During 22-23.01.22
Members:
Alex R9WGK
Vlad RX9WT
On the winter activation of the RU/SO-065 summit,
several positive moments coincided: The weather was clear, but the frost was not strong (minus 21 Celsius in the afternoon), there was no wind, there was good propogation, we managed to climb quite quickly …
The most important thing is - we managed to find a place on the top, suitable for installing antennas and camping. Of course, we had to make a platform for the tent - a “balcony” in the snowy slope
. And in order to stretch the dipole by 7 MHz, we had to climb snow-covered rocks in the dark. On this trip, we did not take the usual campfire equipment - the summit is located in the reserve, it is forbidden to kindle fires. We managed with a gas burner, there were fewer problems and it was warmer in the tent. In general, I planned to set up a camp and antennas in a clearing, under a rock - a summit, and stretch the antennas between the trees. But Alex suggested a more extreme option, but more true - to set up camp almost at the very top. We lost on this, perhaps an hour, but as a result is important. I have no doubt that Alex was right! In the beginning, we set the GP to 14 MHz.
While Alex was working with the antenna, I set up a tent.
The tent stood on a “balcony” of snow, close to the rock wall, so that you could sit with your legs dangling. The rock closed the Short Pass for us, but this was a minor loss. But there were no obstacles to the east and west.
When everything was ready, it remained only to connect the battery to the transceiver and insert the antenna connector.
Despite the frost, the transceiver did not let us down. As usual, the first CQ was answered almost immediately. SA4BLM, loud. I was too lazy to immediately start using the split. Then he regretted it. Surely this would give many more chances to QSO for all chasers. However, in the pileup, was contacts with other continents. At 11.33 there was a QSO with VK5CZ, and a little later, probably on the fifth attempt, a report was received from LU1MAW. It was just amazing! Later QSO with EA2IF, dear Guru, I finally heard you on the air! Our 73 from the snowy Ural mountains for you!
I could have been QRV longer yet, but Alex was sitting next to me and waiting for his turn. After about 45 minutes, I took off my headphones, plugged in the mic, and handed it to Alex. Now it was his turn to listen to the pileup. The first QSO - immediately S2S. LB9HI. Probably, my voice could sometimes be heard, since I could not throw my comrade into the sea of signals. And, if possible, helped him. While the transceiver was noisy with the sounds of CW and SSB, our dinner was cooked on a gas burner, hissing and gurgling.
We had lunch, put on our shoes and climbed to install a 7 MHz dipole. It was possible to stretch it between the rocky ledges, along the rocky ridge.
In the dark, we not only did not fall off the slippery rocks covered with snow and ice, but also managed to stretch the dipole so that the feeder was right above the tent. I have no comments for this. Climbed into the tent, lit the burner to keep warm, drank some vodka (to keep your hands from shaking) and welcome to 7 MHz!
It was on 7 MHz that I got a QSO with Sergey, R8WB from Ufa. The consequences of COVID made it impossible for Sergey to go for activation with us. But this QSO, I hope, will help you to be ready for outdoor activity both in winter and summer.
At 20:32 local time, R9WGK QSO with OH3GZ completed the activation. In the morning we planned VHF.
We ate, drank tea, and went to bed in downy sleeping bags.
On Sunday, after breakfast, in the morning we took Yaesu VX - 6 and climbed the rock. To our surprise, no one answered our call. Only by appointing a sked by phone, we were able to contact Marat RA9WJV. He barely received our weak signals in Ufa. In the Ufa repeater (which was heard at S9 ) at that time the talkers did not give us a chance to break through. Only when Marat politely, but authoritatively, asked them to be silent, did the necessary silence arise for us …
73!
Vlad
RX9WT
All I could do was - give a spots for your station. 
