Well, I did it. I was pretty sure that I wouldn’t hit the Oasis Activator award for K-0020 this year, but my long birthday weekend brought it so close that a quick trip out to the park the day before Thanksgiving sealed the deal.
While things were setting up in the fridge and we had a few moments to spare, my wife, Bella, and I got in the Jeep and headed out to the park. The Rottie needs to be tired to be happy, so a quick hike would be just the thing to keep her calm while preparations for Thanksgiving were made in the kitchen. And me? I could sneak in a last activation to seal the Oasis Activator award.
The weather was fantastic. It was in the 50s and the sun was bright. Almost too bright, as I left my hat at home. I set up for FT8 and knocked out 24 contacts very quickly with the Chameleon telescoping whip with extension. I brought in several stations from the west coast of the US as well as FL, MN, and all the way to Germany. It’s been rare for me to get EU contacts during POTA activations. It’s definitely the QRP factor, but when one does come back, it’s a rush. It’s what makes QRP an adventure.
We were in a hurry, so I didn’t grab so many pictures this time. Again, it’s pretty much an open field with a shelter and some picnic tables. Definitely NOT the most scenic place in the park. But it’s peaceful and a great spot to set up. I’m starting to feel like that’s my Big Blue Shack In The Park.
One of my big goals was to get an activator award. I got the Bronze Activator and now the Oasis Activator. Doubled it up! Quite an exciting thing for me. Again, POTA is fantastic for putting out little achievements that give you something to set a course by. Radio is all about the journey and not the destination. That’s where POTA hits the sweet spot. It gives you a destination so you can have your journey. I’m really looking forward to 2023 and a lot more park radio activity!
Here’s the QSO Map:
