Hmmm… after not being in Europe since Nov 2019 I was concerned if I’d ever make it to FN. Some of my regular crew are now SK (and I still cannot believe that), others were feeling that being quite elderly meant they didn’t have enough minutes to waste them queuing at airports, the hotel we have used since 2000 has gone bust and I managed to lose my driving licence 20 days before I needed to hire a car in Geneva!
So we have an AirBNB a short way outside FN but the saving over the hotel means we can spend the difference on taxis and not worry about being 10km away. The UK DVLA replaced my licence in 3 working days. Though the postman put into next door’s mail and they popped in to me before they went on vacation for 2 weeks!
The news is full of problems at UK airports and I didn’t want to consider the trauma at the airports and I didn’t tempt fate by checking my flight but did get an email titled “About your flight” I thought it was cancelled but no everything was go. I got to the airport and was told I was too late (3hrs before gate closed) to drop off luggage… my heart stopped but it was because I was too early. 30mins later sorted. Security was trivial though questions were asked about the FT817 rubber duck and that was when I realised I hadn’t packed a handy (buy a new one!!!). I even saw my case get loaded on to the plane and it arrived with me.
Yesterday it was a bit hot and so there was lots of rain later and some thunder. But it dried enough for a smash and grab on Chasseral HB/BE-104. I was short of time so it was a quick blast on 20cw.
This morning biblical amounts of rain fell. No problem as when I wrote I was complete bagging in HB/SO I got a mail from Rene HB9NBG inviting me to call in. I did and the rains fell and fell. I received the most delightful welcome from Rene and Carine and they even had amazing chocolate for me to have with my coffee. I worked a few chasers using Rene’s station then I had to leave as they interrupted their work to make me their guest and I could not waste more of their time. But that was a really lovely bonus to this trip, Rene & Carine: thank you.
I was off and quickly at Ensingen and then a combo of Google Maps, Orux Maps and the car GPS I got to the car park for Roggenflue HB/SO-012. It was about 25mins sweaty climb up to the top. On with the OK brand trapped EFHW. 20 and 30 were full of interference but 40 was OK. 9 on CW and 1 on SSB then time to move on. I was above the cloud remnents and it was misty but hot. Packed away and 7km drive to Hoechi Flue Hb/SO-013. I was on a roll and was at the top in not time.
WHere is the feeder Andy? I checked and checked and there was no feeder. Booger! It’s at Roggenflue. Well maybe. If someone climbed it they may wonder what the feeder was and keep it. No this is Switzerland, it will be left clearly on show the rightful owner can collect it or taken to the police. I did a mad dash down the hill, drove back to Ensingen and up the hill and then ran up the summit, again, and my cable was on the ground.
Ooooh did I swear. I had to get it or the purpose of this trip, activate Altberg would be lost.
So today’s tally is 3 summits climbed, 1 summit operated and activated, 1 complete. I was going to go and grab something tonight (HB/AG-011 I think) but I have decided that meat and beer is the order of the day now.
It would have been a miserable day if I hadn’t spent time with Rene and Carine this morning. Now for beer…
