I probably had to admit to being a little frustrated to have only activated 4 out of the usual 5 "Shropshire" 2-pointers earlier in the week.  There simply wasn't enough time left to get onto this one.  However, two days later, I made an early start on Friday 15th March 2013, in order to complete the set.

There was to be a brand new route this time.  I had done a little research, due to not fancying either the transmitter road approach from the north, with its steep initial slog, or the Shropshire Way approach from the west.  This led to me finding out about the access via the picnic site to the east, and an ascent which sounded and looked altogether more graded.  An early start from Macclesfield allowed me time to pull in at Helga's Cafe on the outskirts of Bridgnorth for a "Trucker's Breakfast".  It was almost as cold in the cafe as outside, so I went back to my car for a second fleece!

Starting from the Brown Clee Hill Picnic Site, opposite which there was ample parking area, I walked up the grassy path and over a low gate, onto another graded grassy path.  This led to a bench, whereby I veered left to follow a clear track.  As this track levelled out and led to an intersection of several routes, it was a case of continuing to follow the trodden path that was still going slightly uphill!  Eventually, this led out of Stanbroughs Wood and the ruins of the old quarry buildings came into view at the north-west corner of the summit plateau.

Some of the underfoot conditions were now getting rather slippery and slimy, and particular care was needed on some steep bits.  But I was soon onto the tarmac of the transmitter access road, and therefore the remainder of the walk to the summit at Abdon Burf was very easy.  With shelter from the wind again a consideration, I actually used the raised lump of Abdon Burf for this very purpose, and set up between that and the main transmitter mast.

It was the 10m groundplane antenna I had carried for this activation, an intention which Richard G3CWI later described as 'bold'.  After setting up and donning the headphones, I was pleased to hear some loud CW signals in my ears.  The band was open - or was it?  I called CQ, but solicited nothing.  I tuned to one of the loud signals I had just heard - and it was G0ORC in Derby!  Perhaps the band was not open!  I answered Vince G0ORC's CQ call and worked him, so at least that was one QSO in the logbook, thus defining that an activation had taken place.

I returned to my self-spotted QRG of 28.013MHz CW and resumed CQing.  This time I did get some callers, but only five more, four of which were G stations.  The call from UU4JIM, with 599 reports both ways, did provide evidence that my signal was getting out, but no-one else outside of G actually worked me.  But it mattered not, for a glance at my watch told me that it was time to pack up anyway.  I didn't even have time to try 10m SSB or 10m FM, which I had originally intended and alerted, let alone hang around for anything else on 10m CW.

I packed up and began my descent to the car, in now light but persistent rain.  I had to make some diversions around a couple of particularly greasy and slippery sections.  By the time I had reached the car, my exterior was very wet, and I was not amused.  However, my mood lifted after changing my footwear and removing my coat, and realising that underneath the outer shell I was still completely dry.  I was home for around 2.30pm.