One of the main reasons I became a ham was to do SOTA. I shall do SOTA!
SOTA (Summits On The Air) is not only a great reason to get outdoors, but also includes an element of self-sufficiency in that you have limited power, and limited equipment (ok not so for Arnie, but normal guys like me) because you need to carry everything you use. More information from the official website.
There are a few other similar programs including the Islands on the Air, wwff and pota. From a Scouting point of view, I also need to add Jota – Jamboree on the Air. Oh and RaDAR also appeals. So much to do!
All of a sudden, this weekend (well Sunday 29 June 2014) I shall be up the Lady’s Slipper near Port Elizabeth attempting to activate the peak. Why all of a sudden? Well because Andrew Gray and friends are climbing up the Cockscomb – also Eastern Cape attempting to get that peak activated. So what does that have to do with me?
Well, its not like I needed an excuse, but earlier this month the first South African Summit-To-Summit was recorded on the Sarl.org.za forum and, although Eastern Cape is miles behind the other provinces, we could log the second – literally days later!
Andrew and party will be attempting to summit by midday and will be calling cq on 145.500MHz.
I will attempt to summit earlier than midday, will also be on 145.500MHz and will need the extra time to get things sorted out. Not only am I hoping for my first SOTA activation – but my first QSO ever!
So, listen out for us and give us a friendly chat if you can. Part of the SOTA appeal is that you can be either an activator (climb the mountain) or a shack sloth and stay at the shack, drinking coffee and listening for the activators – and both “animals” can get awards too!
I’d say “watch this space” but I intend being out, up the hill come Sunday 😉
73
Dave – zs2dh