Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve VKFF-0833

With Andrew VK1AD activating Stony Creek Nature Reserve, VKFF-0986, decided to chase him from a nearby park that had not activated for a while, Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve VKFF-0833.

Parked at the end of Galali Pl in Aranda and walked into the park. At the top of the hill a sign for the park, one of the new metal ones the ACT Government has put in, replacing the old wooden ones.

A close up of the map part of the sign

Wandered along the track towards the high point in the park. Dropped off down the slope when I spotted a tree stump suitable for squid pole support and set up the 40m dipole. Note there are lots of mountain bike tracks in the scrub here so access is fairly easy, and the scrub not that thick.

Squid pole attached to the tree stump

Looking back the other way. Houses in Aranda visible, still far enough away to not cause QRM.

Operating Spot, from Protected Planet

Radio perched on a nearby log, with a rough log seat. In the sun so quite warm, even if it made reading the tablet logging screen a bit hard... There were also mosquitos, but was well covered up.

Got on 40m. Managed to work Andrew VK1AD/p in Stony Creek Nature Reserve, VKFF-0986 with a good strong signal. Then had a look for other parks on. Worked

VK1IO/p Gerard in VKFF-1787 Wolli Creek Regional Park

Spotted myself on Parks n Peaks and worked

VK3BBB, VK2CCP, VK2VW, VK2HFI, VK2LEE, VK3FIMD, VK3MPR, VK4NH, VK4DXA, ZL4TY/VK4. VK5FANA, VK4SMA.

Andrew VK1AD had suggested trying a 2m contact, so stuck up the 2m Jpole ribbon antenna on the squid pole. Andrew was 59... I had a look later, he was only around 5 Km away so no wonder.

Also worked VK1MA Matt, mobile on William Hovell Drive just below me, was very strong...

Returned to 40m and worked

VK3MTT, VK2YK/5, VK5GA, VK3ZPF, VI100AF with VK5PAS operating, VK7ME, VK7QP, VK3DAC.

A couple more park to parks, VK3PF/p Peter and VK3NRB/p Ross in VKFF-2235 Wonthaggi Heathlands Nature Conservation Reserve

VK2PKT, then another park to park, VK5CZ/p Ian in VKFF-0812 Clements Gap Conservation Park

Also VK3AWA/p Daryl in VKFF-2329 Herb Guyatt Flora Reserve

Finally VK2VRO/p Joel on SOTA summit VK3/VC-022 Mt Cowley

Packed up and headed home for afternoon tea.