[VHFcontesting] Getting ready for June - proposed route

k4gun at comcast.net k4gun at comcast.net
Sat Apr 19 10:28:50 EDT 2008


I know its early, but I'm getting my plans set for the June VHF QSO party.  I know there are a lot more rovers that will be heading out and I wanted to giver others a chance to comment on my proposed route before I finalize it.

I will be operating on 50, 144, 222 and 432.  I've got a small tower and mast that will be mounted in the bed of the truck and operated with a rotator.  Antennas are a moxon on 50 and 8' boom yagis on 144, 222 and 432.  With this system, I shouldn't need any set-up time at each stop.  Just park, power on and get to work.  I will also have omnis for 144 and 432 for use while in transit.

2:00-3:00PM start on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel scenic overlook in FM27ac
3:15-4:00 PM from Island #3 on CBBT at FM17xb
4:15-5:00 PM from Island #1 on CBBT at FM16wx
5:30-6:30 PM from Virginia Beach at FM26at
10:00-11:00 PM from a truck stop on I-64 near Charlottesville VA at FM07vx

Sunday
10:00-11:00 AM at Wintergreen Resort overlook at FM07mw
12:00-1:00 PM at Scenic overlook on Blueridge Parkway (faces West) FM07mw
3:00-5:00 PM at Hogback Overlook on Skyline Drive FM08us
6:30-7:30 PM somewhere outside of Winchester VA (haven't found the exact spot yet) near FM09uf
8:00-9:00 PM roadside pull-off with a little elevation at FM19aa
10:00-11:00 PM at the highest spot I can find in Prince Willaim county at FM18ew

A couple of things I am still working out are whether or not to bother with the Blue Ridge Parkway stop.  I haven't driven there yet, but it looks like most of the scenic overlooks face to the West where there is not a lot of population.  It might be better to spend more time at Wintergreen.

About Wintergreen... I stayed there for a couple of days this winter and found a great overlook.  I haven't contacted the resort yet to see if they would have a problem with me setting up there for an hour or so on a summer weekend.  Does anybody have any experience with this?  

Any other comments from the group?  I'm familiar with the CBBT and the permissions needed.  I've also driven a good part of this route before and I think I'm being fairly good about travel times.  

Thanks and 73,
Steve
K4GUN/R


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