I had choices, a trip into G/WB and tackle the three of the nearest un-activated hills to my QTH (G/WB-007/006 & 014) or take a trip into GW land and revisit a couple of hills I have not been to since 2021 & 2022)
First off GW/NW-054 - Penycloddiau
Parked up in the small car park at the start of a few tracks up to the top of the hill. While getting my stuff together a few nods and hellos got exchanged to the people from the car parked behind me.
As I was getting my stuff together at the back of the 110, I heard bong…bong…bong…that’s odd I thought my 110 does not make bong noises, only creaks and rattles….
Turns out it was the car behind me…The owner had started walking down the track but had left the drivers door open.. After a bit of shouting from me, the driver returned and locked the door. Phew!
I set off and 30mins later I am at the top of the hill.
I broke out the FT3D HH and started calling CQ and managed 4 or 5 in the log which was nice.
As there is a nice patch of grass just away from the summit, its ideal for a mast and a HF antenna.
Mast up, guy ropes out and 2m roll up antenna attached and bagged a couple more contacts.
I moved over to HF using a 20m EFHW - HF seemed quite poor and only bagged 2 x 20m contacs.
Ever get the feeling you are being watched…well I did
Whats that coming over the hill….Is it a monster?
Free roaming bovines
At this point I am considering packing up and calling it a day. Within a few minutes, the cows are in touching distance and sniffing my wires and getting close to me and my kit.
A good time to pack up and head off their turf.
With 11 ITL that will do for me.
At least it wasn’t cows with guns
Cows With Guns - The Original Animation
Headed over to GW/NW-062 Hope Mountain.
Arrived and tracked down the lady farmer after following the sound of the chainsaw. A bit of shouting HELLO a couple of times, I got her attention.
Explained why I was there, permission granted and I was escorted to park in the small field with the pony.
Up to the trig point and erected the mast and attached 2m and HF linked dipole.
6 on 2m bagged and 5 on HF.
It handy having your own security patrol
After this little trip out, I have now gone past my activation count from last year by 1…Now at 15 this year! woohoo 
Cheers all
John M0VAZ
