West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve VKFF-0993

Following a review of WWFF areas on the Australian Capital Territory by Paul, VK5PAS, there was some confusion about the name of the Grasslands area near Jerrabomberra. Google Maps has West Jerrabomberra park just to the West of the Monaro Highway, and Jerrabomberra East off nearby Lanyon Drive. These parks may possibly be known collectively as Jerrabomberra Grasslands Nature Reserve? Figured the only way to find out was to visit and have a look, and do an activation while there...

First drove to Jerrabomberra East Grasslands off Lanyon Drive. Definitely a grasslands area, but no signs to indicate a nature reserve. Noted there was what looked like the remains of a Canberra Nature Park sign nearby, usual big metal frame but no sign in it now. There is a trig on the summit of the hill.

Drove back to the Monaro Highway and found an access gate into what is shown on Google Maps as West Jerrabomberra Reserve. Just near the RFS Helicopter pad at the far Southern end of the park.

 Although the sign on the gate had "Jerrabomberra Grasslands Nature Reserve...

Climbed over the gate and set up on the wooden park sign.

Looking back towards the Monaro Highway. It was close by and noisy with traffic...Used the fence for the dipole leg support.

Tied the other end of the dipole to a fence. There is a road leading to a private farm on the other side.

Set up the radio on the table. Hot in the full sun...The insect spray proved handy...

Got on 40m. Started with a park to park contact with Gerard VK2IO/p in VKFF-1319 Glenrock State Conservation Area, very strong.

A few more huntes, then another park to park with Rob VK4AAC/3 in VKFF-0345 Mount Eccles National Park.

Continued on working hunters in VK2, VK3 and VK7. Usual contact with Rick VK4RF/VK4HA who usually manages to work me...

Saw a spot for a SOTA activation, Mark VK3PI on VK3/VC-007 Mt Macedon, also in VKFF-0972 Macedon Regional Park, managed to work him okay.

After 40 m went quiet went to 20 m. One call from Paul, VK5PAS with a strong 59 signal. After some more calls no takers so returned to 40 m.

Heard some splatter, tuned around and picked up a massive full scale 60+ over 9 signal from Chris VK2SR/mobile VK1. I called him and found he had just driven past me on the Monaro Highway, running 400 Watts! No wonder he was so strong...

At midday had enough of the heat and packed up after 15 contacts. Need to return on a cooler day...