Well it turns out that I am the last ever activator of Mount Evans! I summited on September 3rd and on September 15th it was re-named.
Wikipedia explains why. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Blue_Sky
Iāll add that to my SOTA bragging rightsā¦
5 Likes
For once Iām ahead rather than behind with the updates. Thereāll be more about this when it becomes āofficialā.
3 Likes
Thanks for sharing this great report. Looking at your list of states, I too think an excursion in New Mexico is in order. Next year my wife and I celebrate our 35th anniversary. Weāre considering a trip to the UK. It takes a special lady to wait at the hotel, car park, or even loiter on the summit. Youāre lucky!
73, Brian NM5BG
4 Likes
Ok, New Mexico is in then. In about three or four years time. 
4 Likes
What a nice story with great pictures. Thank you for this.
2 Likes
Wonderful report, Fraser. Thanks, OM, for taking the time to put this together! Brilliant photos!
When you visit NA next, I hope youāll hit the Blue Ridge Mountainsāwe can hit some summits and thereāll be less acclimatization. Itāll remind you of homeājust many, many more trees. Ha ha!
72,
Thomas
K4SWL
2 Likes
Thanks Mark. It was a great trip and I really enjoyed being able to activate some SOTA summits using unconventional means, for me anyway.
2 Likes
Thomas, Your mountains do remind me of home. Your videos show off the fine lush forests superbly. Definitely on the list.
2 Likes
Thank you for a very enjoyable report and pictures. My wife and I moved here to Tucson, AZ 5 years ago and driving up to Colorado is high on our agenda. Good to know about the reservations needed for Pikes Peak and Mt. Evans. I think we will take the cog railroad up to Pikes Peak, but that will only allow me about 30 minutes to made my SOTA contacts. 
Dave, AE9Q
4 Likes
Dave, Thatās enough time. A handheld and rh-770 whip will do the job and thereās WiFi at the visitor centre on the summit, so you could spot there. It would be a fun challenge!
3 Likes
Thanks for sharing. Great pictures.
3 Likes
Thanks! There are hundreds more. I went through my 2013 Nevada, Arizona and Utah photos this weekend. Found some lovely ones from Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon North rim, Utah canyons and Zion NP. Itās a shame we donāt put photos in albums any more. They go on a hard drive and get forgotten about.
3 Likes
Utah is a great state for taking pictures. I know what you mean about lost pictures. Its too bad. I hate using Facebook or Instagram for pics but at lease you have a copy somewhere. 
3 Likes
Ahh brings back memories. Lived in Denver CO for a year approximately 24 years ago so pre SOTA, but did play some radio when there, however time was limited with work and a 2 month old baby!
Makes me think we should pay a return trip some day.
Thanks for the report.
Cris
M0KKA
3 Likes
Denver wasnāt the most inspiring city from what we saw of it. Flat and sprawling, however the surroundings - WOW!
4 Likes
Yes, its a sprawling city like many others. However the mountains are stunning.
3 Likes
I finally posted the first of four SOTA videos from my USA trip.
First up - Mount Evans last ever activation.
6 Likes
Great video! Real Mountain Goats (without radios!!). Mt Blue Sky is on my To_Do List.
Dave, AE9Q
2 Likes
Not quite the Drive On I was expecting Dave. You can see the effects of the altitude in the video. I think the road is closed now for the season, so anyone wanting winter bonus points has a long hike and 8000ā ascent ahead of them!
A great place to operate rafio from though. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
1 Like
