Sierra Pelona

This was going to be a SOTA activation of Harold Beacon Benchmark W6/CT-126. However when I was almost there to the point where you start climbing I hit a hill and the Merc just wanted to spin the tires.

So not to be one to be defeated I resorted to my backup summit. From reading Hal’s blog (N6JZT) I knew I wouldn’t have trouble getting to this one.  The difference was my first choice was 3/4 a mile hike and this was 3.35 miles one way. And it was a hike up a dirt road which for some reason I hate. They just seem to drag on and the scenery frankly sucks.

The fence was open on one side so I suppose I could have driven up but I’m not one for confrontation with law enforcement.

Entrance to Sierra Pelona W6/CT-116

The hike itself was uneventful. No wildlife or people. Once I did manage to make it to the base of the summit I followed a motorcycle trail up. This seemed like the only route to take, and the shortest. Then I looped around some brush to find a pile of rocks and a very small marker. Oh and there was a summit book which I signed in a hurry because it was so windy I didn’t want the pages to blow away.

Summit Log

Awesome View!

The Activation

I tried my homemade ED Fong J-Pole to see if I could raise anyone on 2 meters. No luck. There must have been too much dirt in the way. So I proceeded to set up the Buddistick. This was a challenge due to the shock cord whip was almost bent over at 90 degrees. I was able to get a spot out of the wind though for operating.

Workin’ 20 Meters

Windy Day

Achieved a total of 23 contacts on 20 and 40 meters. I apologize to those who were trying to get me on 40 and didn’t have a chance. There was a storm headed my way and I needed to get off of Sierra Pelona.

Gear

As always thanks chasers! You all are the best!