required QSOs in the log.

Next up was Ivan VK5HS, who also qualified the park for VKFF on 40m.

Paul VK5PAS & Danny VK5DW

Paul VK5PAS on 2m

Ivan VK5HS on air on 40

Danny Vk5DW making contacts on 40m

Danny VK5DW through the vegetation

While Ivan was on air, Danny and I made contact with John VK5BJE/p on 20m.  It was great to get a Park to Park on that band.  But sadly that was our only contact on 2m.

The boys then fired up the BBQ, whilst I tried to get to my 44 contacts for the global WWFF program.  I logged a further 20 stations on 40m including Tony VK7LTD/p and Angela VK7FAMP/p on SOTA peak VK7/ EC-006.

I now had 36 stations in the log and decided to try 20m before we stopped for lunch.  I logged 4 stations on 20m and was now just 4 short of my 44.  We took a lunch break, enjoying some snags, patties, tomatoes, potatoes and onions in bread.

Ivan and Danny enjoying the BBQ

After lunch I put out a few more calls on 40m and soon had 44 contacts in the log, qualifying the park for WWFF.  Contact number 44 was with Ray VK3ECK.

As this was a rare park, Danny and Ivan decided to jump in the boat and head downstream for a contact with me on 2m.  After doing so, I jumped into the boat and made contact with Danny.

Above:- ‘the shack’ on Long Island.

It was time for us to pack up and head back across the river to Murray Bridge.  All three of us had qualified the park for VKFF, and I was very lucky to qualify the park for WWFF.

Above:- The Captain Proud paddleboat on the Murray River.

As I mentioned a little earlier in the post, we were unable to try 80m during this activation.  The dense scrub on the island prevented us from stretching out the 80m legs of the linked dipole.  We apologise to anyone who was looking for an 80m contact, but the risk of a snake bite outweighed our chance to operate on that band.  The two photographs below show just how dense the scrub and reeds were at our operating spot.

It is interesting to note that the park is designated as a recreation park.  After our visit, the three of us wondered if it should be a conservation park, as there are certainly no recreational facilities on the island, and it is very difficult to access.

THANKYOU to Ivan VK5HS for the use of his boat.  And thanks to both Ivan and Danny for making the 2-hour drive down from the Riverland.  It was a great day.  We will go back to the park after doing a bit more homework on a possible better operating site.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK5BJE/p (Kinchina Conservation Park VKFF-1764)
3. VK3SQ
4. VK2HHA
5. VK3ZNK/p (Cape Liptrap Coastal Park VKFF-0745)
6. VK5KLV
7. VK1POP/2
8. VK4TJ
9. VK7JON
10. VK2KNV/m
11. VK2SLB
12. VK3AHR
13. VK2MOR
14. VK3TKK/m
15. VK5FANA
16. VK2KYO
17. VK3UH
18. VK7LTD/p (SOTA VK7/ EC-006)
19. VK5LA
20. VK5BMC
21. VK2XSE/m
22. VK2IO
23. VK7FAMP/p (SOTA VK7/ EC-006)
24. VK3WAR
25. VK4AAC/3
26. VK2VH/3
27. VK2VK
28. VK4/AC8WN
29. VK4/VE6XT
30. VK1XP
31. VK2ADB
32. VK3KAI
33. VK3GV
34. VK2APA
35. VK2VW
36. VK3VCR
37. VK3HP
38. VK2YK
39. VK3ECK
40. VK2PBC/p
41. VK4FDJL

I worked the following stations on 2m:-

1. VK5BJE/p (Kinchina Conservation Park VKFF-1764)
2. VK5DW/mm
3. VK5HS/mm

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4TJ
2. VK4/AC8WN
3. VK4/VE6XT
4. ZL1TM

References.

The Rural City of Murray Bridge, 2019, <https://www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=860>, viewed 16th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Island_Recreation_Park>, viewed 16th April 2019

On Saturday afternoon (13th April 2019) I headed out to activate the Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779.  I have activated and qualified Cromer previously, so this activation was for a bit of fun, and to go towards the Boomerang Award.

The park is located about 38 km northeast of about 5km north of the town of Birdwood in the Mount Lofty Ranges ‘Adelaide Hills’.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Cromer Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills.  Map courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

The Cromer Conservation Park is 44 hectares (110 acres) in size and was proclaimed on the 22nd day of January 1976.  The park contains one of a few areas of natural vegetation in the Mount Lofty Ranges, with the main vegetation in this park is woodland comprised of Long-leafed Box (Eucalyptus goniocalyx) with Pink Gum (E. fasciculosa).  The park is in pristine condition, having never been grazed by stock.

The park takes its name from the area of Cromer, which is named after Cromer in Kent in England.   Cromer in South Australia was the site of an alluvial gold rush at ‘Bonney’s Flat’ in 1870.  A school was opened at Cromer in 1898 and was known as ‘Para Wirra’, and closed in 1950.  The Cromer Post Office was opened in 1910 and closed in 1944.

The park is one of only three sites in South Australia, where the critically endangered blue star sun-orchid can be located.

Birds SA have recorded a total of 110 bird species in the park including Adelaide Rosella, Superb Fairywren, Crescent Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Striated Thornbill, Grey Fantail, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, White-browed Babbler, Hooded Robin, and Diamond Firetail.

Above:- An aerial view of the Cromer Conservation Park, looking north towards the Barossa Valley.  Image courtesy of google maps

I travelled to Birdwood and then headed north on the Cromer Road.  Not long after passing Lucky Hit Road, I reached the park which is well signposted.  Do not confuse the scrub to the south of Cromer, as it is not part of the park.

I parked alongside gate number one, and walked a short distance into the park and set up my station.

Above:- Gate one at the Cromer Conservation Park

For this activation I ran the Yaesu FT-897, 30 watts output and a 20/40/80m linked dipole, supported on a 7-metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole.

Above:- Aerial shot of the Cromer Conservation Park, showing my operating spot in the park.  Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

Prior to calling CQ I tuned across the band and found John VK5EMI/p on 7.120, activating his very first park, the Mungo National Park VKFF-0370.  John was an excellent 5/9 signal, and it was a pleasure to get him in the log.

I then worked Mike VK6MB/3 who was activating the Alpine National Park VKFF-0619.  Mike was a strong 5/8 signal.  Next, was another Park to Park, this time with Rob VK2XIC/p who was in the Seven Mile Beach National Park VKFF-0447.  Rob was quite low down, but as there was no man-made noise in the park, he was easily worked.

It was nearly 3.00 p.m. local time, and the 40m band was very busy, and as a result, it was very difficult to find a clear frequency.  I eventually propped on 7.130 and started calling CQ.  First in the log on 7.130 was Peter VK7ALB, followed by Don VK3MCK, and then Linda VK7QP.  I soon had a little pileup, which was made a little more difficult as an FK8 station from New Caledonia had moved in on 7.128 and was bleeding over onto the frequency.

I logged a total of 23 stations from VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK7.  This included Peter VK3PF and Peter VK3ZPF both of whom were QRP running just 5 watts.

Ray VK4NH informed me that VI9NI on Norfolk Island was on 14.244, so I took the opportunity of heading up to the 20m band, hoping that I could hear the team on Norfolk Island.  The VI9NI team had messaged me earlier to advise that they would be activating VKFF-0392 and SOTA Mount Bates VK9/ NO-001.  It was with great pleasure that I heard VI9NI calling CQ on 14.244 with just 2 watts, and they were 5/5.

After logging VI9NI I moved up the band to 14.310 and started calling CQ.  I logged 18 stations from VK2, VK4, VK7, New Zealand, Italy, Slovenia, Czech Republic, European Russia.  It was a real treat to be able to log a handful of European stations on the long path on 20m.

When callers slowed down I tuned across the 20m band and logged another 2 stations, one from VK7 and one from VK6.  I did hear some other European stations, but their signals were quite low down, and the opening to Europe appeared to have closed.

I then headed to 80m and called CQ on 3.610, but I didn’t seem to be getting any power out of the transceiver (more on this later).

I then headed back to the 40m band and called CQ on 7.160.  Ian VK1DI came back to my call with a 5/9 signal, followed by John VK5NJ, and then Charlie VK5VC.  For a short time, HC5VC from Ecuador came up on the frequency and started calling CQ.  Sadly he could not hear my signal.

I worked a total of 43 stations on 7.160 from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, Italy, and France.  It was terrific that there was an opening around South Australia, with a number of VK5 stations logged, including my lovely wife Marija VK5FMAZ.

Above:- Map showing the local VK5 contacts.  Image courtesy of qsomaps.org

Even more surprising was a call from Max IK1GPG in Italy, and then Sam F4GYG/p in France Flora Fauna FF-0041.  It was a real surprise to be called by Sam, who wad a good 5/7 signal, and gave me 5/5 into his park in France.

The audio below is courtesy of Charlie VK5VC.

Also logged was Hans VK6XN/p who was activating the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park VKFF-0283 in Western Australia.  Hans had a nice 5/7 signal.

I now had 90 contacts in the log.  It had been a brilliant activation.  I decided to have a look at 80m again, and this time I worked out what the problem was.  I had the transceiver in a different mode to LSB.  I called CQ on 3.610 and logged a total of 12 stations.  Contact number 100 was with Peter VK3GV.

I then messaged Hans VK6XN to see if he wanted a Park to Park contact on 20m.  I logged Hans on 14.310 and then had a final tune across the band before calling it a day.  My final contact was with DX1CC in the Philippines.

It had been a most enjoyable activation with a total of 104 contacts into VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Italy, France, Slovenia, Czech Republic, European Russia, & Philippines.  This included seven Park to Park contacts.

Above:- Map showing my QSOs during the activation.  Image courtesy of qsomap.org

The highlight of the activation was to work F4GYG Park to Park on 40m.  Closely followed by the Park to Park contact with VI9NI on Norfolk Island.

Above:- Map showing my local VK and Pacific contacts during the activation.  Image courtesy of qsomaps.org

Thank you to everyone who called, and a BIG THANK YOU to those who took the time to spot me.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5EMI/p (Mungo National Park VKFF-0370)
2. VK6MB/3 (Alpine National Park VKFF-0619)
3. VK2XIC/p (Seven Mile Beach National Park VKFF-0447)
4. VK7ALB
5. VK3MCK
6. VK7QP
7. VK4FDJL
8. VK2IO
9. VK3PT
10. VK2YK
11. VK7FLAR
12. VK3SQ
13. VK3WAC/m
14. VK2PKT
15. VK3ZPF
16. VK3PF
17. VK3AHR
18. VK7JON
19. VK3ANL
20. VK4TJ
21. VK3CRG
22. VK3MLU
23. VK4NH
24. VK4DXA
25. ZL4TY/VK4
26. VK7KEV
27. VK1DI
28. VK5NJ
29. VK5VC
30. VK2LX
31. VK3FDZE
32. VK5FANA
33. VK2QK
34. VK5FMAZ
35. VK3MPR
36. VK4SMA
37. VK3IC
38. IK1GPG
39. VK3FPSR
40. F4GYG/p (FF-0041)
41. VK5PL
42. VK2MG
43. VK3ARH
44. VK5IS
45. VK3FORD
46. VK5KLV
47. VK3SIM
48. VK3EIR
49. VK3MDH/m
50. VK5HT
51. VK3DAC
52. VK5LA
53. VK2VOO
54. VK6XN/p (Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park VKFF-0283)
55. VK3AMX
56. VK2MKE
57. VK3FRAB
58. VK3FLES
59. VK3FLJD
60. VK5WG
61. VK3ZNK
62. VK5MCB
63. VK3RD
64. VK2BZW
65. VK7FOTR
66. VK3FPEM
67. VK2FALE
68. VK2BHO
69. VK3GB

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VI9NI (VKFF-0392 & VK/ NO-001)
2. VK4NH
3. VK4DXA
4. ZL4TY/Vk4
5. VK4MWB
6. VK7QP
7. ZL1TM
8. VK4AS
9. IK4GRO
10. VK4SMA
11. S58N
12. OK7WA
13. S52ZZ
14. UA3EDQ
15. IK4LZH
16. IZ2IHO
17. VK2IO
18. VK4PDX
19. VK4PHD
20. VK7VZ
21. VK6NAD
22. VK6XN/p (Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park VKFF-0283)
23. DX1CC

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK5FANA
2. VK5FLEA
3. VK5FMAZ
4. VK5BMC
5. VK5VC
6. VK5KDK
7. VK2HRX
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK3GV
11. VK3CWF
12. VK2SR

References.

A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia, 2019, <2019>, viewed 15th April 2019

Birds SA, 2019, <https://birdssa.asn.au/location/cromer-conservation-park/>, viewed 15th April 2019

Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromer_Conservation_Park>, viewed 15th April 2019