Pearls On A Necklace – SOTA Adventures in W6/CT. Strung along the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2, Los Angeles County, California), which runs through the San Gabriel Mountains, on the stretch between the Pasadena / Glendale area the south, and the Apple Valley / Victorville area to the north, lie more than 20 SOTA listed summits. Most are 6 to 8 point summits. Proximity to Los Angeles, relatively easy access and beautiful terrain, similar to east slope Washington and Oregon Cascades, make this a “tourist delight” area. On 3 separate days, between October 31, 2014 and November 4, 2014, I activated five (5) of these SOTA summits. This report is #2 of 5.
Lying approximately 10 KM WSW of Mount Williamson, Waterman Mountain is another 8,000 + foot mountain (8,038 feet altitude) in close proximity of the Angeles Crest Highway (SR2, Los Angeles County). The hike is approximately 6 miles RT, with 1,200 feet elevation gain. The trail is superbly graded, making for an easy approach to this 8 point SOTA Summit. The vicinity has less Scrub Oak and underbrush than the Mount Williamson area had.
Only 1 day after our Mount Williamson activation, the strong NNE winds were still blowing and a factor. The temperature at the trailhead at 9:00 AM was approximately 40 degrees F, about 5 degrees warmer than the day before. Again the sky was clear and blue.
We made quick work of the trail, again because of the relative cold and wind. Operating position was on lee side of summit boulders, where the wind and cold were less biting. Easily installed 20M + 40M Inverted V linked dipole, and worked all contacts on 40M.
All too soon, it was time to leave this lovely area, as we had a prior engagement in Los Angeles. I highly recomment this SOTA activation!
