The alarm clock called early this morning. We went for a quick breakfast and packed our lunches before we split up for one of the most anticipated events of the week: Summits On The Air (SOTA) activations!
We divided into two groups to take on the Austrian mountains:
One group of about 20 of us set off with our expert guide Silvia OE5YYN and after a little bus trip and a fun hike they reached Sonntagskogel just over 1,800 meters. There they activated the OE/SB-206 reference. The climb was totally worth it for the views and the experience!
The second group took the cable car right near the venue. This was the perfect chance to field-test the portable QRP stations we built during the workshop. Using the local summit reference code OE/SB-458, we got right to work making contacts. While some participants took time to relax, walk around, and look at the alpine panorama near the station, the more adventurous hikers pushed further to get to Saukarfunktel, at 2000 meters above sea level. They had to carry, assemble, and operate their portable radio stations. True SOTA style!
After logging some QSO’s and enjoying lunch with a view, we packed up our gear and headed back down, arriving at the venue around 15:00. After a busy morning on the trails, we spent the afternoon cooling off and having fun at the local aquapark.
Dinner followed, along with some time to get ready for the official group picture, along with some fun random pictures with our old and new friends.
Following dinner was an engaging presentation on ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding), giving us all the key tips and strategies we need for tomorrow’s challenge. Of course before going to sleep we gave the opportunity to the remaining youngsters to get their FCC licence and finish the workshops.
Tomorrow it’s going to be fun, which team will be the best at ARDF? Stick around to find out!
