Melrose Nature Reserve VKFF-3183

With a sunny Sunday decided to get out and activate another WWFF park. Went to a newly added park, Melrose Nature Reserve

The park is located on the Eastern side of the Monaro Highway opposite Chisholm, Calwell and Theodore. Looking on a map, the easiest access appeared to be from a car park at the start of Old Tuggeranong Rd, where there is a Paintball game area. There is a locked gate across Old Tuggeranong Rd here but easy to pass through for walkers.

The road runs South for a while then swings to the East. Saw a gate and sign for Melrose Nature Reserve

Headed into the reserve and up a small hill nearby. View at the top looking SouthWest towards Tuggeranong Hill.

Looking West. The Monaro Hwy and Johnson Dr Calwell roundabout below.

There was a survey marker on the top of the hill, TG218. TG for Tuggeranong. Looking on the net later found it was used for the original survey plans for Tuggeranong.

Looked like a good spot to set up, with a log nearby for a seat. Strapped the squid pole to the survey marker and set up the linked dipole. Quite a strong wind but it held up.

Operating spot. Map from Google Maps

Shack around the survey marker and log.

Radio on the nearby log

Got on 40m. I tried to catch VK3TUN on 7.165 in a park, but he had just gone clear. Then VK3PF, Peter called looking for him too, so worked Peter, also in a park VKFF-0976 Shepparton Regional Park

Worked VK3ZPF, then another P2P with VK4AAC/VK2VH Rob in VKFF-2498 Yarrara Flora and Fauna Reserve

Then VK3BEL, VK3APJ, VK2IO/m, VK3ZSC, VK3DL, VK2LP/VK2EMS, VK3UH, VK3PWG, VK4SMA, VK2NP, VK5PAS.

Chased VK1ACE Rod on a SOTA summit, VK2/SM-052 Bald Mountain which is also in VKFF-0212 Gourock National Park

VK3TUN in VKFF-2399 Mount Jeffcott Flora and Fauna Reserve

After 40m contacts dried up went to 20m. Worked

ZL4NVW, OM0R, VK6NU.

Returned to 40m for a few more contacts. Worked

VK3ANL, VK2PKT, VK4FW/VK8MM, VK3GB, VK5FANA, VK2YK/VK5GA, VK3LSR, VK4NH/VK4DXA, VK2MET/VK1AO, VK7JS, VK1TTY, VK3UAO, VK5FB.

During operating the strong wind cracked my squid pole at the base, lashed it up with electrical tape, held out okay but I will need to get another pole... I have gone through a few over the years.

With 39 contacts in the log was getting late and packed up, so will return to get the 44 some time.