Following up on the recent Top VKFF Activator certificates that I recently released, I have now released the Top VKFF Hunter certificates.

These will be released annually for the Top VKFF Hunter.  In other words, the amateur who has worked the most number of VKFF references in that year.

I have started off in 2013, as this is the year that VKFF kicked off in Australia.

The Top VKFF Hunters in 2013 were myself and Larry VK5LY (we both worked 39 different VKFF references).

In at second place (again shared) was Ron VK3AFW and Bernard VK3AMB (on 38 references),  in 3rd was Nick VK3ANL with 35 references, Peter VK3PF at number 4 (34 references).  And at number 5 was Allen VK3HRA (with 32 references).

The Top VKFF Hunter in 2014 was Peter VK3PF, with 85 VKFF references worked.

In second place was Paul VK5PAS with 83 references.  In 3rd was Amanda VK3FQSO with 81 VKFF references.  Fourth spot was shared by Nev VK5WG and Matt VK1MA with 62 references.  And in 5th position was Ron VK3AFW with 59 references.

So far in 2015, the Top 5 VKFF Hunters are:-

This morning (Friday 31st July 2015) I headed out to the Cromer Conservation Park, which is located about 5 km north of Birdwood in the Mount Lofty Ranges.  It is about a 30 minute drive from home, through the Adelaide Hills.

I had activated Cromer previously as part of the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award, but this was my first time in the park as part of the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.  Cromer had been allocated a VKFF number in March this year.

And today was also World Ranger Day.  World Ranger Day, which is observed annually on the 31st of July, commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, and celebrates the work rangers do to protect the world’s natural and cultural treasures.  For more information, please see…..

http://www.thingreenline.org.au/event/world-ranger-day/

It was a freezing morning, with the Adelaide Hills having had another very cold night and a morning frost.  I was on a day off from work, and had slept in a bit, so it was just after 8.00 a.m. by the time I hit the road.  I had to use a bucket of water to get the ice off the windscreen of the Toyota Hi Lux.  Generally the temperature gauge is accurate, and it was showing 0 degrees C.

Above:- Map showing the location of Cromer CP.  Image courtesy of mapcarta.com

I travelled out through Nairne, to Woodside and then on to the little town of Mount Torrens.  I continued north to Birdwood which is the home of the National Motor Museum.  From Birdwood I travelled north on the Cromer Road which starts off as bitumen, but soon changes to dirt.  The park is located about 5 km out of Birdwood and is well signposted.  The Mount Crawford Forest borders the park and this part of the northern Mount Lofty Ranges is very picturesque.

Cromer CP is 50 hectares in size and represents one of the largest contiguous native remnant vegetation parcels within the Upper Torrens catchment area in the Mount Lofty Ranges.  The park was declared in 1976.  It provides significant habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.  There were quite a few Western Grey kangaroos on the road, braving the morning cold.  And sadly I found a young female kangaroo (doe), dead on the side of the road, not far from the park entry on Cromer Road.  And deceased alongside of her was her young joey which was probably only a few months old.  Obviously she had been hit by a passing vehicle.  Not the most pleasing start to the activation.

I set up my fold up table and deck chair just inside the park entry on Cromer Road.  For this activation I used my normal portable equipment consisting of the Yaesu FT-857d, and my 40m/20m linked dipole, supported on the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.  I tied off the ends of the dipole to some gum trees in the parks, so the ends of the legs were about 4 -5 feet off the ground.

Above:- Map showing my operating spot.  Map courtesy of mapcarta.com

I headed to 7.144 which I had nominated as my operating frequency, and asked if the frequency was in use.  This was immediately answered by Greg VK5GJ at Meadows, in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges.  Greg was running just 4 watts, but still had a good 5/7 signal to Cromer.  Greg kindly spotted me on parksnpeaks.

Next caller was John VK5BJE at Scott Creek with a nice 5/9 signal, who also spotted me on parksnpeaks.  This was followed by Tony VK5FTVR at Strathalbyn who was very strong.  I worked a total of 12 stations before the UTC rollover, in VK1, VK2, VK3, VK5, & VK6.  This included a call from Julie VK3FOWL who was at a school at Ormond in Victoria.  Julie conducts amateur radio classes at schools, and asked if she could call back a bit later with some of the students.  Of course, I agree, as anything to promote the hobby is a great thing.  And Julie and her hubby zJoe VK3YSP certainly do a lot to promote the hobby.  After the UTC rollover I worked a further 5 stations in VK2, VK4, & VK5, before heading off to 20m.

On 20m I called CQ on 14.244 and this was answered by George VK4GSF at Toowoomba with a good strong 5/9 signal.  This was followed by Greg VK5GJ, who although very weak, was very readable.  Again, Greg spotted me on parksnpeaks.  Spotting is very much appreciated, as it not only helps the activator, but also helps the park hunters.

Next up was another Queenslander.  This time, Ron VK4QO with a nice strong 5/9 signal.  My next taker was Brian VK5BC who was kind enough to place me on the DX cluster.  This clearly resulted in my first DX contact for this activation, Dave YB0AJZ in Jakarta.  My laster taker on 20m was Anthony VK6MAC who was portable in the South West of Western Australia.

After working a total of 11 stations on 20m in VK2, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7 and Indonesia, I headed back to 40m and called CQ again on 7.144.  This was answered by Col VK5HCF at Mount Gambier.  I worked a further 7 stations including Mick VK3PMG who spotted me on parksnpeaks.  Shortly after I was called by Julie VK3FOWL.

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When things slowed down a little, I tuned across the 40m band and found Rob VK2QR calling CQ from SOTA summit, Mount Ikes, VK2/ SW-030.  Rob was a very nice 5/9 signal, and is always one of the strongest SOTA activators that I hear on the band.  I headed back to 7.144 and called CQ again, where I spoke with Cleeve VK2MOR, who placed me on the DX cluster.  This was followed by Rex VK3ARG.  But despite a number of CQ calls I had no further callers, so I headed back to 20m for a final listen before going QRT.

I headed to 14.244, but found Colin VK4LAC calling CQ on 14.245.  I gave Colin a call who had a good 5/9 signal.  Colin advised that he was just newly licenced, so I was very pleased to get Colin in the log.  Colin kindly left me the frequency and I was then called by Albert S58AL in Slovenia.  I was a little surprised to hear Albert as it was very early, only midday local time.  So long path to Europe was still opening up.  My last taker was Brooke VK4RZ with a 5/9 plus signal.

I ended up with a total of 51 contacts in the log for this activation, which I was very pleased with, considering that this was a weekday.

I have a special QSL card for this activation for World Ranger Day, which I will send via email upon request.  Send an email to vk5pas@wia.org.au

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5GJ
2. VK5BJE
3. VK5FTVR
4. VK5EE
5. VK2UH
6. VK6DW
7. VK3MEG
8. VK3FOWL/p
9. VK1DI
10. VK5PL
11. VK2IO
12. VK2GAZ
13. VK4GSF
14. VK7MK
15. VK2PDW
16. VK2MMM
17. VK5GJ (after the UTC roll over)
18. VK5HCF
19. VK5FANA
20. VK3PMG
21. VK4AAC/5
22. VK3UH
23. VK3TKK
24. VK5ZGY/m
25. VK3BHR
26. VK3FOWL/p
27. VK2XXM
28. VK3FENV
29. VK3PF
30. VK4RF
31. VK4HA
32. VK2NCS
33. VK2PKT
34. VK2LAD
35. VK2QR/p (SOTA)
36. VK2MOR
37. VK3ARG

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4GSG
2. VK5GJ
3. VK4QO
4. VK5BC
5. VK7MK
6. VK6BP
7. VK2GKA
8. YB0AJZ
9. VK4CEF/m
10. VK6MAC/p
11. VK4LAC
12. S58AL
13. VK4RZ

I recently received an email from the SPFF Award Managers with my certificate for the next level of the SPFF Hunter Award.  It was awarded to me for working 18 different SPFF reference areas.

And here we go with some of the VKFF Hunter statistics.  Remember, that the VKFF program commenced in March 2013.  So I have started in that year.

In 2013, the Top 5 WWFF Hunters in Australia were myself VK5PAS and Larry VK5LY (tied on 39 different WWFF references), followed by Bernard VK3AMB with 38, then Ron VK3AFW on 37, and then Peter VK3PF on 33.

No Australian operators appeared in the Top 44 in the World.  The stats there are amazing.  Coming in at number 44 in the World was SP5ICQ in Poland, with 655 different WWFF reference areas.  Coming in at number one was Luciano I5FLN in Italy, with a staggering 1,360 references.  This just goes to show the popularity of the WWFF program in Europe.

Of note, all of the Top 44 Hunters in the VKFF list were Australians.

In 2014, Peter VK3PF was the leading WWFF Hunter with a total of 85 different WWFF reference areas, followed by VK5PAS with 83, Amanda VK3FQSO with 81.  There was then quite a gap, with number 4 being Matt VK1MA with 62 different WWFF references, and rounding off the Top 5 was Nev VK5WG also with 62.

Again, no VK’s in the Top 44 in the World.  Luciano I5FLN was at the top again with 1,826 different WWFF references.  I just shake my head at that amazing total.  At number 44 in the World was SA5BZT in Sweden, with 928 references.

Albert S58AL and Luciano I5FLN did sneak into the VKFF list, as the popularity of the VKFF program increased in 2014.

So far in 2015, Peter VK3PF is leading with a massive 146 different WWFF references for this year to date, followed by Amanda VK3FQSO with 128, and then VK5PAS and Adrian VK5FANA, both with 123.  And rounding off the top 5 is Peter VK3TKK with 113 different references.

And this year, we have no VK’s in the Top 44 in the World.  Leading once again is Luciano I5FLN with 1,283 different references.  At number 44 in the World is SM5BXC in Sweden, with 628 different references.

And now the popularity of the VKFF program increasing, and more VKFF activators getting on to some of the DX bands such as 20m, quite a few Europeans appear in the top 44 list.

xx

Hi all,

I have created a new certificate for the VKFF program.  It will be awarded to the Top VKFF Activator each year.  I have forwarded the 2013 certificate to Joe VK3YSP, and the 2014 Top VKFF Activator certificate to John VK5BJE.

CONGRATULATIONS.

Who will get the 2015 certificate?

After reading a comment by Pit YO3JW re breaking down the WWFF stats by year, I decided to have a look at the build up of the WWFF program here in Australia, by looking at the 2013, 2014, & 2015 Activator statistics as they relate to Australia (this post only relates to Activators – I will look at the Hunter progress in another post).

The World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program commenced in Australia in March 2013.  Here are some stats for that year.

In 2013, in the Top 44 Activator classification (References), we had two Aussie representatives.  They being Joe VK3YSP and Julie VK3FOWL.  Joe reached number 26 on 25 references activated.  And Julie was on number 31 with 21 references activated.  I recall this year that Joe and Julie went on quite a big trip, activating National Parks all across Victoria.  What a great effort, 25 unique WWFF reference areas in one year, and featuring in the Top 44 Activators worldwide.

And below is a list of the Top VKFF Activators for 2013.  There were 32 in total.  On the top was Joe VK3YSP, followed by Julie VK3FOWL, John VK5BJE with 14 references for that year, Paul VK5PAS with 13, and Peter VK3ZPF rounded off the top 5 with 12 WWFF references for 2013.

We then move on to 2014.  WWFF has now been running for not quite 2 years in Australia.  And in the Top 44 we have 2 different Australian hams.  They being John VK5BJE at position number 26 in the World, with 38 different references activated in 2014.  Tony VK3VTH is sitting in position number 41 with 27 different WWFF references.  What a great effort by both John and Tony.

The Top 44 VK list shows that the WWFF program has grown in Australia.  The number of Australian activators has increased.  In 2013 we had just 32 Australian amateurs provide their log for upload.  Now e have over 44.

Sitting on top now with 38 references for 2014 is of course, John VK5BJE.  This is followed by Tony VK3VTH with 27 references, Nick VK3ANL with 24 references, Joe VK3YSP with 20, and Julie VK3FOWL with 19.  It is very pleasing to see a number of Foundation calls in the list.  It proves that operating portable, generally puts everyone, no matter what their licence class, on an equal playing field.

And then on to 2015.  WWFF in Australia is now just under 2 & 1/2 years old.

So far, half way through the year, we have a total of five Australians in the Top 44 Activator List for References in the World.  With 32 references, sitting in position 16, is yours truly, VK5PAS.  Closely followed by Tony VK3VTH in position 20 in the World, on 30 different WWFF references.  Then comes Peter VK3PF in position number 26 with 24 references.

It is really pleasing to see a Foundation operator from Australia, holding down position 31.  Doug VK2FMIA has a total of 23 WWFF references for 2015.  And in position 41 is another Foundation call, Rob VK4FFAB, with a total of 17 different WWFF references for 2015.  Both Doug and Rob certainly fly the flag for WWFF in their respective States.

The Australian Activator list for 2015, shows Paul VK5PAS sitting on top with 32 unique references, closely followed by Tony VK3VTH with 30 references, then Peter VK3PF with 24.  And then Doug VK2FMIA with 23 references, and Rob VK4FFAB with 17 references.

So as Australian Activators, considering our population, we are doing extremely well.  And the WWFF program in Australia is catching on in popularity, as I am sure will be evident by the next post, where I will have a look at the evolution of WWFF park hunting in Australia.

And remember, that these stats are only representative of logs provided by Park Activators for upload to the WWFF LogSearch system.  There has been a lot of other park activity, but sadly, for a variety of different reasons, those logs have never been provided for upload.

So, please, if you activate a qualifying park for WWFF, please provide your log for upload.  It is simply a matter of forwarding via email to VK5PAS, an ADIF file or a CSV file (template found on WWFF Australia website) and your log will be uploaded.

73 & 44

Paul, VK5PAS

(WWFF Co-ordinator Australia)

Yesterday after having a chat with Tony VK3VTH on the phone, I had a look at the LogSearch platform for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

I was interested to see that Tony VK3VTH was in the Top 44 ACTVATORS in the WORLD.  A great effort Tony, considering the number of hams we have down here, and how new the WWFF program is here in Australia.  Tony is sitting on 70 WWFF references worked.

And just outside the Top 44 Activators list are a few other Aussies.  Peter VK3PF is just 1 off, sitting on 62 references, followed by John VK5BJE who is on 60 references.  We all know how active Peter and John are in activating parks, not only in their own home States, but all across Australia.  Well done Peter and John.

I then looked at the Top 44 ACTIVATOR list for AUSTRALIA.  Of course, sitting on the top, was Tony VK3VTH on 70 different WWFF references, followed by Peter VK3PF on 62, John VK5BJE on 60, yours truly VK5PAS on 45, and Peter VK3ZPF on 42, rounding off the top 5.

The top activator in the world by the way is SP9YFF in Poland, with an amazing 405 different WWFF activations.

And in the Top 44, I see a lot of Foundation calls which is great.  Julie VK3FOWL is sitting on 37 WWFF reference areas activated, Doug VK2FMIA is on 27 references, Rob VK4FFAB is on 17 references, Brett VK4FTWO is on 3 references, Amanda VK3FQSO is also on 3 references, Phillip VK2FPJR is on 2 references, and Alan VK5FAJS is also on 2 references.

The WWFF LogSearch platform also shows the Top Activators as far as the number of QSOs.  Again, sitting proudly at the top is Tony VK3VTH with 6,893 QSOs (the European park hunters love Tony), Johan PA3EXX with 5,426 QSOs (Johan has activated numerous rare Australian IOTA’s, thus the reason why he is on the Australian list), yours truly with 3,316 QSO’s, Peter VK3PF with 2,477 QSOs and Andrew VK1NAM, rounding off the top 5, with 2,107 QSOs.

And finally I looked at the Top 44 Hunter list in AUSTRALIA.  At the top of the list is Peter VK3PF with 209 different WWFF references, followed by myself with 186 references, Amanda VK3FQSO with 179, Peter VK3TKK with 153, and wrapping up the top 5 is Gerard VK2IO with 130 different WWFF references.

It was also to see a number of European call signs in the Top 44 Hunter list for Australia, proving the popularity of the VKFF program.  They include Luciano I5FLN in Italy, Max IK1GPG in Italy, Albert S58AL in Slovenia, Xaver DK4RM in Germany, Hink S52KM in Slovenia, Uwe DL2ND in Germany, and Axel DL1EBR, also in Germany.

At this stage, we do not have any VK Hunters in the Top 44 Worldwide Hunter list.  Number 44 there is OH3GZ with an amazing 2,791 different WWFF references.  The top Hunter worldwide is Luciano I5FLN with a staggering 5,136 different WWFF references.

So in just over 2 years that WWFF has been running in Australia, we have some very active WWFF Park Activators and Hunters.

For more information on the World Wide Flora Fauna program, please have a look at the global website at…..

http://www.wwff.co/

And the Australian (VKFF) website at…..

http://www.wwffaustralia.com/

To access LogSearch, you first need to register (which is Free and Easy).  LogSearch can be located at…….

http://logsearch.wwff.co/index.php

Check it out.  You might just find you have some award certificates waiting there for you.

A special QSL card has been designed for our recent activation at Farina of VK100ANZAC.

I can send the card for FREE as a PDF and/or JPEG.  Send me an email if you would like an electronic form of the card.

vk5pas@wia.org.au

Or if you would like a printed version, please send a Stamped Self Addressed envelope to…..

Mr. Paul Simmonds,

PO Box 169,

Mount Barker,

S.A.

5251

After leaving the Kyeema Conservation Park I headed for my second activation, the Cox Scrub Conservation Park, VKFF-824, which is located about 70 km south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Above:- Map showing the location of the park.  Map courtesy of mapcarta.com

This was to be a unique WWFF park for me.  Although I have activated the park a number of times previously as part of the VK5 Parks award.  For more detailed information on the park, and thiose activations, please have a look at my previous posts…..

Cox Scrub Conservation Park

Cox Scrub Conservation Park

I headed for the main carpark off the Bull Creek Road.  This is on the eastern side of the park, and is the location from where I have previously activated the park.

On my way to the park I had spoken with Col VK5HCF in the Penambol Conservation Park, VKFF-802 from my mobile.  Col was keen to get me in the log for a park to park contact.  And as I was pulling in to the park I gave Col another quick shout to let him know that I would be up on deck in about 10 minutes.

So after setting up, I immediately went to 7.105 and there was Col VK5HCF calling CQ from Penambol.  Col was my first contact (5/9 both ways) and a park to park contact for the VK5 Parks Award to boot.

I then tuned down the band a little and heard Hugh VK5NHG calling CQ on 7.103 from SOTA peak, Eke Hill, VK5/ NE-069 near the Bendleby Ranges in the north of South Australia (5/9 both ways).

I kept tuning down the band and my next contact was with Brett VK4FTWO, in the Burrum Coast National Park, VKFF-070 (5/6 both ways).

I then went up to 7.095 and there worked Rob VK4FFAB who was also out and about, in the Venman Bushland National Park, VKFF-507.  A mini pile up ensued after my contact with Rob, with callers from VK3, VK5, & VK7.  This included QSO’s with Julie VK3FOWL & Joe VK3YSP operating portable at the Melbourne Museum, and Brandon VK4FABB who was activating VKFF-507 with Rob VK4FFAB.  Following my QSO with Brandon, Ian VK1DI called in, operating portable from Percival Hill Nature Reserve, VKFF-859 in the ACT.  For more information on Ian’s activation, check out Ian’s blog at…..

http://vk1di.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/percival-hill-nature-reserve-vkff-859.html

And a number of contacts later, Nick VK3ANL called in again, this time on the top of Mount Donna Buang, VK3/ VC-002 and within the Yarra Ranges National Park VKFF-556.

On air

40m/20m linked dipole on 7m squid pole

Me with Phil VK5GM

The Yaesu Ft-857d

I worked a total of 45 stations on 40m, before trying 20m.  But the 20m band was very quiet.  I had left my run there a little late.  I only managed three contacts, however one of those was with Mike VK6MB who was activating Karijini National Park, VKFF-237, followed by John VK6NU.  It is always good to get the VK6 guys in the log.

I also had a visitor during this activation.  It was Phil VK5GM, who I had worked from Kyeema.  Phil lives nearby at Tooperang, so He decided to pop in and say hello and have a look at my portable set up.

It was getting dark and was nearly 5.30 p.m. so it was time to pack up and head back home to Mount Barker.  This was another successful activation for me, with a total of 48 contacts, and a new VKFF park to add to my Activator list.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5HCF/p (Penambol CP VKFF-812)
2. VK5NHG/p (SOTA VK5
3. VK4FTWO/p (Burrum Coast National Park, VKFF-070)
4. VK4FFAB/p (VKFF-507)
5. VK5ZGY/m
6. VK3PMG
7. VK3FOWL/p (Melbourne Museum)
8. VK3FQSO
9. VK3BHR
10. VK4FABB/p (VKFF-507)
11. VK1DI/p (Percival Hill Nature Reserve, VKFF-859)
12. VK3YSP/p (Melbourne Museum)
13. VK3NBL/p
14. VK4AAC/5
15. VK3ARM/m
16. VK3DBP
17. VK3TJK
18. VK3NBV
19. VK3YAR
20. VK5FTRG
21. VK7LCW
22. VK5FMID
23. VK3OF
24. VK5ZAR
25. VK3PF
26. VK5GJ
27. VK5KX
28. VK5TR
29. VK5NRG
30. VK5HV
31. VK5GM
32. VK3FLES
33. VK5SFA
34. VK2LEE
35. VK3TKK/m
36. VK5KBM
37. VK4FBMW
38. VK3ANL/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-002)
39. VK5FANA
40. VK2MJB
41. VK3LO
42. VK5HEL
43. VK3DCU
44. VK5ZEA
45. VK2LAX

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. VK5GJ
2. VK6MB/p (VKFF-257)
3. VK6NU

Just after lunch on Saturday 27th June, 2015, I headed out to activate two parks for the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award and the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program: Kyeema and Cox Scrub.  I had activated both parks previously as part of the VK5 Parks Award, but not for WWFF.  Both parks have recently been added to the WWFF program, so these were going to be two WWFF unique parks for me.  The first activation was the Kyeema Conservation Park, VKFF-826.

Kyeema Conservation Park is located about 60 km south of Adelaide, between Meadows and Willunga.

 Above:- Map showing the location of Kyeema CP.  Map courtesy of mapcarta.com

For more information on the park and info on my three previous activations, please have a look at my previous posts…..

https://vk5pas.org/2013/05/18/kyeema-conservation-park/

https://vk5pas.org/2014/09/14/kyeema-conservation-park-2/

https://vk5pas.org/2015/02/14/kyeema-conservation-park-3/

The park is just a short 25 minute drive from home, through to Echunga and on to Meadows, and then along the Brookman Road towards Willunga.  I turned into Woodgate Hill Road and followed the southern boundary of the park.  I have previously activated the park from the main carpark area on Woodgate Hill Road.  I was hoping to activate the park from a different location this time, so I looked at a few of the DEWNR gates along Woodgate Hill Road.  However they were all locked and this involved scrambling over barbed wire fences.  I travelled further east until I reached Blackfellows Creek Road, but could not find another suitable spot to access the park, so I decided to head to the normal spot.

Above:- Map showing my operating location.  Map courtesy of mapcarta.com

Just as I was pulling up into the park I spoke with Tony VK3VTH from my mobile.  Tony was portable in Werribee Gorge State Park, VKFF-775 and had a lovely 5/9 signal coming into the mobile.  I had a quick chat with Tony and told him I was about to set up.  I didn’t want Tony disappearing to 20m.

So I quickly set up my gear, the Yaesu FT-857d, and the 20m/40m linked dipole, supported on the 7 metre squid pole.  Sadly, I had not checked the 44 amp hour power pack before leaving home, and it was down a little in charge.  So for this activation I ran 20 watts.

After turning on the radion I tuned to 7.095 and there was Tony VK3VTH calling CQ.  So I gave Tony a shout and was very pleased to have Tony in my log as number one contact from VKFF-775 to VKFF-826.  I then went down to 7.090 and called CQ and this immediately resulted in a mini pile up.  First taker was Peter VK3ATC, followed by Mick VK3PMG, and then Gerard VK2IO.  The pile up continued with numerous callers from VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK5, all with exceptional signals.

And amongst all the callers I hear Rob’s voice, VK4FFAB who was portable in Venman Busland National Park, VKFF-507 (5/5 both ways).  I was very pleased to get another VKFF park in the log.

I also took a break from the pileup, and called for QRP stations and this resulted in calls from Greg VK5GJ running 4 watts (5/7 both ways), Ron VK3APC running 5 watts (5/7 sent and 5/8 received), and Steve VK2LAD running 3 watts (5/6 sent and 5/7 received).

I went on to work a further 13 stations in VK1, VK3, and VK5, including David VK5PL (formerly VK5NQP) who has recently upgraded to the Advanced call.  Congratulations David.  And also Frank VK2BFC (formerly VK2HFS).  Well done to you as well Frank.

I was then called by my third VKFF park for this activation.  This time it was Ian VK1DI who was portable in Percival Hill Nature Reserve, VKFF-859.  This is one of the new 33 Canberra Nature Reserves added to the WWFF program.  And it was a unique park for me to add to my Hunter list.

A few QSO’s later I was called by Col VK5HCF who was portable in the Penambol Conservation Park, VKFF-802 in the South East of South Australia.  Col was an exceptionally good 5/9 signal coming in to the Fleurieu Peninsula.  I was also called by husband and wife team, Joe VK3YSP and Julie VK3FOWL, who were operating portable at the Melbourne Museum as part of Museums Weekend.  Although Joe and Julie were running QRP 5 watts, they were an excellent 5/9 into Kyeema.

My last contact on 40m was with Nick VK3ANL who was activating SOTA peak, Mount Little Joe, VK3/ VC-027.  Nick was a good 5/7 signal.  I left the frequency for Nick, and I headed off to 20m, hoping to get some DX in the log.  I called CQ on 14.310 and this was immediately answered by Luciano, I5FLN in Italy.  Not sure whether Luciano had seen me spotted on parksnpeaks, or was monitoring this frequency, but he was there straight after letting go of the mic, which was a really pleasant surprise.  Another CQ call was answered by Max IK1GPG in Italy, and then Mike VK6MB who was portable in Karijini National Park, VKFF-257 (5/3 sent and 5/5 received).

I had a good flow of callers on 20m from Slovenia, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Corsica (a new one for me whilst portable), USA, VK1, VK2, VK4, and VK5.  My last 2 contacts on 20m were also VKFF reference areas.  Ian VK1DI in VKFF-859 gave me a call, and this was followed by Fred VK4FE portable in Mowbray National Park, VKFF-367.

For more information on Ian VK1DI’s activation, check out his blog at…..

http://vk1di.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/percival-hill-nature-reserve-vkff-859.html

I went on to work a total of 17 stations on 20m, before I decided it was time to pack up and head off to Cox Scrub Conservation Park.  It was 3.00 p.m. South Australian local time.

This was another very successful activation, with a total of 71 contacts in the log.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3VTH/p (VKFF-775)
2. VK3ATC
3. VK3PMG
4. VK2IO
5. VK2CCW
6. VK5LY
7. VK3OHM
8. VK3DBP
9. VK3PF
10. VK5FLEX
11. VK4FFAB/p (Venman Bushland National Park, VKFF-507)
12. VK5FMID
13. VK5TN/m
14. VK2HHA
15. VK4AAC/5
16. VK5GJ
17. VK3APC
18. VK2LAD
19. VK5FBAA/m
20. VK3CRG
21. VK1NAM
22. VK3BHR
23. VK1AT
24. VK5MBD
25. VK3YAR
26. VK3HRA
27. VK5FTCT
28. VK5PL
29. VK2GAZ
30. VK3TJK
31. VK2BFC
32. VK1DI/p (Percival Hill Nature Reserve, VKFF-859)
33. VK3OF
34. VK2TRL
35. VK5HCF/p (Penambol CP, VKFF-802)
36. VK3FSPG
37. VK3TWO
38. VK6HSB/5
39. VK2SR
40. VK2HRX
41. VK2AWJ
42. VK3YSP/p (Melbourne Museum)
43. VK3FOWL/p (Melbourne Museum)
44. VK2LEE
45. VK3FQSO
46. VK5KKT
47. VK7LCW
48. VK5FTRG
49. VK4HNS/p
50. VK7AN
51. VK4ARW
52. VK5SFA
53. VK5GM
54. VK3ANL/p (SOTA VK3/ VC-027)

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. I5FLN
2. IK1GPG
3. VK6MB/p (VKFF-257)
4. VK2LEE
5. S58AL
6. S52KM
7. DK4RM
8. F1BLL
9. DL2ND
10. ON4BB
11. OK1FIM
12. TK5AE
13. VK1NAM
14. W0GLG
15. VK5GM
16. VK1DI/p (Percival Hill Nature Park, VKFF-859)
17. VK4FE/p (Mowbray National Park, VKFF-367)