This is an 8mi out and back hike with +3200’ vertical ascent. This was a max effort hike, I’d rate this difficult. Trail is hard to stay on, but AllTrails was great. No cell coverage (by ATT) at the bottom. SOTA designator W6/SD-033. Trailhead located just south of the RV Park. Made 9 QSO’s (contacts), 4 on VHF (146.52MHz) and 5 on 40m (7.135MHz). Used the Anytone 878 with Arrow II 140-3 yagi on 2m, and the Yeasu FT-891 (25W) on 40m, with 20’ telescoping TacMini and 40m home made dipole, with MFJ tuner.
You’re right about that, n3xul fell, we both slipped multiple times, two broken hiking poles and shredded frogg toggs waterproof pants. Even on short hikes I go with a buddy.
Fewer activators here in the PNW, and thus more solo hikes. You definitely learn to be self-sufficient, take what you need and APRS tracking for my YL via the website has been good insurance.
