10/25/2016
Bob, WR7Q, and I arrived at Great Basin National Park on Wednesday, October 12th. We were lucky to find two campsites at Lower Lehman Creek campground. (First come, first served... no reservations.) Bob parked his trailer in Site #4 and I set up my operating tent at Site #11. Elevation of the campground is about 7,300 feet (2,225 m) ASL.
Overall, the weather and band conditions were really nice for a Fall outing. However, there were strong winds on Friday and Saturday, which hampered our operation somewhat. Bob logged 220 contacts and I had 534. I worked all US States except Montana, Delaware and Hawaii. I also logged several Canadian Provinces, along with Sweden, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Brazil. As of this post, our effort represents 28% of the contacts made from NP24. (754 out of 2704 QSOs as of 10/24/2016)
Lower Lehman Creek campground was a favorable operating site. Generally, our contacts into the Midwest and East were on 20 meters and stations in the West on 40 meters.
We also took time away from radio to tour Lehman Caves and some of the surrounding sites. This Park is nearly 100 miles from any sizable population centers. The closest town to the Park is Baker, Nevada... population 68. Since our visit was outside of the peak tourist season, Baker establishments were buttoned up for the year. There is an automated fuel station in town, but that was about it. The closest lodging and food was back at the Utah/Nevada border.
The Park Staff members were helpful and friendly. This was due in part to our contact with them prior to our visit.
We had a great time during this activation. Along with the Park Staff, we had some interesting chats with campers and other visitors.
I'm hoping to activate at least one more Entity before the end of the year. Just hope the weather and band conditions hold out for a while.
