Tom Read - click to email meBDXC ISWL WAB SOTA RSGB IOTA - see my radio page for more detailsLiam & Jimmy

Beacon Batch 2011

 

Wednesday 20th April 2011 - Beacon Batch G/SC-003

Jimmy, Liam and I were ordered off the premises by Marianne, who hinted that Liam wanted to go back to visit Minehead again. Minehead Youth Hostel did not have availability, so I booked a couple of nights at Cheddar Youth Hostel, which had Minehead within day-trippable range. In my mind, I worked out a formula which might allow both boys - and me - to enjoy the break.

Jimmy and Liam in Cheddar Gorge    Liam in Cheddar Gorge

We set off from Macclesfield around 10am on the Wednesday morning and made good progress down the M6 and M5. Jimmy navigated me into Cheddar village, and after finding the location of the youth hostel, we went for a peek at the Gorge. I had never been to Cheddar Gorge before, but Marianne gave it high recommendation. I did rather like it, and we walked a little way up and down it before selecting a big chunk of Cheddar flavoured with cider, herbs and garlic to take with us.

Liam in his spiritual home - a cheese shop    Liam & Jimmy

Now we drove all the way up Cheddar Gorge, admiring the high imposing cliffs. Jimmy directed me to the small parking place on the B3134, by Ellick House. The route was familiar, for we had done this one less than a year before, and an identical approach was followed.

Tom activating on 40m CW    Summit of Beacon Batch

By the time Liam and I were on level walking along the broad ridge, we could see Jimmy setting up at the trig point. We soon joined him, and I set up for 40m. We all sat on the stones surrounding the trig point, sharing out the cheese as mountain bikers bemoaned that they could not ride their bikes right up to the pillar because of the stones.

HF 40m dipole    Jimmy    Liam

Jimmy made 8 QSOs on 2m FM, while I managed 27 on 40m CW. That was plenty though, and it was time to be checking into the hostel, making up our bunk beds, and seeking out some food and beer. This came courtesy of the Bath Arms in Cheddar, and Steak & Guinness pies for the lads, and trio of sausage & mash for me. Jimmy and I also sank a couple of pints each of local ale.

I was grateful to finally reach the comfort and respite of the youth hostel bunk bed that night, and had a good night's sleep. We looked forward to the next day's planned trip to Minehead, and Selworthy Beacon G/SC-005.  Thanks to the following stations worked from the summit:

2W0RFT

2m

FM

J

M0VRF/M

2m

FM

J

2E0XYX/M

2m

FM

J

2E0JUW

2m

FM

J

2W0VEH/P

2m

FM

J

Z35F

40m

CW

T

OE6WIG

40m

CW

T

M0HUE

2m

FM

J

F6API

40m

CW

T

HA3HK

40m

CW

T

DL8OK

40m

CW

T

M6AIV/P

2m

FM

J

S51ZG

40m

CW

T

HA7UG

40m

CW

T

G3RMD

40m

CW

T

I1GZG

40m

CW

T

LY5G

40m

CW

T

PA0WDG

40m

CW

T

G4VVS

2m

FM

J

M/HA5CW/P

40m

CW

T

OK2BWB

40m

CW

T

DL6ZXG

40m

CW

T

DF5WA

40m

CW

T

EA5YI

40m

CW

T

M0OZH

40m

CW

T

OM7OM

40m

CW

T

LY2BN

40m

CW

T

PA0ALW

40m

CW

T

DL6KVA

40m

CW

T

RK3PA

40m

CW

T

OK2BEI

40m

CW

T

DL3HXX

40m

CW

T

DL3OM

40m

CW

T

DL2HWI

40m

CW

T

7S4Z

40m

CW

T