Winter Hiking and Ham Radio Adventures: Summiting PAC Monadnock
There’s something magical about winter hikes—the crisp air, the serene landscapes blanketed in snow, and the camaraderie of good friends. Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a winter adventure up Mount Monadnock at Miller State Park with my buddies Keith and Eric. Our goal? To enjoy the great outdoors and activate both the SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air) programs while connecting with fellow ham radio enthusiasts.
There’s something magical about winter hikes—the crisp air, the serene landscapes blanketed in snow, and the camaraderie of good friends. Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a winter adventure up Mount Monadnock at Miller State Park with my buddies Keith (KC1OZK) and Paul (N1OG) with his Dog Watson. Our goal? Enjoy the great outdoors and activate the SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air) programs while connecting with fellow ham radio enthusiasts.
There’s something magical about winter hikes—the crisp air, the serene landscapes blanketed in snow, and the camaraderie of good friends. Recently, I had the pleasure of embarking on a winter adventure up Mount Monadnock at Miller State Park with my buddies Keith (KC1OZK) and Paul (N1OG) with his Dog Watson. Our goal? Enjoy the great outdoors and activate the SOTA (Summits on the Air) and POTA (Parks on the Air) programs while connecting with fellow ham radio enthusiasts.
A Perfect Winter Day
As we set out early in the morning, we were greeted by stunning weather conditions—clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and a refreshing chill in the air. The trail was covered in a layer of snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. We bundled up in our warmest gear and hit the trail, excitement palpable among the three of us.
Make it stand out
The hike itself was invigorating. The beauty of the landscape around us was breathtaking, with snow-laden trees and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. We took our time, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. The laughter, shared stories, and occasional friendly banter made the trek even more enjoyable.
Activating SOTA and POTA
Reaching the summit of Mount Monadnock was a moment of triumph. The views from the top were absolutely stunning, and we quickly set up our ham radio equipment to activate SOTA and POTA. The airwaves were alive with activity, buzzing with other hams, Keith (AC1RH) and John (KB1ICL) activating POTA parks in the local area. It was thrilling to know that while we were conquering the summit, others were also on the air, making their own connections.
Getting Ready to Activate
Keith (KC1OZK), Paul (N1OG) (Not pictured) and Eric (N1JUR) are setting up for an activation of Us 2662 Miller State Park.
With our equipment ready, we started making contacts. Each of us took turns operating the radio, and before we knew it, we had made **22 contacts!** The thrill of reaching out to fellow operators across the country was exhilarating. The energy in the air was infectious, and we felt the camaraderie of the ham radio community, even from a distance.
A Thriving Community
What made the experience even more special were the several other hams who were activating POTA parks nearby despite not hiking with us. The airwaves were filled with signals and voices, creating a vibrant atmosphere that showcased the spirit of amateur radio. It was a reminder of how connected we all are, regardless of our physical locations.
As we wrapped up our radio session, we took a moment to soak in the stunning vistas and the accomplishment of our day. The combination of great weather, successful activations, and the joy of connecting with others made for an unforgettable experience.
A Memorable Adventure
The descent from the summit was filled with smiles and stories about our favorite contacts and the beautiful moments of the day. As we made our way back down, we reflected on the incredible adventure we had shared. Winter hiking at PAC Monadnock is not just about reaching the top; it’s about the journey, the connections we make, and the friendships we strengthen along the way.
I highly recommend PAC Monadnock at Miller State Park for anyone considering a winter hike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a ham radio operator, or simply looking for a beautiful escape into nature, this adventure offers something for everyone.
As we look forward to our next outing, we know that the mountains will always be calling, and the airwaves will always be buzzing with activity. Until next time, happy hiking and 73!
Parks, People, and POTA: A Day to Remember with the Granite State Amateur Radio Association
The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) recently hosted an unforgettable Parks on the Air (POTA) Meetup, and the airwaves were abuzz with excitement. With 26 members in attendance, the event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of the spirit that amateur radio embodies - camaraderie, exploration, and the thrill of communication. Set against the serene backdrop of one of our local parks, we unfolded our antennas, tuned our transceivers, and set out to make waves, quite literally! Here's a recap of the fun we had and the memories we created.
The Granite State Amateur Radio Association (GSARA) recently hosted an unforgettable Parks on the Air (POTA) Meetup, and the airwaves were abuzz with excitement. With 26 members in attendance, the event was not just a gathering; it was a celebration of the spirit that amateur radio embodies - camaraderie, exploration, and the thrill of communication. Set against the serene backdrop of one of our local parks, we unfolded our antennas, tuned our transceivers, and set out to make waves, quite literally! Here's a recap of our fun and the memories we created.
As the day progressed, the park was alive with the sounds of Morse code (CW), the clarity of voice communications, and the digital pings of Winlink. The rhythmic tapping of CW, the enthusiastic calls of CQ, and the digital tones of packet radio painted a picture of diversity in operation modes that our club members thoroughly enjoyed.
The excitement was particularly palpable among several of our members who, for the first time, activated a park. Their calls were met with responses from across the country, marking their inaugural foray into the POTA program with success. The sense of accomplishment and the smiles on their faces were a testament to the joy that amateur radio brings.
Between making contacts, our event became a treasure trove of shared knowledge. The park turned into an open-air classroom where experienced operators and newcomers alike exchanged a wealth of ideas about gear setups, go-boxes, and antenna configurations. From the simplest of wire antennas to the more sophisticated directional beams, there was much to learn and admire. The hands-on experience provided invaluable lessons that manuals alone could never convey.
More than just an opportunity to log contacts, our POTA Meetup was a chance to strengthen the bonds within our community. Old friends caught up, new friendships were formed, and stories from the ether were shared. Laughter and good-natured banter complemented the crackle of radio static, creating a warm atmosphere of fellowship.
As the day came to a close and our last QSOs were logged, it was clear that our POTA Meetup with the Granite State Amateur Radio Association was a resounding success. We not only celebrated the joy of amateur radio but also embraced the beauty of nature and the strength of our community.
The good news is, this isn't a one-time event. We are thrilled to announce that we will be holding a fall event for our next POTA Meetup. The anticipation is already building for another day of outdoor radio fun, and we encourage both seasoned hams and those new to the hobby to join us. Keep an eye on our club's announcements for the date and location. Until then, 73, and keep the frequencies alive with the spirit of POTA!
You can check out our photo gallery for all the additional photos
