FR 0x004: Taughannock Falls Ste Park

Ref: US-2150
Rig: Elecraft KX2
Ant: CHA LEFS 4010
Power: 5W
Key: BaMaKeY TP-III
HT: BTECH UV-PRO + SignalStick
Tab: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+
Ruck: GR0 Cordura
Logging Gear:
    Battle Board Aviation Kneeboard
    Rite in the Rain Notebook #935
    Rite in the Rain Metal Pen #97 
Other Gear:
    Weaver Arborist 12oz throw weight and line
WX: -4C, ~3kph wind with gusts up to 13kph, overcast, light snow

This was my first activation at the Taughannock Falls State Park. It’s a large park that offers a ton of activation options. There are quite a few parking spots by trees, making car activation convenient, but you will also find many picnic tables, pavilions, trails, and a ton of open space. Note that there is a vehicle entrance fee, and the shelters may be reserved ahead of the time.

It was freezing with strong gusts of wind, so I decided to activate in the car. The ground was frozen, but soft enough to secure two stakes; the antenna installation held up well in the wind. Surprisingly, I failed to reach the digipeater and iGate in nearby Ithaca, despite the clear shot and consistent receipt of their beacons. Your mileage may vary, but due to spotty APRS and cell coverage I strongly recommend scheduling the activation in advance, as you may not be able to reliably spot yourself while you’re in the field.

The activation was very smooth and conditions were favorable. The pileup happened soon after I called CQ on 20m and in the next hour I clocked a little over 60 QSOs. Lots of P2P callers again, huge thanks to

• Dave KC4CR at the US-9986 West Eugene Wetlands BLM Recreation Management Area
• David KQ4EFU at the US-2979 Sycamore Shoals State Park (2fer w/ US-4577)
• Brady KY4CQ at the US-1034 Blue Springs State Park
• Anthony W2UD at the US-6462 Garret Mountain Reservation State Park
• Aaron W8APS at the US-3321 Ortonville State Recreation Area
• Dirk K5DGR at the US-1052 Alamo Lake State Park
• Jonathan KD9TSA at the US-0765 Indiana Dunes National Park

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