Grande Dent de Morcles ,2968 m. asl, 16 Sept 07.
My friend Christin, HB9DBC talked me into this one.He has climbed it several times.A pretty tough and long hike. Leaving home at 06.15 lt, Christians son Adrien kindly conducting us to “les Martinaux” above Morcles on a narrow, steep and bendy road. At 1700 m. asl. saying bye to Adrien at 0800 lt. starting the ascent.
On the shady side of the mountain, cool and windy WX but the steep ascent quickly warming us up. Sometimes not easy to find the trail. Further up some rock climbing in a narrow chimney. Nearing the top the warm sun making us suffer. But when seeing the summit cross from below forgetting the tiredness. At 11.30 lt. shaking hands in front of the summit cross, enjoying the breathtaking scenery , having a drink and some bisquits and looking for a suitable spot to erect the antenna. Fixing the fibreglass pole with the antenna wire on a rock and throwing the radials down the near vertical face.
At excactly noon (10.00 utc) cq SOTA on 7032 kc. Immediate pileup with DL4FCK, DJ5AA, DL2DXA and local friend HB9IIY. After 26 qso s handing the key to HB9DBC/p. Christian needed a little practice with the unusual ATS-3 rig, but beeing a good contest op. he quickly logged some 15 qso s. He enjoyed his first SOTA activity. After some picture taking and the growing wind getting uncomfortable we dismantled the set up and looked for a wind protected spot to have lunch.
At 14.00 lt. started going down towards Ovronnaz , a long 4 hours trek , first some steep rocks, then crossing lunar like stone beds, resting and picture taking near a cave, crossing the Euloi plateau and the final descent. Before entering the village stopping at the creek and putting our poor feet into the chilly water. At the village center checking the Bus timetable. Next Bus at 19.45h, so plenty of time for a cool beer, then eating a “Assiette Valaisanne” a typical local dish of cold meat, cheese, dark bread and white wine.
A one hour trip by Bus took us to Sion and finally the train to Lausanne near our home arriving qt 23.00 lt.
Some pictures and possibly a short video clip will be uploaded.
73, cu
kurt HB9AFI