Is this what middle age is? There would once be a time when a joint activation of G3CWI and M1EYP would include sometimes both, but usually one of his children, and sometimes one, but usually both of mine. Fast forward to Sunday 24th November 2013 and all four of them had either declined the invitation, or weren’t even wasted time on by asking.
As I had Sunday dinner with the family planned at the legendary Weston Balti Raj, I didn’t want to go too far, so we agreed on Kinder Scout for our summit. The initial plan was to park at the Olde Nag’s Head, Edale and climb onto the Kinder plateau via Grindsbrook Clough. We would then make for the summit ridge and across to Kinder Low, before descending via the Pennine Way by Edale Rocks, Jacob’s Ladder, Lee Farm and Upper Booth. That was until we found the road out of Chapel-en-le-Frith towards Blue John Cavern was closed.
Instead, we now drove around the Derbyshire roads until we were on the A624 road from Hayfield to Glossop. Our new intended approach would be on the path from SK032902 on this road. Opposite this is the turning to Charlesworth, and on the right hand side of this, around 50 yards from the junction, is a small rough parking area.
The concessionary footpath was followed in an Easterly direction. It was very muddy and potentially tricky without the firmness afforded by the cold weather. We were soon passing the cairn on Burnt Hill, and glancing across to the left wondering what the white trig point was. (Later research revealed this to be “Harry Hut”, 441m ASL).
The rest of the way to Mill Hill (544m ASL) was on stone flagged paths, which continued as we merged with the official Pennine Way route ahead of the steep climb onto the Kinder plateau. The walk continued along the Pennine Way around the edge of the Kinder plateau until we veered uphill and away from the edge to attain an operating position well within the activation zone. Richard was quickest out of the blocks in setting up, so I found myself another sheltered position about 200m away.
The shelter was necessary, because some unexpected fine rain was now the order of the next couple of hours. This was a bonus for Richard, who was wanting to test out the waterproofness of one of his new products. It did mean though that both of us spent much time inside our respective bothy bags for the activation.
I indulged in my lunch, which was a flask of Sainsbury chicken noodle soup. Apprehension surrounded the first sip as I vividly recalled the dreadfulness of Sainsbury Moroccan chick pea soup from the previous weekend. Thankfully, this variety was much more agreeable, yet by no means superb. I expect I will be sticking to Baxters rather than supermarket own brands in future!
After the excellent conditions and results of the previous day, I found myself disappointed with the 12m band. Richard agreed that conditions were pretty rubbish, and I made just 18 QSOs in one hour and twenty minutes of operating. The split was 12 on CW and 3 each on SSB and PSK31. My best DX was Rich N4EX in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA while the most interesting contact was arguably Veljo ES0OU on Saaremaa Island IOTA EU-034, worked on 12m PSK31.
A mediocre activation was made worse by the incessant fine drizzle and increasing wind making it ever more difficult to maintain comfort - and dryness within the confines of the bothy bag. Furthermore, 3G coverage was very patchy at best, and non-existent at other times, so self-spotting was a drag. Therefore I was pleased when I heard Richard’s voice telling me he had finished and was packed up. I wasted little time in packing up myself!
By the time we commenced the return walk, it had stopped raining, and we were soon enjoying the stroll and improving views. The walk was definitely the highlight of the day out - the SOTA activation was irritating and rubbish by comparison! A good pace was maintained, and we were back at the car by 2.15pm. Plenty of time to call in at the Lantern Pike in Little Hayfield for a couple of pints of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord ale and a bowl of chips.
There were not many recognised SOTA chasers in the log, but many thanks to those that did manage to work me.
Tom M1EYP
Great fun winkling you out of the QSB and round the world echoes.
Great fun winkling you out of the