Sunday 6th October 2019 -  Black Mountain GW/SW-041

Gig: Simon Faulkner Band

Venue:  Lemore Manor, Eardisley

I awoke at dawn, in my car on Gospel Pass.  The weather outside was wild - fairly heavy rain and strong winds ripping through the pass.  I wondered how well a portable HF antenna might stand up to such punishment at an even higher and more exposed position.  After the rain eased up somewhat, I began my ascent onto Black Mountain.  I reached the trig point at Hay Bluff, then doubled back to pick up the Offa's Dyke Path up towards the true summit.  I didn't go all the way to the summit cairn, but set up within the activation zone on the English side of the border.

On this occasion, I was using the call G5D - the contest call of the Tall Trees Contest Group.  This was to take part in the RSGB DX Contest, although the inclement weather severely curtailed the time I was able and prepared to devote to the event.  Furthermore, the difficult conditions caused a painfully slow QSO rate, and just 27 contacts were recorded.

After packing away and beginning the descent, I again arrived at the Hay Bluff trig point.  I took the opportunity to put out some calls in the hope of soliciting at least one QSO so as to claim the trig for the WAB Trig Points Award.  I actually managed two QSOs from Hay Bluff!

As I continued the descent back to Gospel Pass, the weather cleared and I was treated to some excellent views in the Black Mountains.

Shortly into my return drive home, I chanced upon a "Farm shop & cheese cafe", not far from where I had been gigging the night before.  In here, I enjoyed some soup, cheese, bread, bottled beer and cake - all homemade and all absolutely delicious.