Justice Robert Hope Park VKFF-3181

With a sunny Sunday afternoon decided to activate a newly published Nature Reserve, Justice Robert Hope Park, VKFF-3181. This park is in Watson and an easy 15 minute drive from home. Drove through Dickson, Watson, down Antill St and spotted an entry point into the park. A side gate allowing access.

Map and some information on the park

I could see a star picket nearby so used this as squid pole support. As only a short walk was able to bring my table and chair into the park for a bit of comfort operating.

Looking back the other way towards the gate and Antill St.

Shack on the table.

Got on 40m. Started with a park to park contact with VK2PCT Paul on VKFF-2018 Wianamatta Nature Reserve on 7.144

Also worked VK1DA Andrew activating SOTA summit VK2/IL-005 Mount Alexandra on 7.164

I got called by VK1ACE, Rod who asked me to move up to 7.169. Worked him, then VK3SQ, VK5MAZ and VK5PAS. While working them some strong digital interference started up. I found out what it was when next called by the owner of the signal, VK1TTY/3 Tim, who was operating SSTV on 7.170 Mhz. We were both wiping each other out with strong signals... Moved down to 7.160 after spotting myself. As per Jaramlee Nature Reserve the park was not on ParksnPeaks, so used another VK1 park and added the real park number to the comments.

Worked another park to park there from VK3DL Dean in VKFF-0757 Enfield State Park, just finishing up on the frequency. Then

VK2DHN, VK4NH, VK4DXA, VK5LA,VK2IO, VK2EXA, VK3VIN,VK2VAR, VK2MI, VK3PF, VK2PKT, VK2MET, VK3GJG, VK3ANL

Another park to park with VK1RF/4 Jim in VKFF-1669 Vernon Conservation Park

VK4HAT, VK5FANA, VK5DW, VK3APJ, VK1CT, VK4EMP, VK4SMA, VK3NRB, VK3MAP, VK4TJ.

Briefly tried 20m, but no hunters there.

As getting cold and the sun setting packed up and headed home.

Jarramlee Grassland Nature Reserve VKFF-3180

Five new WWFF parks were added recently to VK1. With a nice sunny Saturday decided to activate one of the close by ones, Jarramlee Grassland Nature Reserve, VKFF-3180

The park is located at the back of the Canberra suburb of Macgregor, on the North Western edge of the Australian Capital Territoty. Drove to Macgregor and parked in the suburb on Hugh-McKay Cres. Running off this a road leading to a locked gate.

Walked past the gate and along the road. This is part of the Bicentenial Trail, a horse riding track. The road runs to Jarramlee farm, about a Km away. Road to the farm

Reached the NSW/ACT border, and the entrance to Jarramlee property, a cattle farm. Sign for the farm, private property.

The Bicentenial trail heads right here on the border. To the left a gate and entrance to Jarramlee Grassland Nature Reserve. 

Headed into the reserve, and to a collection of fallen dead trees on the left. Found one suitable for squid pole support and an operating seat.

Operating spot. Map from Openstreetmap.org

Looking back the other way, towards the NSW border.

Shack on the fallen tree. Note the nearby power lines, they generated about an S6 of noise...

Got on 40m. Started with a park to park contact with VK2HBG/p Gerald in VKFF-1924 Dharawal Nature Reserve. A good strong S9 signal.

Spotted myself on 7.144, a bit tricky as the park is not yet listed in VK-Port-a-log. I just picked an existing VK1 park and added the park number in the comment field. 

A bit of a pileup followed. Worked VK3SQ, VK2BYF, VK2IO. 

Another Park to park with VK3OAK/p Malcolm in  VKFF-2233 Winter Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve

VK3PF, VK2CDB, VK2VH, VK4AAC, VK2EXA, VK2PKT, VK4KC, VK4MAD, VK4DOG, VK4HNS, VK3VIN, VK2MET, VK2MZ, VK3UH, VK5PAS/mobile VK2, VK4NH, VK4DXA, VK2XIC, VK4HMI, VK2MOE.

After contacts dried up on 40m went to 20m. One call from VK4CJM, then no one else.

Packed up and headed home for lunch.

75 US Grid Squares on 30m Award

 Another award from the 30m Digital Group, for working 75 US Grid Squares on 30m.