DX from the Railroad Station

I rode my bike to the old Potter Place Railroad Station from Andover this afternoon. I worked Corsica, Oregon, Croatia and Spain. It was absolutely beautiful today.

bike

It was a perfect, clear day around 75F. I rode about 2 miles from Andover along the old Northern Rail route. Part way into the ride I passed the old covered bridge at the Blackwater River.

bridge

The Potter Place station is a museum now. I set up under a huge pine tree on the south side of the track. I tossed a 30 foot wire over a branch and started with the KX3 on 20 meters. 9A2AJ, Tom from Croatia was calling CQ. I’ve worked him a dozen times before, and when I answered he asked if I was running 5 watts. He gave me a 579. He was 599 and I told him I was on a bike ride and was, indeed QRP.

rig

Next I went to 17 meters where W1VDE, Roger in Oregon was just finishing up a QSO. At first he said I was only S1, but later he said I’d come up a lot and he gave me a 569. I tuned up a bit and was thrilled to work TK3LS on the island of Corsica. Laurent gave me a quick 599. He was very strong to me.

stn

I was about to call it quits when I heard EA5KM in Spain calling CQ on 30 meters. He had a hard time copying my call, even though he was strong to me. We made a quick exchange and I packed up for the ride back. What a glorious day for a quick outing.

Jim Cluett, W1PID, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Hampshire, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

5 Responses to “DX from the Railroad Station”

  • Bob KK5R:

    This makes me want to take my X108G to a hilltop near here in E KY and do some QRP work. Very nice article…

    Bob — KK5R

  • Bob! Go for it. Lots of fun OM. Jim W1PID

  • PEDRO MELENDEZ:

    Hi congratulations on your report is very interesting all the information related to amateur radio every day read all chapters thanks xe2pmg

  • davey glad neversad kd2dug:

    nice. sounds really fun. you were using ssb voice transmission, yes? also, the bike trail; is that a rails to trails?
    kool way and the photos are also kool! i’ll daydream about the experience. once again, pretty kool!

  • Davey – thanks for the note. Yes, it’s a rails to trails route. Beautiful. I was operating CW. vy 73 Jim W1PID

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