Thursday 8th November 2018 - Slieve Croob GI/MM-010 & Divis GI/AH-004

I was back in Belfast by 0915 UTC after my early morning activation of Slieve Croob GI/MM-010, so all was well.  We checked out, then went for a wander in the city centre, with breakfast being a key priority.  After eating, Marianne was up for a walk, so we drove back up through the Falls and onto Divis.  We parked in the main National Trust car park opposite the start of the track. 

Marianne and Liam marched on ahead on the access road, so I followed them.  Jimmy, behind us, was seen to branch off left on the Summit Trail route - we would see him again at the summit.  The views were good, with Belfast Lough, Strangford Lough and Lough Neagh all visible.  I did wish we had been up earlier though, around 11am when we had clear blue sky and sunshine; it would have been spectacular. 

Jimmy and I both set up our stations on the sheltered side of the transmitter compound, both using the compound fence to secure two of our guylines/radials.  Jimmy MI0HGY/P got a decent response on 2m FM, and racked up seven QSOs back-to-back.  Meanwhile, on 20m CW, I made 18 QSOs for an easy qualification of my own. 

Marianne and Liam pottered around the summit, taking photos etc.  I anticipated Marianne might enjoy Divis, but she wasn’t at all impressed, although she did like the walk.  Marianne did eventually demand the car keys though, and set off on the descent with Liam.  Jimmy and I wrapped up the last few contacts and started packing away.  I was next to set off, leaving Jimmy behind to complete his packing away.  I took the Summit Trail route back to the main track. Jimmy did the opposite and walked down the road track. 

It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas when we got to the car to be presented with iced mince pies by Marianne.  We then returned to Belfast and a great bar called McHugh’s where we enjoyed some tasty wholesome food and fine local ale.  After a bit of a wander around the city centre shops, we returned to the car and checked in for the overnight ferry back to Birkenhead.