All Time New One (ATNO) for SOTA, W7U/IR-044, nicknamed "Wild Horse Hill"

 

It's been a while since I've done a never-before-activated summit, but it's one of the more exciting types of SOTA activities. This one I've had noted to do for over a year, and finally did it. It has only a number designation (its elevation) 6890, but due to being in a horse/burro management area with TONS of horse sign everywhere, I dubbed it "Wild Horse Hill," It's also a POTA 2fer.

SOTA at Navajo Point and Brian Head, Iron Co., Utah, two easy 10-pointers next to each other

 

I've been doing these two together for years, Navajo Point first (W7U/IR-002) and then Brian Head (W7U/SU-016), and normally in July when I'm free, hot at home, and need to get out. It was a cool 50 degrees when it's over 100 at home. The hour and a half drive has become very familiar. (Photo is looking at Navajo Point from the edge of Brian Head.

Annual 13 Colonies Event first week of July (1-7)

 

I have participated in this annual event for several years. It's actually one of my favorites since it's so patriotic. The week of the 4th of July and all the QSL cards are very impressive. I don't always request the cards each time--actually almost every year I do there's a colony that doesn't get one back to me.

Field Day 2021~working with W7CXX Collins Aerospace Radio Group

 

I had been thinking I needed a change for Field Day. Besides last year (COVID), I had been the "CW guy" for the local club for several years. I didn't know if I wanted to go on my own and go up to the mountains or what. Just at that time, I was asked to participate with the Hurricane Test Mesa group (W7CXX Collins Aerospace). It was just what I needed to help make the decision.

SSTV images sent from the International Space Station June 22-24

 

Prior to Field Day 2021, the ARRL sent out an announcement about the images being sent from ISS. I had never done a Slow Scan TV image before, but thought it would be cool to get a photo on the radio from space. This was the clearest of the photos I received.