After chasing a few stations the past few weeks, I decided to hike Pinnacle Peak (aka Mt. Pete) in Enumclaw to activate my first SOTA summit.
I neglected to send out an alert, but people found me anyway. I've climbed this little peak a few times. My plan was simple: take my Yaesu VX-7R, an extra battery (not needed), and a twin lead 2m antenna, and call CQ on 146.52.
After huffing and puffing my way to the top, I used one of the handy benches to reach up and attach my antenna to a tree branch using a Cable Clamp. Although it was hot out, part of the bench was in the shade. I called CQ and both KD7LXL and KR7W came back right away. I enjoyed a number of conversations, including summit to summit contacts with KR7W and AC7QN, who were on South Tiger Mt (W7W/KG-121).
I had a great time, and also had the opportunity to explain what I was doing with a number of people who came to the summit. A fun first activation! Thanks to everyone who answered my call.
