Motivation
EA4HIH, Reiner, was visiting EA2/NV association for his work. I had the chance of a joint activation with him and we agreed to go to Monteidorra, a new one for both.
Activation date: August 27th 2025
Mointeidorra is the highest summit of a beautiful area called “Foz de Arbaiun”.
Foz of Arbaiun (“foz” means gorge) is a spectacular canyon sculpted for years by the Salazar River. The gorge is a protected nature reserve and has the largest colony of vultures in Navarra region.
This is how the gorge looks like from a spot in the opposite side, looking at Mt. Monteidorra.
The summit is not very known as it’s in the middle of a dense forest with obstructed views.
There are a number of popular trails in the area attracting most visitors: these stay near the canyon for birdwatching, instead of going to a summit without views.
The climb
There is a parking place near the road NA-138, at mid point between Lumbier and Navascués, in the “alto de Iso”. Parking coordinates are 42°41’24.7"N 1°12’02.7"W
- Trail length from the medieval gate: 2,5 km (one way)
- Mount elevation: 831m.
- Elevation gain from the village: abt. 160m.
- Walking time to the summit: 35 minutes
I arrived in the parking and met Reiner, who was waiting for me. We had a pleasant chat as we followed a nice path crossing a gate towards the forest.
The slope is gentle and there are no views at all of our destination. On top of that, we couldn’t see the canyon as the path is separated from it.
The summit is a long flat area surrounded by trees in all directions. You can only notice you’ve reached the summit when you pass by this group of stones with this sign:
There is no mountain mailbox.
The activation
Reiner had brought his compact Elecraft KH1. He just sat, thrown the radial wire away, extended the telescopic whip and suddenly, just a few seconds later, he was calling CQ and his activation started! Hey, this little rig is ideal to go on air in an instant.
He ran on 14 MHz briefly and soon had 8 QSO on his belt.
I separated further on and assembled my 4 meter compact vertical antenna. This is a homebrew center loaded wire on a fishpole. I extended the 4 short 2,5m radials and put the capacity hat on top. There was no wind so I simply laid the antenna on a near branch were the antenna stayed stable:
This is the choke and radials on the feeder, just sitting on the ground.
I switched my FX-4CR rig on and started my activation 10 minutes after Reiner, and run on 7 MHz SSB first. This summit is also a POTA (refs. ES-0266 & ES-0917); running both Sota and Pota schemes soon attracted a large number of chasers.
I was glad to see my short antenna was performing well in 40m, where this is a compromise antenna for its length. I logged many EA’s and also a few F and I stations there, not bad!
To end my activation, as I was on my knees, I ran briefly in 20m SSB, where I had a number of EA & EU chasers, with good reports.
I did a couple CW qso, being DH9FAV/P the only S2S of the day. I gave the key to Reiner so that he also logged him.
My log was closed with 68 QSO, I was glad with my small vertical ant. We stopped and called it a day.
Reiner had his “Speedy Gonzales” rig on his pocket, and I put all my stuff in my backpack.
The beatiful canyon
The activation had been a good one but I felt sorry we hadn’t any view of the canyon.
Before going back to the car, I proposed to deviate a bit as there is a famous spot near the summit, called “Peña Cornota” (also shown in the map, above) where there is a magnificent view of the gorge and the river.
It just took a few minutes to navigate to this spot. We enjoyed the stunning views!
After, we got back to the path and kept chating.
Thanks Reiner for your visit. Looking forward a future chance to repeat it in another summit.
73 Ignacio
