Post by 2e0edx on Dec 29, 2006 11:52:10 GMT
WARDS STONE SP-003 561m
With the xyl off to EA land in 48 hours leaving me behind to play radio and please myself what I do in my time off work, I had for some time been planning a number of SOTA trips. On pondering over such, I thought back to my first activation which was on Wards Stone. On doing so, I remembered back to an excellent day out and activation and further remembered the report which I wrote when I got back. Thought that many new members to the forum might enjoy it and that it might encourage others to try the SOTA programme.
This was my 1st activation after many months as a Chaser and activating this summit coincided with my xyl being a week in front of me on holiday in Spain… giving me the opportunity to play radio in the outdoors! FREEDOM!
Travelled northwards from Blackpool to Forton on the A6 and then headed to the village of Quernmore in the Trough of Bowland. From Quernmore a short drive all uphill to Jubilee Towers and parked on the carpark there facing the tower. This location is a favourite of the local Blackpool lads where we activate regulary on all bands. Beautifull views from here over Morecambe Bay/Blackpool and down towards the Cheshire plains.
On arrival I could’nt see a thing either towards Lancaster/Blackpool or even the gate leading to the footpath and upwards to Grit Fell due to a very low cloud base which was as thick as pea soup.
My apologies for those waiting for me but due to low clouds late start.
Through the gate and then followed OS footpath clearly marked on the map up a relatively steep slope to Grit Fell and then the cairn/trig point – cloud now cleared and weather bright with, gentle breeze! Observed on the way up many Lapwings/birds of prey and managed to frighten a roosting Grouse that was in my way. to the top of Grit Fell roughly took me 30 - 40 minutes, not as fit as I thought I was!
Continued downwards on the rear side from Grit Fell due east again following the fence line and then crossing the road of which runs between the two summits. This is where the track then became extremely boggy and of which ensured that 2E0EDX/P became for a split second 2E0EDX/MM as I stepped into what I thought was a puddle, of which came up to my waist… (Why did’nt I pack the swimming trunks?)
Upwards and onwards and eventually climbed to the top of Ward’s Stone where I found not one Trig point but two. Opted for the more easterly (561) and set up.
Found that my watch was broken and then onto my first & second QSO’s which were summit to summit with Clive, M1YAM/P on Helvellyn, LD-003 and the second with Roger, G4OWG/P on Stoney Cove Pike, LD-018 followed by G6LKB, G7WAW, G4RQJ, MW0YLS, 2E0NHM, 2E0SAS, 2E0GYO, G4BLH, G0HDX, GW3GUX in Anglesey, G0BMH, M3HJD, GW4BVE and M3DJU/M…….
Many thanks to G0BMH, GW4BVE & G6LKB for placing me on the SOTAWATCH SPOTS & Nigel 2E0NHM for assisting with QSO’s…
All in all an excellent day and many thanks to all who worked me…… I now have an appetite for activating!!!!!!