Summit Information:

                               Points: 1

                               County: Hancock County

                               Grid: FN54th

                               Wx: 50°F; 2 mph; Overcast

Hiking:

Maps

Parking: Park at Long Pond. Entrance fee is required.

I started out the day with the intention of activating Sargent Mountain in Acadia NP. My wife was going to come along but once she saw the weather she opted out. So I went solo.

I started climbing Giant Slide Trail and quicly realized the trail was going to be difficult due to all the rain we had the night before. I don’t mind hard hiking or SOTA activations, but when things become sketchy I opt out. Breaking bones or getting a head injury isn’t worth it to me. I headed back down and tried to salvage what was left of the day. I decided to head over to Beech Mountain which I have activated several times prior.

Beech mountain is a relatively easy summit with one exception: due to the fire tower on top, it a is very popular hike.

Today was different due to the weather, cold and nasty. Typical Maine springlike conditions.

I headed to the summit and promptly broke my throw weight. Considering I had broken my fishing/antenna pole the day prior I was having a pretty good track record.

I quickly got the on the air hiding underneath the tower trying to keep the rain off. The wind was blowing pretty good which added to the misery.

I made 4 QSO’s on 20 meters and tried 40 meters with no success. The band/atm noise really made it difficult to hear calls unless they were a 55n or stronger.

I quickly gave 2 meters a try with no takers. At this point my hands were frozen and I was getting pretty cold, so I headed back down to the trailhead.