Safety comes first...CT/BL-002 Serra da Lousã

Yesterday (25/11/2015), I had to do some work in the north.

Well…Serra da Lousã (CT/BL-002) was in my path (small detour) and the weather forecast stated a shining sun on the afternoon across the country…
So, I had also planned to activate also CT/BB-007 which is close to CT/BL-002.

On the road to the base point I had the chance to take some pictures of the wild boars that are living in this “Serra”.
A nice view but also a dangerous one!

The arrival to the start of the track that I had chosen was 1.5 h late than expected and the weather was rough: Rainy, cold and very very windy!!!

While climbing a herd of deers appeared and show off for a couple of seconds before “flying” over the forest… No time to take pictures!

In the summit the weather conditions were very very adverse. The wind is roaring like a mix of an helicopter and a big truck. The end fed was erected very quickly and the outside wall of a PT building was used as a shelter.

The wind makes it difficult to listen even with the headset and I realised that I should practice with gloves on. I found very difficult to use the “pico paddle” with gloves and not use the gloves was impossible. I should start training at home…
Also, using the phone to self spotting was a tricky task.

The temperature dropped to a 1C and I it was not possible to see a comms tower 25 m away. I just saw it when fixing the antenna wire to a bush.
A white landscape was all my view!
This is a picture taken from my operating position…Can hardly see the tower in the middle

Starting at 1616, I managed 7 CW QSOs in 15 minutes on 30 m band (QRS…)

At 1630 I decide to pack up and descend because conditions were deteriorating. :worried:
Sorry for the chasers that are calling (small pileup) bu safety should come always first…
Also I decide to not go to try CT/BB-007 for the same safety reasons.

The descent was a “no story” walk with very strong gusts, pouring rain and moisture.
After 25 minutes walk I arrived to the car, change clothes which was a confortable sensation. :smile:
My thoughts are: This will be a beautiful place to hike in the summer ! I will be back!

Thanks to the chasers,
73 de Pedro CT1DBS

6 Likes

Hi Pedro,

Congratulations on completing one of your planned activations. Safety comes first…

73 John EI3KA

That’s why I use a single paddle with a home made leg mount, it’s quite easy to use even when wearing thick gloves :grinning:

Hi John
Hope you are doing well.
BTW the set that I used is the one that we speak in Lisbon. Simple and lightweight!
KX-1 + Decathlon fishing pole + endfed +RG174. FB!

73
Pedro, CT1DBS

Hi Victor

Do have any photos ?

TNX

Pedro CT1DBS

Hi Pedro, I will email you some later this evening.

73

Victor GI4ONL

HI Pedro

Lisbon sunshine is like a distant memory. November WX in EI has been very wet/windy! Hopeful for at least one more activation before Christmas - this time with CW also (qrs…!)

73 John EI3KA

Hi Pedro,
Nothing worse than getting drowned when out on a lonely mount and know the feeling well.
Pico paddles are great little things although as observed not the thing for when wearing gloves.
Probably a straight key would be the better option.
Glad you got back to the car safe and well. There always is another time.

Cheers, Nick