Activation of GW/SW-004, GW/SW-009 & GW/SW-015
At the end of last month, I managed to get out on my own for the first time since the end of September last year. I wasn’t under house arrest wearing a tag, but had been suffering from not one, but two frozen shoulders. It was quite debilitating and restrictive with very limited arm movements, unable to put a backpack on or erect a fishing pole.
My eldest son was kind enough to accompany me on most summits in January, as I started to venture out again, assisting me in getting my pack on and off my back.
My fitness had suffered somewhat and quite possibly may have added a few extra pounds, which required a few more rest stops along the way for most summits, but it was good to be out on the trail again after an extended absence.
After a few easier hills two days prior, GW/SW-004 Waun Rydd would the first real solo test.
It was a hazy start and the entire walk to and back from the summit was shrouded in mist. Visibility was not bad but limited, preventing the normally nice views across the valley towards Cerrig Edmwnt.
On the way to the summit, I found a pair of sunglasses, which I placed strategically along the path in case the owner was to pass them on the return journey. I have found several items in the last 2 years; in addition to the sunglasses, a pair of reading glasses, one single apple EarPod, an Apple AirTag and a credit card which I subsequently lost a few hours later.
After a successful activation, and roughly halfway through the return walk back to the car, I got the feeling that someone was close behind me.
I looked back and my sixth sense was correct; I stepped aside and a female walker sporting a large pair of Beats Studio Pro Over-Ear headphones passed me. Just as I was about to rejoin to main path, she turned around, with me thinking she was going to thank me for making way, only to tell me she wanted to make sure her dog continued to follow her, whilst looking straight past me into the distance behind me.
I turned around but could not see a dog which seemingly must have have been some distance away somewhere in the mist; only for a small animal to scurry along near my feet towards her. As I looked down I noticed a sausage dog (a short-haired, short-legged Dachshund) walking toward its owner who by the time I looked back up had already moved on again.
Where had they suddenly appeared from? They must have stopped off for a rest surely and I had not noticed them when I passed them not far back?
As I continued, I was convinced I would pass them anyway shortly during the stepped descent which, whilst not technically difficult, would be a challenge for the sausage dog with its small legs.
Instead, I was struggling to keep up with them. They both pulled away, and the distance between me and the sausage dog plus owner became ever longer and longer. I tried my best to keep pace without venturing into an awkward walk-run-walk motion but eventually they disappeared into the mist never to be seen again.
I know my fitness had suffered somewhat but being overtaken and then unable to keep up with a sausage dog was a bit of a blow.
Rather than feeling sorry for myself and stopping off at McDonalds on the way home, there was only one thing to do to fix that tiny dent in the ego; activate at least one and possibly two more summits and work on that fitness.
GW/SW-009, Mynydd Troed and GW/SW-015, Mynydd Llangorse would have to provide the antidote. Parking can sometimes be an issue, but I was lucky and managed to find a prime spot opposite the gate at the trailhead.
As I started to put my boots back on, I noticed something wrong with the sole of one of them. A sharp stone must have sheered off part of the inside portion of the sole. A bit was hanging off.
That was it, that must have been the reason why I wasn’t able to keep up.
Surely?! No? Of course it was.
I always carry spare radio gear in the car as well as at least one spare set of clothing and boots, so no issue.
Mynydd Troed is the steeper of the two and I tackled this one first. It was muddy and slippery at places, but continued to push myself and delayed taking rests; a good workout to regain fitness. No-one overtook me, not even a sausage dog.
After having made 4 contacted on 2m FM in 5 minutes including a S2S with Allan GW4VPX who was on GW/SW-013, and no further takers, I made my way down and had a bite to eat at the car. I then marched my way up to the summit GW/SW-015, Mynydd Llangorse.
There is very little shelter at the top and it was very windy, cooling me down quickly after my exerted efforts get to the top quickly. I decided to put up my small tarp so I could sit out of the wind. After having qualified on 2m FM, I set up for HF and stayed there for a little over 45 minutes in total.
As I got up, I should have pulled up my walking trousers. I didn’t. A big mistake. As I bent down to pick up my radio, there was an almighty ripping sound as my pants split.
I mean, not a little tear; no, they completely split, ripped totally open, across the seam from top to bottom.
I burst out laughing as I attempted to assess the damage. I could not stop giggling as I continued to pack up. What covered my legs now, more resembled a hair dresser’s cape than a pair of walking trousers.
Halfway through packing up, a cyclist stopped and wondered what I was doing; we had a brief chat about amateur radio and the countries I had managed to contact using just a bit of wire and 10W, making sure I was always facing him but unable to suppress the odd snigger.
When I returned to the car, I changed into a pair of tracksuit bottoms and was glad I was finally able to make use of my heated seats.
Despite the somewhat sobering start, a truly cracking end to the day.
Till the next time!
73, Robert
M0RWX
I too use Timpson whenever.