vk5pas

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Deep Creek Conservation Park 5CP-054 and VKFF-0780

Posted: 03 Apr 2017 05:38 AM PDT
https://vk5pas.org/2017/04/03/deep-c...d-vkff-0780-4/


Once we got home to the homestead, I set up the equipment outside again and
headed to 14.310 on 20m and called CQ. Â*As we had no internet coverage, I
was just hoping that someone would come across my signal. Â*It didnt take
long and I was called by Ozren 9A7W in Croatia. Â*Ozrens signal was not
overly strong but we successfully exchanged 5/5 signal reports. Â*Next was
Chris VK4BX, followed by Sasa 9A3NM in Croatia.

This was followed by a handful of Europeans from France, Poland, Italy,
Slovenia, Slovak Republic, and just 2 Australians from VK8 and VK6.



It was a pretty cool evening, only 13 deg C, so I was rugged up with my
beanie and jacket. Â* It was a much cooler evening compared to the night
earlier. Â*Marija was kind enough to bring my tea outside to me, and I took
a break, while Marija called CQ on 7.144. Â*Steve VK4QQ was her first
caller, followed by Simon VK3FSLG and then Ian VK1DI. Â*Marija logged a
total of 24 stations from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, VK7, and New
Zealand. Â*This included Allan VK3ARH who was on SOTA peak Mount Beckworth
VK3/ VC-024 and Gary VK5FGRY who was portable in the Morialta Conservation
ParkÂ*5CP-142 & VKFF-0783. Â*Marija was also very pleased to have her second
contact into New Zealand, with Oliver ZL1XS.



After finishing tea and lighting the slow combustion heater, I started
calling CQ on 7.144. Â*It was getting too cold for Marija, and she retreated
indoors to the fire. Â*My CQ was answered by Marshall VK3MRG who was camping
on the banks of the Upper Yarra. Â*This was followed by Damien VK3FRAB, and
then much to my surprise, Lubos KP2AD in the American Virgin
Islands. Â*Lubos was booming in at 5/9 plus and gave me a 5/5 which I was
very happy with. Â* I quickly summoned Marija outside and asked Lubos if he
would be so kind to listen out for Marija. Â*He agreed and I would the power
back down to 10 watts PEP. Â*Much to our amazement Lubos came back with a
4/4 signal report for Marija. Â*We were both very excited as this was a new
DXCC entity for Marija.

I went on to work a total of 32 stations on 7.144 from VK2, VK2, VK3, VK4,
VK5, VK6, VK7, Virgin Islands, New Zealand, and USA. Â*This included Bill
VK4FW who was portable in theÂ*Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363, Peter
VK3PF/p who was portable on SOTA peak VK3/ VW-007, Steve VK3SN who was
portable in the Mount Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339, and Gerard VK2IO was
portable on SOTA peak Broken Back Range VK2/ HU-054. Â*I was also very
pleased to work Clive ZL4CJR who was operating portable from the Fjordland
National Park ZLFF-0004. Â*Clive and I had quite a lengthy chat.





I then headed to 7.130 as I had been informed that Pedro NP4A in Puerto
Rico was very loud and was working VK. Â*He certainly had quite a pile up
going, and thanks to Mike VK2BXE who advised Pedro to have a listen out for
me, I logged Pedro 5/9 both ways.

I then headed down to 3.610 on the 80m band and started calling CQ. Â*The
Over the Horizon radar was choofing away in the background, but it didnt
take long and I had my first caller, Chris VK3YUN. Â*This was followed by
Mark VK6BSA who had a terrific 5/9 signal. Â*I worked a further 6 stations
from VK3, VK4, VK6, and VK7, including Tony who was on top of SOTA peak
Mount Mitchell VK3/ VN-012.

I then headed back to 40m and I tuned across the band. Â*I heard Alberto
P29LL with a huge pile up from North America. Â*I then heard Bill W1ZY
calling CQ from Rhode Island. Â*He wasnt so busy and we had a short chat,
exchanging signal reports 5/9 sent and 5/7 received). Â*Bill was quite
amazed with my operating conditions.

I then called CQ on 7.155 and worked 7 stations, including Mark AF6TC in
California USA and Oliver ZL1XS, before going QRT for the evening.

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

9A7W
VK4BX
9A3NM
F1BLL
SP5INQ
IK4LZH
S52KM
OM7OM
VK8RD
VK6AHR
IZ1ERW


I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

VK3MRG/p
VK3FRAB
KP2AD
VK5FANA
VK1MTS
VK3VG
VK2GPT
VK2LDN
VK3NU
VK4FW/pÂ*(Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)
VK3PF/p (Near Boroka Lookout VK3/VW-007)
VK4GSF
VK3SN/p (Mount Buffalo National Park VKFF-0339)
VK2XQX
VK2IO/p (SOTA Broken Back Range VK2/ HU-054)
VK6FCAO/p
VK3HBG
VK1FC
VK7ALB
VK7VZ/p
ZL4QT
VK3ANL
VK2HJVK7PRN
KN7D
VK1HW
VK2SR
VK2HHA
VK7PSJ
VK7PAL
VK2IAN
ZL4CJR/p (Fjordland National Park ZLFF-0004)
NP4A
W1SY
VK2ZIW
AF6TC
VK6NTE
VK1AL/2
VK2XXM
ZL1XS
VK2IWU


I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

VK3YUN
VK6BSA
VK7PRN
VK3ZIP
VK4GSF
VK3CAT/p (SOTA Mount Mitchell VK3/ VN-012)
VK6HRC
VK3PAT


Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

VK4QQ
VK3FSLG
VK1DI
VK2GPT
VK2LDN
VK2ND
VK3ARH (SOTA Mount Beckworth VK3/ VC-024)
VK3MMX
VK4NH
VK4FLJT
VK3FSPG
VK3MPR
VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
VK3ANL
VK3LBW
VK3NGD
VK7FEAT/m
VK3FCMC
VK3FRAB
VK2FSAV
VK3LPG
ZL1XS
VK2YW
VK3MRG/p
KP2AD
VK4FW/p (Mount Walsh National Park VKFF-0363)



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Talisker Conservation Park 5CP-223 and VKFF-0790

Posted: 03 Apr 2017 04:35 AM PDT
https://vk5pas.org/2017/04/03/talisk...d-vkff-0790-2/


Our first activation for Saturday 1st April 2017 for the 4th Anniversary of
the VK5 National & Conservation Parks Award, was Talisker Conservation Park
5CP-223 & VKFF-0790. Â*I have activated and qualified this park previously
on a number of occasions, but it was to be a unique park for my wife Marija
VK5FMAZ for both the VK5 Parks Award and World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF).

Talisker is located about 100 km south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu
Peninsula. Â*It was just a short drive from our accomodation at Deep Creek.


Above:- Map showing the location of the Talisker Conservation Park, south
of Adelaide. Â*Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

After breakfast we packed the 4WD and headed off to Talisker. Â*It was quite
an overcast morning with some dark clouds in the sky. Â*We certainly had our
fingers crossed that the weather would hold off.

Talisker Conservation Park was established in 1976 and consists of 211
hectares of native scrub set in very hilly terrain. Â*The park incorporates
the old Talisker silver-lead mine, which was discovered by John McLeod in
1862. Â*It was named after a locality on the Isle of Skye in
Scotland. Â*Talisker employed Cornish miners and supported a nearby township
called Silverton. Â*The population of Silverton grew to 3000 at its peak in
1870. Â*The Talisker Mining Company worked the mine until falling ore grades
and a lack of finance, forced the mine’s closure in 1872. Â*Between 1917 to
1920, the mine was worked again, mainly for arsenic.

More information on the park and its fascinating history can be found at my
previous posts at..

https://vk5pas.org/2016/04/08/talisk...and-vkff-0790/

https://vk5pas.org/2015/01/28/talisk...vation-park-2/

https://vk5pas.org/2014/04/18/talisk...ervation-park/



We set up in our normal spot, a clearing in the scrub near the old camp
ground, off Talisker Road. Â*There is plenty of room here to stretch out the
80/40/20, linked dipole. Â*We were all set up and ready to go by just after
2300 UTC (9.30 a.m. South Australian local time). Â*The sun was occasionally
popping its head out from the clouds, so we set up the solar panels to top
up the power pack.


Above:- Aerial shot of the Talisker Conservation Park showing our operating
spot in the northern section of the park. Â*Image courtesy of Protected
Planet.

As I had activated and qualified the park previously, Marija started off on
air first. Â*Prior to calling CQ we had a quick tune across the 40m band to
see if we could find any other VK5 park activators. Â*It didnt take us
long. Â*We soon found Tony VK3XV/5 calling CQ on 7.144 from the Lower
Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905. Â*Tony was very low
down (5/1), but as there was no man made noise on the band from the park,
Tony was easily worked (5/1 received). Â*It was clear that close in
propagation was going to be a challenge during the activation which was a
real pity, as we were both hoping for some Park to Park action.

After speaking with Tony, Marija then headed to 7.150 where she commenced
calling CQ. Â*This was answered by Roald VK1MTS with a strong 5/8 signal,
followed by Steve VK3FSPG/VK3MPR, and then Geoff VK3SQ. Â*It didnt take long
for a mini pile up to ensue, and considering Marija has only been licenced
for 12 months, she did a very admirable job managing the pile up. Â*Marija
logged a total of 34 stations on 40m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5, and
VK7. Â*But at that stage, Tony was our only VK5 Parks activator. Â*It
appeared that Tony, Marija and I were the only early starters for the
anniversary weekend.

After a good run on 40m, we then lowered the squid pole and inserted the
links for the 80m band and headed to 3.610. Â*I spotted Marija on
parksnpeaks and Marija called CQ. Â*This was answered by the ever reliable
Mick VK3GGG/VK3PMG, with a strong 5/8 signal from western Victoria. Â*Adrian
VK5FANA who was portable in the Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 &
VKFF-0812 in the Mid North of South Australia then called us. Â*Sadly, due
to a high noise floor on 80m we were just not quite able to pull Adrian
through. Â*We werent really sure where the noise was coming from, as we were
certainly not near any known interference sources. Â*Marija then spoke with
Col VK5HCF in Mount Gambier, Ivan VK5HS in the Riverland, and then John
VK5DJ at Millicent in the South East. Â*Adrian then called in again, and
thanks to his patience and persistence, we were able to make a valid
contact just as out noise floor dropped for us. Â*I also logged Adrian Park
to Park.










Marija and IÂ*then decided to try the 15m band. Â*We had seen a few comments
on one of the Facebook sites from some USA stations asking us to try
15m. Â*So it was down with the 80/40/20m linked dipole, and up with the 15m
1/2 wave dipole. Â*Sadly, about five minutes of Marijas CQ calls went
unanswered, so I jumped into the operators seat and called CQ. Â*After about
5 minutes of CQ calls, Hans VK6XN from Western Australia came back to my CQ
call. Â*Unfortunately Hans was our only contact on 15m. Â*Marija was now just
1 contact short of qualifying the park for WWFF, with 43 contacts in the
log.

We headed back to the 40m band where we both worked Wade VK1FWBD who was
portable on a SOTA peak,Â*Tuggeranong Hill VK1/ AC-038. Â*Wade was Marijas
44th contact, and a successful park activation in the log.

I then took control of the mic and called CQ on 7.144. Â*My first taker
there was Fred VK3DAC, followed by Les VK2DSG and then regular park hunter
Rick VK4RF/VK4HA. Â*A few of the VK5 Park activators now started to appear,
and Marija and I swapped the mic each time to log them Park to Park.
The trig point in the park, opposite our operating position

South Australian park activators logged on 7.144 on 40m we

Mark VK5QI/p Warren Conservation Park 5CP-247 & VKFF-0941
Adrian VK5FANA/p Clements Gap Conservation ParkÂ*5CP-043 & VKFF-0812
Greg VK5ZGY/p Lake Frome Conservation Park 5CP-108 & VKFF-0900
Greg VK5GJ/p, Hesperilla Conservation ParkÂ*5CP-090 & VKFF-1038
Norm VK5GI/p, Hesperilla Conservation ParkÂ*5CP-090 & VKFF-1038
Gary VK5FGRY/p Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783
Ray VK5RR Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892
Tony VK5MRT/p, Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873
Peter VK5PET/p Cleland Conservation Park 5CP-042 & VKFF-0778 & SOTA Mount
Lofty VK5/ SE-005
Mark VK5QI/p Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779


Interstate park activators logged on 40m we

Peter VK3PF/p, Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345
Neil VK4HNS/p -Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587
Mark VK4SMA/p White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676
Rob VK4AAC/p Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722
Mick VK3PMG/VK3GGG/p Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629


Interstate SOTA activators logged on 40m we

Gerard VK2IO VK2/ HU-080
Peter VK3PF/p, Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048
Mick VK3PMG/VK3GGG/p West of England Range VK3/ VW-013


Some other interesting contacts included Steve VK5SFA who was using a 1.2 m
diameter loop antenna, and Craig VK3CRG who was streaming my QSOs on VK3RTV
Digital Amateur Television.









After logging a total of 79 stations on 7.144, traffic started to slow
down. Â*So we took the opportunity of tuning across the 40m band and picking
up a few more South AustralianÂ*& interstate park activators.

Tony VK3XV/5 Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 &Â*VKFF-0802
Andrew VK5MR/p Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278
Greg VK5ZGY/p Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791
Keith VK5OQ/3 Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296


We were now 5 hours into our activation and I had not yet got up to
20m. Â*So it was time to try that band. Â*I self spotted on parksnpeaks and
then called CQ on 14.310 and this was answered by Hans VK6XN in Western
Australia, who I had worked a little earlier on the 15m band. Â*Hans was a
good 5/8, considerably stronger than his earlier signal on 15m. Â* I worked
a further 8 stations on 20m including:

Mark VK4SMA/p -White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676
Neil VK4HNS/p Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0587


It was now approaching 0500 UTC (3.30 p.m. local time), and we decided to
have one last listen on 40m before calling it a day at Talisker. Â*We were
pleased we did, as we logged David VK5HYZ in the Mount Remarkable National
Park 5NP-015 & VKFF-0360.







Marija and I ended up with a total of 158 QSOs for this activation,
including a total of 42 Park to Park contacts.

Thankyou to everyone who called, and thanks to those who took the time to
spot us.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

VK3XV/5 (Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905)
VK1FWBD/p (Tuggeranong Hill SOTA VK1/ AC-038)
VK3DAC
VK2DSG
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK5QI/p (Warren Conservation Park 5CP-247 & VKFF-0941)
VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)
VK3SQ
VK3PF/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
VK3TKK
VK3FRAB
VK3PAT
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK3SFG
VK3FCMC
VK5JW
VK1DI
VK3MRH
VK3TJK
VK3GTS
VK3FLCS
VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ HU-080)
VK5ZGY/p (Lake Frome Conservation Park 5CP-108 & VKFF-0900)
VK5GJ/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
VK5GI/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
VK5IS/p
VK3UCD
VK3ANL
VK3SB
VK7JON/m
VK7FOLK/m
VK5AW
VK3GWS
VK3RV
VK4HNS/p (Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587)
VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
VK7PRN
VK3BNJ
VK3MAB
VK5FAKV
VK3CBP
VK5RR/p (Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892)
VK5KB
VK5EMI
VK4SMA/p (White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676)
VK3ARH
VK4AAC/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722)
VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)
VK5PET/p (Cleland Conservation Park 5CP-042 & VKFF-0778 & Mt Lofty summit
VK5/ SE-005)
VK2YW
VK5HCF/m
VK5FCDL
VK3PF/p (SOTA Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048)
VK5KLV
VK3VLA
VK5FMWW
VK5SFA
VK3GGG/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629 & SOTA VK3/ VW-013)
VK3PMG/p (Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629 & SOTA VK3/ VW-013)
VK3CRG
VK5HS
VK5QI/p (Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779)
VK3ALA/7
VK2LX
VK3FLJD
VK4GSF
VK2HHA
VK2FENG
VK5MLB
VK3ATC
VK2VW
VK3KMA
VK5NMG
VK5KSW
VK3KMH
VK3BBB
VK3FSPG
VK3MPR
VK5ZRY/m
VK3FEVT
VK3XV/5 (Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 & VKFF-0802)
VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278)
VK5ZGY/p (Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791)
VK5OQ/3 (Lower Glenelg River National Park)
VK5HYZ/p (Mount Remarkable National Park 5NP-015 and VKFF-0360)


I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043)


I worked the following station on 15m SSB:-

VK6XN


I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

VK6XN
VK2HOT
VK4DA
VK4QQ
VK2XXM
VK6AHR
VK4SMA/p (White Rock Conservation Park VKFF-1676)
VK4HNS/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0587)
VK4YLH


Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

VK3XV/5 (Lower Glenelg River Conservation Park 5CP-122 & VKFF-0905)
VK1MTS
VK3FSPG
VK3MPR
VK3SQ
VK7JON
VK3SFG
VK4FW
VK4RZ
VK2AMF
VK3ARH
VK7NOH
VK2WG
VK2YW/p
VK3FSLG
VK3KMA
VK3FCMC
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK4HNS/p
VK7PRN
VK3OHM
VK3QA
VK3VIN
VK2XXM
VK3PAT
VK3FRAB
VK5FMWW/m
VK3YE
VK3FHCT
VK7FOLK/m
VK2FADV
VK2VAA
VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK3TKK/m
VK3SQ
VK1FWBD/p (Tuggeranong Hill SOTA VK1/ AC-038)
VK3PF/p (Mount Eccles National Park VKFF-0345)
VK5ZGY/p (Lake Frome Conservation Park5CP-108 & VKFF-0900)
VK5GI/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
VK5GJ/p (Hesperilla Conservation Park 5CP-090 & VKFF-1038)
VK4HNS/p (Dthinnwan National Park VKFF-0587)
VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)
VK5FGRY/p (Morialta Conservation Park 5CP-142 & VKFF-0783)
VK5RR/p (Hogwash Bend Conservation Park 5CP-092 & VKFF-0892)
VK4AAC/p (Goomboorian National Park VKFF-0722)
VK5MRT/p (Bullock Hill Conservation Park 5CP-265 & VKFF-0873)
VK3PF/p (SOTA Mount Rouse VK3/ VS-048)
VK5QI/p (Cromer Conservation Park 5CP-049 & VKFF-0779)
VK3XV/5 (Penambol Conservation Park 5CP-175 & VKFF-0802)
VK5MR/p (Lake Torrens National Park 5NP-013 & VKFF-0278)
VK5ZGY/p (Beachport Conservation Park 5CP-014 & VKFF-0791)
VK5HYZ/p (Mount Remarkable National Park 5NP-015 & VKFF-0360)


Marija worked the following stations on 15m SSB:-

VK6XN


Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

VK3GGG
VK3PMG
VK5HCF
VK5HS
VK5DJ
VK5FANA/p (Clements Gap Conservation Park 5CP-043 & VKFF-0812)


At the end of the activation we drove down to Blowhole Beach. Â*The track
down to the beach is definitely only 4WD. Â*It is very rocky and steep, and
has numerous washaways. Â*It is clearly marked 4WD ONLY.









As we grew closer to the bottom car parking area we saw that there were a
number of surfers enjoying the waves.







There are some very nice views here, out across the Southern Ocean and out
to Kangaroo Island.








We then drove down to the bottom of Tapanappa Road and along the dirt track
to the camping area. Â*We enjoyed some sensational views of the coastline
from here.






References.

Wikipedia, 2017,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talisk...vation_Parkgt;, viewed 3rd
April 2017


///////////////////////////////////////////
Deep Creek Conservation Park 5CP-054 and VKFF-0780

Posted: 02 Apr 2017 10:46 PM PDT
https://vk5pas.org/2017/04/03/deep-c...d-vkff-0780-3/


It was time for another anniversaryÂ*activation weekend for the VK5 National
& Conservation Parks Award. Â*This time we were celebrating 4 years of the
VK5 Parks Award. Â*And as we have done for the past couple of years, my wife
Marija VK5FMAZ and I headed down to the Fleurieu Peninsula south of
Adelaide. Â*We had four planned parks to activate over the duration of the
weekend: Deep Creek Conservation Park, Talisker Conservation Park,
Waitpinga Conservation Park, and Eric Bonython Conservation Park.

For this stay, Marija and I had booked in to the Deep Creek homestead
located within the Deep Creek Conservation Park, about 100 km south of
Adelaide.


Above:- Map showing the location of the Deep Creek Conservation Park, south
of Adelaide. Â*Map courtesy of Protected Planet.

It is a lovely drive from our home in the Adelaide Hills, through the
Hills, and then through the Fleurieu Peninsula. Â*The Peninsula was named
after Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu, the French explorer and
hydrographer, by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin during his exploration
of the south coast of Australia in 1802.


Above:- Portrait of de Fleurieu. Â*Courtesy of wikipedia.

The drive took us down through Echunga, Meadows, Mount Compass, Yankalilla,
Second Valley, and then Delamere. Â*We then travelled along Range Road, and
Tapanappa Road until we reached gate 29. Â*The Deep Creek Homestead was
visible from here down in the gully amongst the scrub.





As we drove down along the track leading to the homestead, we saw a number
of Western Grey kangaroos out for their late afternoon brunch. Â*Western
Greys are found across almost all of the entire southern part of
Australia. Â*They weigh between 28-54 kg and stand approximately 1.3 m tall.






There was a row of banksia trees along the driveway not far from the
homestead and these were alive with various nectar feeding birds, including
New Holland honeyeaters, Rainbow lorikeets, Musk lorikeets, and Red
Wattlebirds.







We also had another small welcoming committee, a number of Galahs and
Welcome Swallows.





The homestead is located in the northern section of the park, in a gully a
few km from the Southern Ocean. Â*It is a nice secluded location surrounded
by scrub and some cleared land.


Above:- Aerial shotÂ*showing our operating spot within the Deep Creek
Conservation Park. Â*Image courtesy of Protected Planet.

In 1945 Dr. Goode purchased 5,000 acres of land to be known as Tapanappa,
after the creek which runs in front of the homestead. Â*His son Bill, a
returned serviceman and his wife Yvonne took up residence in 1946 when the
main portion of the current homestead was built. Â*The jarrah floorboards
came from the loft of Dr Goodes garage on Jetty Road at Brighton. Â*They
raised 2 daughters, Susan and Cherrie on the property and the dining and
master bedrooms were added during the early 1960s as the familys needs grew.

In 1971 Mr & Mrs Goode retired to Victor Harbor and the property was sold
to the Mail family who used the land to run cattle with their 3
children. Â*In 1974, National Parks and Wildlife placed an acquisition order
on the property for inclusion into the Deep Creek Conservation Park. Â*The
surround land was leased to Jack Biddle for grazing while the property
itself stood empty for the next 20 years.

In 1994, Southern Ocean Retreats took on the management of the
property. Â*Over the next 4 years, countless hours of time was spent on
returning the homestead to its present state.
Click to view slideshow.

The area of Deep Creek Conservation Park lies within the lands
traditionally associated with both the Ramindjeri and Kaurna aboriginal
people. Â*Settlement of areas in and around Deep Creek by European settlers
occurred from the late 1850s when farms were established. Â*During the mid
1880s land grants were given and apart from farming, land uses included
wattle bark stripping and later during the depression years , Yacca gum was
collected. Â*From the 1920s onwards, further settlement of the area occurred
with a concentrated effort to clear land for farming. Â*It was not until
1965 that the environmental significance of the Deep Creek area was
recognised and the South Australian State Government commenced purchasing
land to form what is now known as the Deep Creek Conservation Park.

Deep Creek is 44.96Â*km2Â*Â*in size and was established on 1st January
1971. Â*It preserves the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on
the Fleurieu Peninsula. Â*It provides some of the most scenic and
challenging bushwalking areas in South Australia. Â*The park contains 18 km
of coastline with views out across the Southern Ocean, The Pages Islands,
and Kangaroo Island. Â*Over 380 species of native flora have been recorded
in the park. Â*A total of 32 of those are recorded as rare.

The park is home to over 100 species of bird, with at least 10 species
being listed as vulnerable, including the Yellow Tailed Black
Cockatoo. Â*About 11 species of native mammal can be found in the park
including the Western Grey Kangaroo, Short-beakced Echidna, Yellow-Footed
Antechinus, and the Southern Brown Bandicoot.






After unpacking the vehicle and settling in, I then set up the amateur
radio station, comprising the Yaesu FT-857d, 40 watts output, and the
80/40/20m linked dipole, supported on the 7 metre heavy duty telescopic
squid pole. Â*I operated from the decking outside of the living area of the
homestead. Â*I was pleasantly surprised to hear NO man made noise when I
turned on the transceiver. Â*BEAUTIFUL!

I was all set up and ready to go by 0710 UTC (5.40 p.m. South Australian
local time). Â*I tuned across the 40m band and found TI2CDA in Costa Rica
working Europe and North America on 7.150. Â*I gave him a call, but sadly I
was unable to break the pile up. Â*It was a shame, as that would have been a
new DXCC entity for me whilst operating portable.

Unfortunately there was no phone coverage, so I was unable to spot on
parksnpeaks. Â*The 40m band was quite busy, with lots of VK and European
activity, so my preferred frequency of 7.144 was unavailable. Â*I found
7.135 clear and I started calling CQ. Â*First caller was Peter VK3PF who was
portable in the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954, with a
terrific 5/9 signal. Â*Marija was keen to also log Peter as a Park to Park
contact. Â*This was a nice way to start the activation with a Park to Park.

A number of the usual suspects followed, including Jonathan VK7JON, Ian
VK1DI, and Peter VK3TKK mobile. Â*Much to my surprise, I was then called by
Narcisco IZ1JMN in Italy who was a sold 5/8 into Deep Creek. Â*Six QSOs
later, I logged Filipe CT1EXS in Portugal who also had a strong 5/8 signal
into the park. Â*It was a real thrill to be able to log a few European
stations on 40m with relatively low power and a piece of wire.

Marija was kind enough to bring me my tea and I had that between overs. Â*A
nice meal of sausages, beef patties and salad. Â*I went on to work
41Â*stations on 7.135. Â*Stations logged were from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, VK5,
VK6, VK7, New Zealand, Portugal, USA, Canada, and Italy. Â*It was nice to
log Oliver ZL1XS from New Zealand, who has become a regular park
hunter. Â*My other DX contacts were with Steve VE6WZ who was operating
remote. Â*Steve was using his station in Canada, whilst sitting in a hotel
room in Perth. Â*Steves station in Canada consisted of a 2 element yagi @
100 feet and 1 KW. Â*No wonder he was 5/9. Â*I also spoke with Mark AF6TC in
California with a huge 5/9 plus signal.






It was starting to get dark, with the time being just after 0900 UTC. Â*It
wasnt getting any warmer either. Â*The temeperature had dropped to 13 deg
C. Â*I suspected I had left my run on 20m a little too late. Â*But I lowered
the squid pole and removed the links and headed up to 14.310 and started
calling CQ. Â*Sadly 5 minutes of CQ calls went unanswered. Â*This wasnt help
by the fact that I couldnt self spot due to no phone coverage. Â*So feeling
a little disappointed I tuned across the 20m band and did not hear a single
European signal coming in on the long path. Â*My only contact on 20m was
with Tack JE1RXJ in Japan, who 5/9 +, and was running 1 KW into a 4 element
tribander @ 20 metres.

I then headed off to 80m hoping to log a few of the South Australian park
hunters. Â*Close in propagation on 40m was very poor, with just 1 VK5
logged, Shaun VK5FAKV in the Riverland region. Â*I called CQ on 3.610 and
this was answered by Phil VK5FILL who was 5/9 ++ from the southern suburbs
of Adelaide. Â*This was followed by Erwin VK3ERW, Phil VK2HPN mobile, and
then Bill VK4FW. Â*I worked a further 8 stations on 80m from VK2, VK3, VK4,
and VK5.

It was now after 1000 UTC (8.30 p.m. local time) and it was pitch black. Â*I
headed back to 40m and booked in to the 7130 DX Net, where I worked a total
of 8 stations from VK2, VK7, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and USA. Â*This
included Ed NT2X in New York, and John KT6E in Calafornia.

At the conclusion of the net I moved up to 7.135 and called CQ. Â*This was
answered by Keiran VK2QK, followed by Robert VK2XXM, and then Greg VK8GM in
Alice Springs. Â*Thankyou to Bill VK4FW who also came up to say hi again,
and was kind enough to spot me on parksnpeaks. Â*These spots go direct to
the cluster, and I am sure that this resulted in the DX contacts that
followed. Â*I logged Bill W1OW in Massachusetts USA, Nenad VE3EXY in Ontario
Canada, and then Mike KA5PNX in Nebraska USA. Â*Sadly a combination of the
Over the Horizon Radar and an operator I suspect from Indonesia or Malaysia
causing me QRM, forced my hand to move from the frequency.

It was now 10.00 p.m. local time and I was feeling a little weary, but I
decided to have one last listen on 80m before going QRT for the day. Â*The
temeperature had now dropped down to 10 deg C. Â*I called CQ on 3.610 and
this was answered by Roger VK3SB, followed by Peter VK3FICE. Â*It was Peters
first ever time on HF radio. Â*Welcome Peter. Â*I worked a further 4 stations
from VK3 and VK5, before calling it a night.





I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

VK3PF/p (Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park VKFF-0954)
VK7JON
VK1DI
VK2VKB
VK3TKK/m
VK4NH
VK3KRH
VK2EJH
VK3QA
VK7DW
IZ1JMN
VK3APA/m
VK2KJJ
VK3FOGY
VK4FW
VK4SMA
CT1EXS
VK3BFR
VK4PDX
VK3SFG
VK3GH
ZL1XS
VK4HNS
VK6JRC
VE6WZ
VK4FILS
VK4WJW
VK3FCMC
VK3CIB
VK3FORD
VK3ARH
VK3UCD
VK3MAB
VK5FAKV
AF6TC
VK2ND
VK2/WA6EWI
VK3FSLG
VK3TL
VK3FSPG
VK3MPR
VK7ROY
NT2X
FO5JV
ZL2ASH
KT6E
VK7VZ
VK7PRN
VK2SMS
VK2QK
VK2XXM
VK8GM
W1OW
VE3EXY
KA5PNX


I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

JE1RXJ


I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

VK5FILL
VK3ERW
VK2HPN/m
VK4FW
VK4QD/p
VK2SR
VK3HRA
VK3FROD
VK3VIN
VK5FANA
VK3FNQS
VK5HYZ
VK3SB
VK3FICE
VK3HBG
VK3CAH
VK3JUG/m
VK5NM




References

Department for Environment and Heritage, 2004, Bushwalking in Deep Creek
Conservation Park

Wikipedia, 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleurieu_Peninsulagt;,
viewed 3rd April 2017

Wikipedia, 2017, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_grey_kangaroogt;,
viewed 3rd April 2017