A Foggy Activation at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (K-3383)
As the morning fog lifted slightly on November 4, 2023, I embarked on a journey to the Bald Mountain State Recreation Area near Lake Orion, MI. The weather was a crisp 52 degrees with a gentle touch of light rain - perfect for a day in nature, and even better for a POTA (Parks On The Air) activation.
A Trail of Three Colors
My day began with an invigorating hike along the Blue, White, and Orange loop trails on the North-east side of the park. The trails, adorned with the remnants of fall, set a serene stage for the day’s activities.
The Activation Site
Post-hike, I ventured south for 13 minutes to the picnic and beach area beside the tranquil Lower Trout Lake. It was here, near the concession booths with picnic tables still out, that I set up my station. The expansive beach offered stunning lake views, though I noted that during the bustling summer months, I’d prefer a quieter spot along the main road for more privacy.
The Setup
My setup included my reliable Packtenna End Fed Half Wave antenna with a 40m extension, raised upon a Sotabeam Carbon Fiber 6 mast in an inverted V configuration. Two electric fence posts, acquired from Tractor Supply Company, served to elevate the ends of the antenna about 3 feet off the ground. The heart of my station was the FT-891 radio, pushing out 100 watts of power from a Bioenno battery, while HAMRS on my iPhone kept track of the day’s contacts.
The Comforts
Despite the warmer-than-average November weather in Michigan, my Mr. Heater was a welcome companion against the chill. Snacks, courtesy of my friend, were the cherry on top, providing sustenance as I worked the radio.
The Contacts
I kicked off with hunting, snatching the W8F call from the Livonia Amateur Radio Club - a delightful nod to my local club, the South Lyon Area Amateur Radio Club. After a silent 10 minutes of calling CQ post self-spotting on the POTA page, I switched to the 20m band. A clear frequency was a challenge to find, but once settled, a call from Howard, AE4XO in Georgia, marked the beginning of a smooth run of QSOs.
The Conclusion
With 39 QSOs to my name, including a far-reaching contact with Paul, W7PFB in Washington state and an international QSO with Mariano, EA9LS in Spain, the activation was a success.
A heartfelt thank you to all who made my first activation of K-3383 memorable despite the fog and light rain. It was a day where nature's beauty and the camaraderie of the amateur radio community came together in perfect harmony.
