Timbuktu from the Pemigewasset River

The smell of autumn is in the air today. It’s beautiful and warm. Judy and I take a bicycle ride along the Pemigewasset River. I work Africa, Ukraine, Croatia and Spain.

river

We ride down along Needle Shop Brook and turn north along the river. There are fallen apples and brown leaves on the road. It feels and smells like fall. But it’s warm and still. A perfect day for a bike ride.

We ride about a half mile north and I see what I think is a piece of metal across the trail. I swerve quickly to avoid it, and realize it’s a snake! It slithers away into the grass. It’s a Northern Water Snake soaking up the warm, fall sunshine.

We ride perhaps 3 miles and I start looking for a place to set up the KX3. There is a sunny field to the west with some large maple trees nearby. Judy goes into the field and I throw a 30 foot wire over the branch of a huge maple.

jim

I start out on 20 meters at the low end of the band. EO25U is calling CQ. We exchange quick 599s. This is Ukraine… a special event celebrating 25 years of independence. I tune up the band and quickly work AN400R… another special event… this time in Spain celebrating the life of Cervantes, the famous Spanish author of Don Quixote.

The photo below is my view while operating.

tree

I switch to 17 meters. It’s active and right away I work 9A50CMB. This is the MARJAN Radio Club call in Croatia. Miki gives me a 559, and I tune up the band a little. Here is TZ4AM working stations. He answers me on the first call and gives me a 559. I didn’t know this station is in Mali, central Africa. I find out later when I look it up at home. Wow… the first time I’ve actually worked Timbuktu!

Now I pack up and head south to where we left the car.

tree2

These days are way too short. In just a few weeks New Hampshire Fish and Game will release pheasant in this area for hunters. Not an ideal spot for bike rides or radio.

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

5 Responses to “Timbuktu from the Pemigewasset River”

  • Bob KK5R:

    Beautiful pictures. Sounds like great fun. Thanks for sharing.
    Bob — KK5R

  • Joe Cro N3IBX:

    Hello Jim,
    I’m glad that both 20M and 17M were open for you to make some FBOM contacts. It was some terrific DX, especially for a portable station!
    Good luck with your portable setup and what you did sounded like a great way to spend a warm and sunny afternoon. Thanks for including the pictures you did with some terrific scenery.

    Very best regrads,
    Joe Cro N3IBX

  • Joe and Bob… thanks for the comments guys. Sure is fun out there and easy to share. vy 73 Jim W1PID

  • Jack W1DGE:

    Don’t worry about the wing shooters, that is unless you’re flying 25 feet above the ground ! Always liked fishing Ole Hill Village.

  • Mark W4MMR:

    Jim,

    Nice work once again and thank you for posting. It’s also great to go back through your postings during your off season of hiking and enjoy them all over.

    mark

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