{"id":9924,"date":"2017-05-13T08:10:40","date_gmt":"2017-05-13T14:10:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=9924"},"modified":"2020-09-24T10:07:18","modified_gmt":"2020-09-24T16:07:18","slug":"black-hills-sd-expedition-no-201-summits-on-the-air-silver-mountain-4-22-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=9924","title":{"rendered":"Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 201 – Summits on the Air! (Silver Mountain, 4-22-17)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Start 9:16 AM, 48\u00b0F, Boulder Hill Road (USFS Road No. 358) 0.5 mile N of Hwy 16.<\/em><\/p>\n

Note: Summits on the Air<\/a><\/span><\/strong> is an awards scheme for radio amateurs that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas.\u00a0 A point system awards points for both transmitting (“activating”)\u00a0from a mountain\u00a0or picking up the signal (“chasing”).<\/em><\/p>\n

Joe & cousin Dusty were in town!\u00a0 That meant one thing – time for some Summits on the Air action!\u00a0 Lupe\u00a0was\u00a0all for it.\u00a0 She and Dusty arrived at the top of Silver Mountain around 10 AM.\u00a0 It was a beautiful day to be on the mountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe hadn’t been on Silver Mountain in more than 2 years. Although the views are excellent, Silver Mountain is not one of Lupe’s favorites. Target practice gunfire can usually be heard off to the W, which makes her nervous. To Lupe’s dismay, the guns were blazing away again today. Boulder Hill<\/a><\/span> (5,331 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is in view on the L. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Cousin Dusty just below the summit. The distant gunfire didn’t bother Dusty at all. She paid not the slightest attention to it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dusty lives in Arvada, Colorado, but was up in South Dakota for a weekend visit. Dusty really likes exploring the Black Hills with Lupe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe had posted notification on the Summits on the Air<\/strong><\/a><\/span> website that AA0Q (his call letters) would “activate” (start transmitting from)\u00a0Silver Mountain at 11:00 AM.\u00a0\u00a0With an hour to go, he\u00a0had\u00a0plenty of time to set up his antenna and portable Ham radio.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Preparations to start transmitting from Silver Mountain included setting up this 16 or 17′ long antenna with four lateral wires at the very summit. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe said he liked the layout on Silver Mountain<\/a><\/span> (5,405 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 The forest had burned years ago, so there were no big trees around to obstruct the views in any direction.\u00a0 The mountain sloped away fairly steeply on most sides with nothing any higher for at least a couple of miles in any direction.<\/p>\n

Although Silver Mountain was a good physical setup for Ham radio transmissions, Joe wasn’t at all certain how well things were going to work out.\u00a0 The 11 year sunspot cycle hits its low in just a couple more years, and atmospheric conditions are usually best for amateur radio band\u00a0transmissions when sunspot activity is high, not low.<\/p>\n

As it got close to 11 AM, everything was ready to go.\u00a0 The antenna and portable radio were all set up.\u00a0 SPHP was trained to keep a simple log of Joe’s contacts.\u00a0 Lupe and Dusty were prepared to ward off any intruders.<\/p>\n

At 10:55 AM, Joe started transmitting in Morse code, receiving a first\u00a0response almost instantly.\u00a0 That contact “spotted”\u00a0AA0Q on SOTA’s website confirming contact with Joe.\u00a0 Silver Mountain was on the air!<\/p>\n

An immediate explosion of activity came from dozens of\u00a0“chasers” all trying to make contact at the same time.\u00a0 AA0Q was overwhelmed by the response, as usual.\u00a0 Joe did his best to make rapid contact with as many of the chasers as possible, but it was impossible to respond to more than a fraction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
AA0Q hard at it shortly after “activating” Silver Mountain. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Dusty relaxes nearby while Joe works the Ham radio. Response from the chasers, as usual, was initially overwhelming.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Atmospheric conditions were changing rapidly.\u00a0 Joe and the chasers often exchanged signal strength information, which varied wildly over the span of only a few minutes.\u00a0\u00a0Of course, part\u00a0of the variation was due to the different locations of the chasers.\u00a0 Successful contacts were made with operators in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, the Carolinas and several other states.<\/p>\n

With chasers lined up in droves trying to get through, each contact had to be brief.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
So, Uncle Joe, how is it going? Heard anything from anyone on Squirrel Mountain, yet?<\/em> Lupe checks on AA0Q’s SOTA progress. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This photo shows the overall setup. The rocky summit ridge wasn’t the best for comfort, but AA0Q managed pretty well. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
AA0Q’s portable radio in use on Silver Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the first 10 or 15 minutes, conditions gradually improved.\u00a0 Signals were getting a little stronger on average,\u00a0despite bouncing around.\u00a0 Later on, conditions deteriorated.\u00a0 At times the “bands” were down for a minute or two.\u00a0 AA0Q got a chance to shift to a more comfortable position.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
As time went by, the bands went down intermittently, giving Joe a chance to shift to a more comfortable position. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By 11:30 AM, 35 minutes after Joe started transmitting, it was over.\u00a0 The bands were\u00a0consistently\u00a0weak.\u00a0 The chasers had either made contact with AA0Q, or given up by now.\u00a0 Even when conditions improved momentarily, no one was left still\u00a0trying to make contact.\u00a0 Evidently it was time to take down the antenna and put the radio away.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe at the top of Silver Mountain shortly before taking the antenna down. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain was the 3rd Black Hills peak AA0Q has activated. In July, 2016, Lupe and SPHP had accompanied Joe & Dusty to Custer Peak and Boulder Hill.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

AA0Q had made 27 contacts in 35 minutes, so Joe was pleased with the overall results.\u00a0 Despite spotty atmospheric conditions,\u00a0Silver Mountain had been a successful Summits on the Air outing.\u00a0 There always seem to be way more chasers than it’s possible to make contact with right after activating a peak, but Joe had done all he could.<\/p>\n

Lupe got a pat from AA0Q for her guide services.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lupe earns a pat from AA0Q for her Black Hills peak guide services. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once the radio equipment was put away, it was time for a final look around at the views,\u00a0followed by\u00a0a short exploration of Silver Mountain’s summit area.\u00a0 Of course, the most impressive view was toward Black Elk Peak<\/a><\/span> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, the highest mountain in South Dakota.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Black Elk Peak<\/a><\/span> (7,231 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) from Silver Mountain. Hwy 16 is seen below. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Silver Mountain’s summit area features two ridges running roughly N\/S.\u00a0 The E ridge where Joe had set up the radio equipment is the highest.\u00a0 However, only a short distance to the W is an even rockier and more interesting ridge.\u00a0 The W ridge is only\u00a0slightly lower than the E one.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The slightly lower, but more dramatic W ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Between the two ridges,\u00a0at the base of the E one, is one of many Dingo outposts Lupe has discovered scattered throughout the Black Hills.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe inspects Lupe’s Silver Mountain Dingo outpost. Joe was pretty certain it didn’t meet current building codes, but adventurous American Dingoes don’t give two hoots about that. Boulder Hill is in view beyond it. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe was intrigued by the W ridge.\u00a0 He got up on top for a few minutes\u00a0for a look around.\u00a0 Lupe and Dusty stayed below.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe got up on the W ridge for a look around. Slightly lower, Lupe is partially hidden among the small trees on the L, while Dusty sniffs around in the foreground. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>With Silver Mountain’s summit area explored, everyone headed back to\u00a0the G6.\u00a0 There was still tons of time left in the day.\u00a0 Joe wanted to go climb Boulder Hill <\/a><\/span>(5,331 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0again.\u00a0 Everyone piled into the G6.\u00a0 Joe drove\u00a00.5 mile\u00a0N to the start of the access road only 0.25 mile SW of the summit.<\/p>\n

An easy trek along the access road led to a scenic path that winds up\u00a0the large rock formation\u00a0at the top of the mountain.\u00a0 Soon Lupe\u00a0was at the summit with a great view\u00a0looking back at\u00a0Silver Mountain<\/a><\/span> (5,405 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain (Center) from Boulder Hill. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Joe has liked Boulder Hill ever since first climbing it with Lupe, Dusty and SPHP exactly one year ago on 4-22-16.\u00a0 In fact, he liked it so much that first time, everyone had come back to make a second\u00a0ascent the very next\u00a0day!\u00a0 On the 4th of July, Joe had\u00a0even done\u00a0a Summits on the Air\u00a0activation of\u00a0Boulder Hill.<\/p>\n

Today’s Expedition No. 201\u00a0was Joe\u00a0and Dusty’s 4th time up on Boulder Hill with Lupe\u00a0and SPHP.\u00a0 Good times!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe on Boulder Hill near the area where he’d done a Summits on the Air activation of the peak on 7-4-16. Back then his antenna had been propped up in the big pine tree seen directly beyond him. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Joe & Dusty together with Lupe on top of Boulder Hill for the 4th time. The first time up for Joe and Dusty had been exactly one year ago! Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a>No Summits on the Air activation of Boulder Hill was planned for today.\u00a0 This was a pleasure excursion, just to see the views.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain (L). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Mountain with a little help from the telephoto lens. The more dramatic, rocky W ridge is seen to the R of the true summit. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After lingering at the top of the mountain for 15 minutes,\u00a0everyone started back down.\u00a0 Time to head back to Lupe’s grandma’s house for food, fun and games.\u00a0 Lupe and Dusty looked forward to an afternoon of squeaker ball,\u00a0tennis ball\u00a0and flying disc action in grandma’s front yard.\u00a0 (End 2:00 PM, 62\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Joe (lower R) starts the trek down. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s cousin Dusty on Boulder Hill. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Black Hills Expedition<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Summits on the Air<\/span><\/a> official website<\/strong><\/p>\n

Expedition No.\u00a0174(a) – Summits on the Air!\u00a0 (Custer Peak, 7-2-16)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Expedition No.\u00a0174(b) – Summits on the Air!\u00a0 (Boulder Hill, 7-4-16)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0 Check out her Black Hills, SD & WY\u00a0Expeditions\u00a0Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, or subscribe free to new Lupe <\/strong><\/span>adventures<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/a>!<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Start 9:16 AM, 48\u00b0F, Boulder Hill Road (USFS Road No. 358) 0.5 mile N of Hwy 16. Note: Summits on the Air is an awards scheme for radio amateurs that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas.\u00a0 A point system awards points for both transmitting (“activating”)\u00a0from a mountain\u00a0or picking up the signal (“chasing”). Joe & cousin … Continue reading Black Hills, SD Expedition No. 201 – Summits on the Air! (Silver Mountain, 4-22-17)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9901,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[105,9,633,106,146,451,104,555,304,664],"class_list":["post-9924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-black-hills","tag-american-dingo","tag-black-hills-expeditions","tag-boulder-hill","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dusty","tag-joe","tag-lupe","tag-silver-mountain","tag-south-dakota","tag-summits-on-the-air"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/IMG_4416.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9924"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9924\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28389,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9924\/revisions\/28389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}