FAILED Activation (POTA K-6092), not Skunked, but not Good

This is my first failed activation for POTA--Joshua Tree National Land Historic Area. It was pretty disappointing. There were three things I'll be changing for next time I give it a try. My position, the orientation of the dipole, and the coax cable.

New POTA of K-6083 Rim Rock Trail (w/ K-6084 Santa Clara Reserve) Good Conditions

 

Next on the list of never-before-activated POTA places was Rim Rock Trail. It lies within the Santa Clara Reserve which I have activated before. The trail is very close to my house, maybe an 8-minute drive to the trail head. From there it's just a mile and a half hike to the highpoint of the trail.