Today it was vy nice wx. I activated :
FL/VO-011 FL/VO-173 FL/VO-002 FL/VO-015
Made over 130 QSO’s and some S2S QSO’s. It was vy crowded on FL/VO-002. But after 25 QSO’s the owner came to me and ask to stop. It was private property, he said. So I had to leave. I tried to talk to him what I was doing. But no no, you have to stop! I showed him the SOTA Leaflet, which I always carry with me. But he didn’t read it. So I went QRT.
With regards to FL/VO-002: it’s a known fact mentioned a few times on the reflector that amateur radio operators are not welcome there. There’s a panel on the entrance road mentioning that. I did activate this summit, well outside sight of the hut, in what appeared to be outside the private zone, but still inside the AZ.
Hi Tonnie
Sorry to hear that about your experience on FL/VO-002. I remember postings on the reflector discussing Le Hohneck and a sign saying “No CB” or somesuch sited there by an anti-radio restauranteur. When I operated in 2018 I went beyond the restaurant concerned and set up where the grassy topped hill slopes away. Maybe he didn’t see me - if so I was very lucky. You were partly lucky in that you made 25 QSOs and were well qualified. He could own all the land I guess? It’s the same in UK - it is often very difficult to determine who the landowners is. Some pics of FL/VO-002 from when I was there in 2018. We had our evening meal at the place at the bottom of the hill road - very friendly staff and good food I recall.
73 Phil G4OBK
Hello Tonnie.
Here others have already written about the Hohneck and that they were not welcome.
73 Marcel DM3FAM
I wasn’t aware of that sign. And on the reflector. But it’s in the pocket
Today activated:
FL/VO-010 FL/VO-176 FL/VO-177 FL/VO-012
Nice wx in the morining, but at around 16:00 LT a lot of rain.
I made 115 QSO’s. Again a lot of chasers. And 6 S2S.
The walk to the top of L’Altenberg, FL/VO-012, was a vy hard one. Steep, long and hard to find.
Tomorrow not sure what to plan.
Thanks Roger, for the correct ref spot in the morning. Forgot to edit the alert.
73 - Tonnie - PA9CW
Today was the weather fine. Sunny and from about 17:00 LT some rain. I parked the car in Le Rouge Gazon.
I activated in the morning FL/VO-004. It was an easy activation.
The second activation was FL/VO-006. After 14 km walking and almost 750 meters up. The summit was hard to find. Later I saw I took the wrong way, and walked the whole time around the summit. Up and down.
But in the end after two and a half hour I reached the top. Unfortunately again not a nice view. Only trees.
I was back at the parking around 16:30 LT. So no time for another activation.
45 QSO’s and some S2S.
Tomorrow I’m going home. On the way back maybe a SOTA.
I activated 14 summits, made (incredible) 469 QSO’s and 130 points. And had a lot of FUN!
Rig : KX3 - QRP - CW.
Ant : Homemade EFHW 40/30/20.
Accu : 4200 mAh NiMH.
After a few days I have made this Youtube video. At 6 minutes you hear CW QSO. With some pile-ups.
Thanks all chasers.
73/44 - Tonnie - PA9CW.
Great video
I think - now the Vosges will get even more visitors
73 Armin
Thanks for the compliment…
Ambient music, many familiar callsigns heard, atmospheric video - enjoyed it Tonnie, great tour!
73 Phil
Thanks Phil. Music was made in GarageBand.
73, Tonnie - PA9CW.