A few days ago I carried out an activation in Navarre, less than 30 km from his house, on a summit “Le Mendaur” which he would have liked to activate.
Weather conditions weren’t great for summit EA2/NV-072; very cloudy in the mountains creating a special atmosphere.
My head also in the clouds with memories of our times spent together. The atmosphere that day led me to believe that Guru presence was there around me…
During our last interview you told me to put more SOTA reports in the reflector so today I listened to you and this report was dedicated to you.
If there is a place where you can read a message, I think it’s here on the reflector
The Rando started from the village of Arantza in Navarre for 14 km of walking and 1000 meters of elevation. The chapel is at the top (moment of contemplation).
For info:
I am awaiting the response from the AFNR of my request for a special callsign in your homage.
Activation should start on April 22 with the callsign TM2IF
I heard you in QSO with Ignacio EA2BD/P on EA2/NV-073. It was pure luck that I had taken an SSB radio to try that day when I was on Hutton Roof Crags G/LD-052. My first QSO on the rig ever was with Ignacio after your QSO. I was very pleased to make the S2S with you also. It was as if all the stars aligned, it’s rare for me to make SSB contacts.
27 days ago I had my last contact with Guru in CW on this place. No S2S but Park to Summit. He asks me about my ref and I had same difficulties to key that I’m on Pota not Sota. He understand and send best wishes.
I guess, it was his last activity.
Now I’m back on the place and my mind is by Guru
73 Chris
As long as we think of him, he is with us. For me, too, there are always moments like this.
Guru was also on EA2/NV-012 on 28.2. Unfortunately, I noticed this very late and tried to reach him by mobile phone. A qso as a chaser would have been a complete for me.
In the evening we had a conversation via mail. It was his last one to me.
Here is an excerpt:
Today was a great SOTA day for me, as I earned 16 points, made 61 QSOs, 3 S2S and 2 DX USA from NV-012 and 53 QSOs, 1 S2S and 6 DX USA (including Alaska and California) I reached both summits by car as I don’t feel strong enough to do the hikes. The chemos and the illness are taking so much toll out of me that I’m now 20Kg lighter than I was last June. I’ll get my 5th chemo tomorrow and I just wanted to enjoy the mountains and ham radio Before the new set of bad days I’ll have again after tomorrow’s chemo.
Hello Alain.
Thank you for this activity report dedicated to Guru who, unfortunately, is no longer with us to climb the peaks. I hope he can, like others who died before him, watch over the SOTA community.
73
André f5ukl
Yes, I am very happy that I reached Guru at his last activation as well. And in addition in cw, a mode of operation that is still a little adventure for me.
I still remember very well a ssb qso last fall. He had received a very good prognosis from his doctor and was very excited. And we were very happy together.
All the more his sad announcement came so unexpectedly.
And when I heard him at the summit, I had already gained hope.
Now he is in peace.
Chris
Thanks dear Alain for your beautiful remembrance post and activation.
A group of friends are working also to setup a special call to honour him whenever possible.
As others said, we keep him alive in our souls.
73 Ignacio
Dear Alain,
Thank you for sharing the wonderful photo’s. Your memories have created a lasting impression of a wonderful man and his devoted friends that will never leave my heart.
73, fred
Great photos too.