Wow! What a day!
Today marks exactly 25 years since I was allocated my first amateur radio call sign. I took the summer 1997 Radio Amateur’s Examination (RAE) and passed, which was a good job because I managed to do the course and exam for free as I was under 18 at the time of enrolment!
I flirted with an M0 callsign for several years but then I got my original call sign of M1BUU back.
I mentioned my intention to mark my 25th anniversary in some way in this recent thread -
My son wanted to do some plane spotting so with a hint from Mark, M0NOM, I decided that a visit to Red Screes, G/LD-017 might tick both of our boxes. I had already activated Red Screes this year, but today wasn’t about the points, it was just a celebration of 25 years as a ham.
I felt awful yesterday, I was sneezing all day and felt extremely tired. In addition to not feeling well, I ended up doing a 12 hour shift at work. Richard G4TGJ sent me a PM suggesting that we should try for an S2S and I replied that I felt awful and my planned activation was maybe looking unlikely.
After a good sleep I felt much better, but still tired, however the weather forecast was for a really lovely day and I knew my son was excited about the possibility of seeing some military jets. I decided that I would just take the day steadily.
I was pleased to find the Kirkstone Pass Inn car park to be quiet, just a few motorhomes sprawled out really.
My son had a spring in his step and was racing up Red Screes like a greyhound after a rabbit! I’d said that I was going to take my time. I enjoyed drinking in the gorgeous scenery.
My son racing ahead!
We were about ¾ of the way up when we heard fast jets and we were treated to a quick glimpse of a pass up through Kirkstone Pass. My son didn’t get a picture, but at least we’d seen jets!
We met a couple of walkers with a dog and got talking, it turns out that we came from the same home town and even went to the same schools!
I spent quite a while chatting which delayed me getting on air. There was no rush today though and I was soon calling on 30m CW. Richard G4TGJ had wanted an S2S from Ingleborough G/NP-005 on 30m, so that’s why I started on that band. After about 2 minutes, Richard had found me and we had an easy CW S2S. As pointed out by the couple I was chatting with, Ingleborough was actually visible on the horizon from Red Screes!
Ingleborough, G/NP-005, under the arrow
In all, I had 36 QSOs, across 40m,30m,20m, 17m and 2m. HF was CW and VHF was FM. I had difficulty on 2m, firstly with a dodgy mic lead (lack of use?) and secondly with an intermittent antenna connection. I was called by G4WHA/A and as I went to peak the beam, the antenna pole fell down and I bent the reflector element on the beam. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to establish communication with G4WHA/A. I had one more QSO before I gave up. Sorry to G4WHA/A and other callers, my 2m station just wasn’t performing today.
It was awesome to work Mark, M0NOM on the key on 20m - thanks Mark! Great to be called by Iggy, EA2BD/P for an S2S, and also new regular chaser, Chris, DL1CR/P. I had a nice chat with Richard G4TGJ/P on 2FM during the time that my radio was actually working, for a second S2S.
All the while I was operating, my son was chasing jets on the internet and in the air, I think it’s fair to say that we both had a good day!
M1BUU in natural habitat, working CW, taking in the scenery.
Attempting voice mode! Struggled with mic problems - yes, really!
A tradition started by Mark, M0NOM!
Jets!
Couldn’t have asked for nicer weather!
Thanks to the chasers for being there on my special day!
Final word to the bus in Ambleside scoring our day -
Cheers!
