W6/CT-262 – 4300

There is something about the lower elevation summits along highway 14 that I really like, and while I’m not sure exactly what that thing is, 4300 has it. I started this hike from Aliso Canyon Road and followed the transmission line service road under a support tower and started hiking up cross country style as there was no trail. After a false summit, I made it to the top where it was quite windy. I was able to find a place to sit next to a thick bush which provided some relief from the wind, and a burned tree provided good support for the vertical antenna. There was good cell service, so I spotted myself on 30M. While calling CQ, I noticed some strange noises from the receiver, thinking nothing of it, I continued calling but got no replies… I figured I would try another band. Changing bands require a switch to flipped at the feed point, which adds a loading coil for whatever band was selected. To my surprise, the loading coil for 30m was sitting on the ground – no wonder the radio wasn’t working! The good news was I could still activate on 20M, as this antenna design resinated well there without coils. Made one S2S. On the hike down I picked up a faint use trail and followed it back to the service road. What a great day!

https://sotl.as/summits/W6/CT-262

Total distance: 17.83 mi
Max elevation: 4183 ft
Total climbing: 34045 ft
Total time: 04:22:25
Download file: 4300.gpx

Date:15/10/2021 | Summit:W6/CT-262 (4300) | 

TimeCallsignBandModeNotes
19:40W0MNA14MHzCWS559 R559
19:42K2JB14MHzCWS229 R229 S2S W4C/WM-014
19:45W0ERI14MHzCWS589 R55N
19:46N4MJ14MHzCWS559 R559
19:49AI7FF14MHzCWS55N R559
19:53W4SK14MHzCWS559 R559
19:55WW7D14MHzCWS599 R569
19:57K8LJG14MHzCWS5NN R33N
Typical views
restoration area
Summit is in view
This post must be the summit marker?
Lost a loading coil which took out 30M/ 40M. 🙁
Heading down