I have now qualified for the VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 350 certificate, for working 350 different VKFF references.

Thanks to all the activators for their efforts of getting out and about into the field.

Yesterday, after lunch I headed down the South Eastern Freeway to the small but very picturesque Conservation Park, called The Knoll (5CP-229 and VKFF-0937).  I have activated this park previously as part of the VK5 National and Conservation Parks Award, but the park was recently added to the VKFF program as part of the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program, so this was to be a unique VKFF park for me.

Above:- Map showing the location of The Knoll Conservation Park, near Crafers in the Adelaide Hills.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

The park is only a 20 minute drive to the west from my home, so it was a leisurely drive down the South Eastern Freeway, and then along Waverley Ridge Road at Crafers.  This road is known as Revenue Ridge Road, as it is policed heavily for speeding.  And this particular afternoon was no different, with a uniform patrol car having pulled someone over on the side of the road.

I stopped just short of the park to have a look at the memorial plaque at a Police Heritage site.  It remembers the loss of three South Australian police officers who lost their lives whilst fighting a bushfire in the vicinity of nearby Fosters Gully on 19th January 1951.

I found the following newspaper clippings related to the tragedy (courtesy of Trove)…..

The Knoll Conservation Park is located on the eastern side of the intersection of Waverley Ridge Road, Upper Sturt Road, and Sheoak Road.  It is a small area of scrub, situated on a Knoll as the name implies.

There is a small area out the front of the park for parking.  But be careful, as this intersection sneaks up on you, and Upper Sturt Road is extremely busy.

If you make the small walk up the dirt track to the telecommunications installation, you will be rewarded with some very nice views out to the south and to the east through the trees.

I set up in amongst the scrub just off Waverley Ridge Road.  I strung out the 20m/40m linked dipole on the 7m squid telescopic squid pole.  For this activation I ran the Yaesu FT-857d and 40 watts output.  I tried to get a bit of shelter from the sun, as it was a warm 32 degrees C afternoon.

I headed to 7.144 and asked if the frequency was in use, and Stef VK5HSX/1 came back to me.  Stef was actually using the frequency, and was portable in the Namadgi National Park, VKFF-0373.  Stef was a 4/5 to me, and I was struggling a little with some noise on the band, and static crashes.  The noise floor was peaking a strength 5, probably due to the nearby homes that surround the western side of the park.

I then moved up to 7.150 and called CQ, and this was answered by park stalwart VK3PF with a lovely 5/9 signal.  This was followed by Mick VK3PMG in Stawell in western Victoria, who was also 5/9.  Both Mick and Peter kindly spotted me on parksnpeaks.  Thanks guys.

A mini park pile up ensued with callers from VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK5, many of whom were taking advantage of using the special AX prefix for Australia Day.  The 40m band was in average condition, with signals down a little from usual.

After working 23 stations on 40m, I tuned across the band and found Andrew AX1DA calling CQ from SOTA summit, Snow Gum Mountain, VK2/ SW-028.

I then moved over to 20m and started calling CQ on 14.310.  This was immediately answered by Mark VK4MON with a strong 5/8 signal.  I was then quite surprised to be called by Luca IK6QOO in Italy.  The 20m band long path has been quite poor over recent months whilst I’ve been out portable, so I was very pleased to being heard in Europe.  This was followed by a call from Jaroslav OK2TS in the Czech Republic.  Although signals were not strong, we were able to exchange call signs and signal reports.

I worked a further 15 stations from Italy, New Zealand, VK4, VK5, and VK6, before starting to experience some splatter from 14.307 and the Over the Horizon Radar (OTHR).  It was nice to have 6 European park hunters in the log, and also Ted VK6NTE, Jonathan VK6JON, and Mike VK6MB.  So I lowered the squid pole and replaced the links and started calling CQ on 7.142.  I couldn’t get back to 7.144 as there was a European station on 7.145 with quite a good signal.

I was pleasantly surprised to have Gerard VK2IO come back to my CQ call.  Gerard was activating SOTA peak, Mount Kembla, VK2/ IL-015, and had a strong 5/8 signal to The Knoll.

I worked a further 16 stations from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK5, before having one last tune around the 40m band before going QRT.  I found Lewis VK6FLEW on 7.140 calling CQ from SOTA summit, Mount Randall, VK6/ SW-039.  It was quite a struggle with Lewis, but we did make it (4/3 sent and 5/1 received).

It was time to head home for tea, as it was not just after 7.00 p.m. local time.  I had a total of 60 contacts in the log, and a unique VKFF park in the bag.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5HSX/p (Namadgi National Park VKFF-0373)
2. VK3PF
3. VK3PMG
4. VK5MBD
5. VK3FADM
6. VK3MCK
7. AX3ANL
8. VK4ZD
9. VK3FSPG
10. VK2YK
11. VK3YW
12. AX3DBP
13. AX4FAAS
14. VK2VW
15. VK5GJ
16. VK3FALE/p
17. AX3PAT/m
18. VK3RU
19. AX2JCC
20. AX2LAX
21. VK5EE
22. VK3CWM
23. VK5ZGY
24. AX1DA/p (SOTA VK2/ SW-028)
25. AX2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ IL-015)
26. VK5FANA
27. VK3MCX
28. VK3ZZS/2
29. VK3KRH
30. AX3BY
31. VK3FORD
32. VK5WG
33. VK3FQSO
34. VK2PKT
35. VK1DI
36. AX4FLYT
37. VK3LSD
38. VK3FTAD
39. VK3YVG
40. AX3DQ
41. AX2HHA
42. VK6FLEW/p (SOTA VK6/ SW-039)

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. AX4MON
2. IK6QOO
3. OK2TS
4. I5FLN
5. VK4RF
6. VK4HA
7. AX4RF
8. AX4HA
9. IT9CWA
10. VK4CG
11. VK6NTE
12. VK6JON
13. IK1GPG
14. VK6MB
15. I1pOR
16. VK5GJ
17. AX4QQ
18. ZL4AS

Yesterday morning I ventured over to Mount Gawler, VK5/ SE-013, near Kersbrook, to activate the summit for the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program, using the special call of AX5PAS for Australia Day.  We can only use the special AX prefix three times a year here in Australia, so I almost always try to use it on those occasions.

I have activated Mount Gawler summit a number of times in the past, as it is a very easy summit to access, and just a short 45 minute drive from home through the Adelaide Hills.

There is a trig point at the summit, but this is located on private property.  Contact details for Noel and Anne, the property owners, can be located within the SOTA database.  They are very friendly people and very supportive of our hobby.  Please do NOT enter onto their land without permission.  If you don’t have prior permission, the roadway out the front of the property is still well and truly within the SOTA activation zone.

Above:- Map showing the location of Mt Gawler.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

Despite the fact that the summit is called Mount Gawler, it is situated quite some distance from the town of Gawler, which is located north of Adelaide (and about 26 km north of the summit).  Mount Gawler is situated about 32 kms north east of Adelaide and about 8 kms west of the town of Kersbrook.

The summit is 541 metres above sea level and is worth two (2) SOTA points.

Above:- Mount Gawler summit contour map.  Courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

As I drove down Checker Hill Road, the summit soon came into view.  Checker Hill Road is used as part of the King of the Mountain hill climb for the Tour Down Under cycling event.  It is much easier driving down this hill, than cycling up it!

I then travelled west out of Kersbrook until I reached the intersection of Kersbrook Road and Mount Gawler Road, where I turned left to head up Mt Gawler Road

Mount Gawler is situated in the fire ravaged area of the Sampson Flat fire from January 2015.  A major bushfire burnt in this area for around 8 days, blackening more than 112,500 hectares (31,00 acres) and destroying 38 houses.  Fortunately Noel and Anne’s home survived (but only just).  I last activated Mount Gawler in March 2015 with Tom VK5FTRG, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a large amount of regrowth of the trees on the fireground.

I then reached Noel and Anne’s property and drove in through the front gate which they had kindly left open for me.  I had spoken with Anne a few days before, seeking permission to operate from the trig point.

I was set up and ready to go by around 2210 UTC (8.40 a.m. South Australian local time).  I set up at the trig point, using a large moss rock as a chair, and another moss rock to rest the Yaesu FT-857d on.  It was a beautiful morning, with an expected top temperature for the day of 33 degrees C.  There was quite a bit of cloud cover, so that was screening me from the sun, with the temperature sitting on a very comfortable 21 degrees C, with a slight breeze.

For this activation, I ran about 30 watts, the 20m/40m linked dipole, and the 15m dipole, supported on a 7 metre heavy duty telescopic squid pole.

Above:- Aerial image showing my operating spot.  The dirt road is Mount Gawler Road.  The fire damage is still evident.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

There are some very nice views of the northern suburbs of Adelaide and beyond from the summit, including the Salt Crystalisation Plains at St Kilda.

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I commenced calling CQ on 7.090 and this was soon answered by Andrew AX3BQ with a beautiful 5/9 signal from Melbourne.  This was followed by Peter VK3FPSR (5/9), Ron AX3AFW (5/9), and then Scott VK7NWT (5/9).  I was happy…I had qualified the summit.

My 7th contact for the activation was with Greg VK5LG who lives nearby in the Adelaide Hills.  As you would expect, Greg had a very strong signal, and indicated that he might come up and pay me a visit.  Unfortunately this was short lived, as it was quashed by Greg’s ‘Minister of the Interior’ as there were other things planned.

Band conditions on 40m were less than ideal.  I would describe them as average.  And although there were 5/9 signals coming in from the eastern seaboard, signals were down.  Most callers were from VK3, followed by VK2 and VK4.  Sadly, there were very few VK5 SOTA chasers.

It was pleasing to see a number of hams using the AX prefix to celebrate Australia Day.  This included Marcus AX3TST/5 who was running his double sideband kit radio, and sounding great.

I worked a total of 32 stations 0n 40m SSB, before heading over to 20m, where I commenced calling CQ on 14.310.  This was answered by Mr. Reliable, Rick VK4RF/VK4HA with a booming 5/9 signal from Burpengary in Queensland.  Whilst Rick and I were talking, a USA station came up on the frequency.  Despite the fact that he was very light, I decided to QSY down to 14.305, where I started calling CQ again.  My CQ call was answered by Tony VK2VIC, followed by Steve VK7CW and then Mark VK1EM.

But conditions on 20m were rather poor, with a lot of QSB present on most signals.  This was particularly noticeable with the VK3 callers.  They were very strong one moment, and then gone the next.  I worked a further 5 stations from Vk1, VK2 and VK3, before trying my luck on 15m.

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I headed for 21.244 and started calling CQ and this was almost immediately answered by Steve VK5SFA with a 5/9 ++ signal to Mount Gawler.  This was followed by Cliff VK2NP who was also 5/9, and then Stuart VK5STU.  Stuart informed me that he and Nigel VK5NIG would venture up to Mount Gawler to say g’day and do a little SOTA work themselves.

The 15m band seemed to behaving itself a bit better than 20m, with some good signals coming in from all across Australia (VK1, VK2, VK4, VK5, and VK6).  I worked a further 14 stations after Stuart, including a contact with Phil NS7P in Oregon, USA.  Phil was quite weak to me (5/3) and I was even weaker (3/3), but we made a successful contact.  Looking at Phil’s QRZ.com page, it is evident that he is a SOTA enthusiast.  Another USA station, I think a W7, was also calling me.  But sadly, we just couldn’t quite make it.

I also spoke with Gerard AX2IO who was activating SOTA peak Bulgo Hill VK2/ IL-017 which is located within the Royal National Park VKFF-0362.  Gerard was my first Summit to Summit contact for this activation (5/7 both ways).

I just snuck in Ian VK5CZ from Clare prior to the UTC rollover, and worked Ian again for the new UTC day giving him another 2 SOTA points.  My final contact on 15m was with Mike VK5SF from the northern suburbs of Adelaide, with a very very strong signal.

It was at this time that Stuart VK5STU arrived at the summit, and this was soon followed by Nigel VK5NIG.  We stopped briefly for a chat, and Stuart and Nigel then commenced erecting their antennas.  They both use ropes and weights to get their antennas high up into the trees, whereas I use the squid pole.

Above:- Stuart VK5STU, in the process of erecting one of his antennas.

Whilst Stuart and Nigel were busy, I tried 20m for any SOTA chasers after the UTC rollover.  I called CQ on 14.305 and this was answered by Andrew VK2MWP, followed by Brett, and then Murray VK7ZMS.  Signals were well down compared to normal, and I worked a further 10 stations after Murray, from VK1, VK2, VK4, VK6, and VK7.  The strongest signal was from my old mate Ted VK6NTE in Western Australia.

I also spoke again with Gerard on VK2/ IL-017 and VKFF-0362.  I was actually in the process of connecting the links on the dipole when Gerard called in.  So, with one link in, and the dipole laying on the ground, it was a scramble to get the squid pole back up in the area before Gerard disappeared.  It was great to get another Summit to Summit contact with Gerard on a 2nd band.  Gerard and I were receiving each other a little weaker here on 20m compared to 15m (5/3 sent and 5/4 received).  Stuart and Nigel also took a break and worked Gerard.

I then headed to 40m for the last time, to see if I could give some of the SOTA chasers a few extra points for the new UTC day.  I called CQ again on 7.090 and this was answered by Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula.  Although Adrian was not his normal 5/9, he was still very readable, as the noise floor on the summit was incredibly low.  I worked a further 5 stations and was just about to go QRT when I was called by Tony AX3VTH who was activating the Yarrawonga Regional Park, VKFF-0981.  Tony was not his normal booming 5/9 signal, but this was just due to poor band conditions.

I packed up my gear, and then sat down under the shade of some gum trees for a chat and some ‘war stories’ with Stuart and Nigel, who worked the occasional station, including Richard VK5ZRY who was portable in the Roonka Conservation Park, VKFF-1090.  Being a park tragic, I couldn’t help myself, and worked Richard on Nigel’s gear.

I then left the boys to play radio, and I headed home for lunch.  I had a total of 82 contacts in the log, despite band conditions being rather average.

The following stations were worked:-

Here is a short video which Stuart VK5STU put together……..

Whilst I was away in Swan Hill, I received the following award certificate via email for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.  The certificate is issued by the Silesian Radio Amateur Group, to celebrate the activation of the 500th Polish WWFF protected area.

Many thanks to Peter SO9DXX, the award manager and art designer.

I received this certificate a few days ago for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWF) program.  It is awarded for working a total of 544 different WWFF reference areas.

Many thanks to Pit YO3JW, the WWFF Awards Manager.

Last night I received the following global World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) Activator certificates.

The first is for placing number 40 in the Top 44 Activators in the world (based on the number of QSOs).

The second is for placing number 21 in the Top 44 Activators in the world.

Many thanks to Pit YO3JW for the certificates

Yesterday after finishing work, I headed home and packed the 4WD and headed down to the Fleurieu Peninsula for the second 2015/2016 Friday afternoon/evening event for the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award.  Very hot weather, Christmas, and New Year had prevented activations during the past 2-3 weeks on Fridays.

My intended destination was the Mount Billy Conservation Park, VKFF-0912, which is situated about 75 km south of Adelaide, and about 12 km north of the seaside tourist town of Victor Harbor.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Mount Billy Conservation Park.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

I have activated Mount Billy once before, back in December 2013, but in recent times the park has been added to the list of qualifying parks for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.  A check on WWFF Log Search showed that the park had not been activated before for WWFF, so this was going to be a unique VKFF activation for me, and a brand new park activation for the program.

For more information on my previous activation, please have a look at my previous post…….

https://vk5pas.org/2013/12/29/mount-billy-conservation-park/

I travelled out of Mount Barker, through the little town of Echunga and on to Meadows.  I then drove west along Brookman Road until reaching Willunga Hill and then travelled south towards Victor Harbor.

Along the way I spoke with Peter VK5PET who was activating the Bullock Hill Conservation Park (5/5 both ways).

I stopped briefly to have a look at Cut Hill Wall, to the north of Victor Harbor.  The stone wall was built in 1868 by Jabez Grimble, under contract to the Central Roads Board.  The road was reconstructed in 1961 by the Highways and Local Government Department.

There is a very interesting page detailing the life of Jabez Grimble which can be found on the Encounter Bay Family History Group, at…..

http://encounterbayfhg.org.au/grimble/

I then turned right onto Hindmarsh Tiers Road and travelled west towards the park.  I made another brief stop to have a look at the old Hindmarsh Valley school which was established in 1867.  It is a magnificent old stone building.

It wasn’t long before I reached the park on my left, on the western side of Hindmarsh Tiers Road.  The park is well signposted and there are three gates allowing access to the park (not vehicular access though).  I headed for gate number one which is at the northern end of the park.

Above:- Gate 1 entrance to the park.  With my squid pole visible amongst the scrub.

Mount Billy Conservation Park is about 199 hectares in size and represents some of the best preserved mallee and forest, not only on the Fleurieu Peninsula, but also in the entire Mount Lofty Ranges.  Mount Billy summit is located in the southern section of the park, along with the Hindmarsh Valley Reservoir.  Sadly, Mount Billy does not qualify for the Summits on the Air (SOTA) program.

The park is, as you would suspect, home to a large amount of native wildlife and native birds.  This includes Western Grey kangaroos, the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the endangered Bassian Thrush.

Above:- the Bassian Thrush and the Southern Brown Bandicoot.  Images courtesy of wikipedia.

The scrub within the park is very thick and consists of Pink Gum, Blue Gum, Cup Gum, Woodland Sheaok, Banksias, flowering orchids, and ferns.

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I set up just inside gate number one.  Hats off to DEWNR, who have allowed provision for access by foot to this park.

I set up the deck chair and fold up table under some shade, as it was quite a warm evening.  This was just off one of the tracks which runs through the park.  I ran the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts and te 20m/40m linked dipole on top of the 7 m squid pole for this activation.

Above:- Map showing my operating spot in the northern section of the park.  Image courtesy of Location SA Map Viewer.

I was set up and ready to go by 6.00 p.m. South Australian local time (0730 UTC).  I headed for my nominated operating frequency of 7.144 and it wasn’t long before I had my first QSO in the log.  And it was a park to park contact, with Les VK5KLV who was activating The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, north of Port Augusta in the north of South Australia.  Les had a particularly strong 5/9 signal.  This was followed by John VK5BJE in the Adelaide Hills, Mick VK3PMG in western Victoria, and Peter VK3PF, all of whom had strong 5/9 signals.  The 40m band was in great shape.

As this was a unique park I had quite a few callers lining up to get Mount Billy in the log.  The band was in top condition, with some static crashes, but generally very quiet.  I experienced just a small amount of QRM from some low down European stations.

About 20 contacts into the activation, I had a few more park to park contacts.  This time it was with Theo VK5MTM and Gary VK5FGRY who were activating the Morialta Conservation Park, VKFF-0783.  Theo and Gary were exceptionally strong…5/9 plus plus.

I worked a total of 44 stations on 40m.  Just the right number to qualify the park for the global WWFF program.  I then headed over to 20m after removing the links in the dipole.  I commenced calling CQ on 14.244 and this was soon answered by Owen ZL2GLG who was portable in Otago.  Owen had a strong 5/8 signal, but unfortunately our QSO was rapidly brought to a halt by ZL9A who started operating split, with the calling frequency on 14.245.

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I moved down the band to 14.220 and started calling CQ again and this was answered by Chris VK3PAT who was a sold 5/9.  This was followed by Glenn VK2WGW, and then Rob VK3EY.  Next up was Rick VK4RF who advised me that Danny OT4V was activating a park on 14.310.  I headed up there, hoping to get a park to park with Danny.  Sadly, his signal was very very low down and we were unable to make contact.  So I headed back to 14.220 and called CQ again.

My CQ call was answered by David ZL1GQ and then Sergey RA3PCI (5/5 both ways).  Sadly, Sergey was my only European contact.  I was then called by Peter K3BV (VK3FN) who was operating remote from New York.  An interesting contact.  And following my QSO with Peter, I was called by my friend Bill W1OW in Massachusetts (5/7 sent and 4/4 received).

It was just after 8.00 p.m. local time and had cooled down to just 13 degrees C.   I headed back to 40m and booked in to the 7130 DX Net.  I worked a total of 8 stations on the Net from VK3, VK4, VK5, VK6, VK7, New Zealand, and French Polynesia.  This included a contact with Craig VK6VCK maritime mobile, who was on his boat, about 3 km off shore, off the coast of Rockingham.

I then checked out of the Net and put out a few CQ calls on 7.144 and worked into VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4 and VK5.  I started experiencing a bit of QRM from just above me from a number of Japanese stations who were working a T88 in Palau.  So I moved up the band to 7.155 and called CQ again.  I worked 8 stations before a very strong JA3 came up on the frequency and started talking to another JA who was portable in the Philippines.  The Japanese station was 5/9 plus and was wiping everything out, so I took the opportunity of going QRT.

I had a total of 80 contacts in the log.

The following stations were worked on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5KLV/p (The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park)
2. VK5BJE
3. VK3PMG
4. VK3PF
5. VK3TKK
6. VK4RF
7. VK4HA
8. VK5ZGY
9. VK2IO
10. VK3MRH
11. VK3FQSO
12. VK5GJ
13. VK3YAR
14. VK3GL
15. VK3MCK
16. VK3HRA
17. VK2MOR
18. VK2YK
19. VK1NS
20. VK5MTM/p (Morialta Conservation Park)
21. VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park)
22. VK3VZX
23. VK2VW
24. VK2WGW
25. VK5HS
26. VK5FMID
27. VK3AWG
28. VK3FIRM
29. VK3BBB
30. VK3FSPG
31. VK2ETA/m
32. VK4FAAS
33. VK5FANA
34. VK2UH
35. VK5GY/m
36. VK4FSTX
37. VK5JK
38. VK4AAC/5
39. VK3PAT
40. VK3ANL
41. VK8GM
42. VK5PL
43. VK2EJW
44. VK7ROY
45. VK3OB
46. VK6VCK/mm
47. FO5JV
48. ZL2ML
49. VK5ND
50. VK2IAN
51. VK4FFAB
52. VK3RU
53. VK5NFT
54. VK5AYD
55. VK2QR
56. VK5WG
57. VK1HW
58. VK3YSP
59. VK4KUS
60. VK2FROD
61. VK3CNW
62. VK4MNM
63. VK3CRG
64. VK4FATS
65. VK2SR
66. VK2IZZ/p
67. KJ6AKQ/VK3
68. VK3HN

The following stations were worked on 20m SSB:-

1. ZL2GLG
2. VK3PAT
3. VK2WGW
4. VK3EY
5. VK4RF
6. VK4HA
7. ZL1GQ
8. RA3PCI
9. K3BV
10. VK3FN
11. W1OW

Yesterday I celebrated my 51st birthday.

I received a number of birthday wishes via Facebook, which I thank everyone for.  They included this little card from my good mate Danny ON4VT (OT4V) in Belgium.  Thanks Danny.