Mt. Liebre

What a great day! A little sore but the success of an activation is worth it. This was my third time trying to activate Liebre. The first hampered by snow and wind, thee second by downpours.

There is a road that goes to the summit (7N23). But there is a gate which is closed. You can skirt it with a motorbike. So the alternate and better route is the Pacific Crest Trail. From the 5 you take the 138 to Ridge Rte Road. This will lead you to Highway N2. Follow this to a turn on your right ( 34°44’21.45″N, 118°39’19.27″W). This will bring you to a small area where you can park right next to the Pacific Crest Trail.

Starting Point

Like I said this was my third time to try and activate this summit, I think I was determined because it is a good hike, and the fact that is hadn’t been activated since 2013.

Starting Point

The trail starts with a good amount of long switch backs. Because of the rains and horse prints it can get a bit tricky. Nothing too difficult though. The views make it all worth it.

Rest Area

I think one of my favorite aspects of this trail is that after a good climb there is a place about 1.85 miles in with a picnic table where you can rest your feet and take a load off.

Horse Spring Campground

Rest

After this you keep hiking for about another 3 miles. It would be so bad if the hike wasn’t uphill most of the way. I know, I know we’re climbing a summit. I’ll shut up now.

Looking back to better times

Upwards and onwards

Finally I arrive at the summit. With the threat of rain looming I am in a hurry to get the jackite up and my tent setup. This is the first time I have setup this tent, that’s why it looks so funny. I think I miss crossing the poles. In my rush to setup I didn’t check the direction of the dipole, I would guess East to West as I was getting Arizona and L.A. stations. I did have one FM station on 146.520 using my Ed Fong inspired homemade J-Pole.

Mt. Liebre W6/CT-095

My Dry Operating Position

Jackite with Sotabeams Band Hopper (20m, 40m)

A big thanks to all the chasers. Especially W7RV who never let’s me down on 40. This was by far the hardest activation I have done taking into account 3 times(27 miles) and to be able to complete it was by far my biggest achievement for SOTA yet. Winter just kicks my but. I am impressed for all you that post picks activating in the snow.  Till the next one, 73. WC6Q

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