All my previous 62 SOTA activations have been on VHF/UHF. Today, activation number 63 as Ian G6OVR/P did VHF, I activated G/NP-031 Birks Fell on 20M using 2W from my 817ND to an EFHW antenna. After being licenced for 10 years I can honestly say that I’ve been bitten by the HF SOTA bug! I called four times on 14.285 without reply so I put a self spot on SOTAwatch. Before I had picked up the microphone I could hear people tuning up on frequency. 24 stations worked in about 15 minutes the highlight being a S2S contact with Aage LA1ENA/P who was activating LA/TM-227 Seterkollane.
Another thing, today I used my walking poles for the first time. Although I was still sore my Sciatica wasn’t as bad as it usually is. Maybe something for other activators to bear in mind.
Thanks for all the contacts, you know who you are.
I used to scoff at walking poles - until I tried them! Now I won’t go on the hills without them - and even use them to go to the supermarket in icy weather!
There was a scientific study at one of our local universities, I think it was Sunderland, that quantified the amount of impact reduction on our bodies that results from using walking poles. I recall it was a much as 20% on legs, knees & feet but can’t remember any more.
Jim
[quote=“G0CQK, post:3, topic:9994”]
I recall it was a much as 20% on legs, knees & feet but can’t remember any more.
[/quote]…which proves that reading about walking poles has a deleterious effect on “ze little grey cells”. So for all those who have managed to get this far into the topic, it’s already too late
I would not be surprised if it helps your sciatica. It helps mine. In general, my muscles work less keeping me balanced, so my sides and trunk feel better afterwards.
I am a recent convert to using walking poles. They are also very useful at the summit for supporting aerials, propping up bothy bags, fighting through the checkout queue - no, wait, that last one is Brian in the supermarket :o)
