Day 10 - Tuesday 3rd August 2010 (part 3)

Peter G3TJE had recommended we try the "Rest And Be Thankful" Inn at Wheddon Cross on Exmoor for a meal before the activation of Dunkery Beacon, but they were not serving food until 6.30pm. We then drove a few miles East to Ralegh's Cross, and enjoyed an excellent meal there. It was a case of not rushing, as we had ample time before the 8pm contest. Hence as we reached the parking spot for G/SC-001 at SS904420, right opposite the track to the summit, there was no need to get out of the car and into the rain!

   

A decent evening had been forecast, and we had the time to let the shower pass. I had a chat with Richard G3CWI on the 'phone, updating as to his progress in the GW/SW and GW/MW regions, and enjoyed the wonderful view out over the Bristol Channel, getting Jimmy to help me identify Steep Holm and Flat Holm islands - although the shape of them kind of gives it away which is which!

At around 6.25pm, the weather had cleared, and we set off up the track to the summit. An enormous memorial cairn marked the summit, and an extensive photo-shoot was our first activity. My heavier-than-usual pack contained the tent to afford extra shelter for the longer activity, and Liam was soon huddled into the back of that and playing his Nintendo DS game.  Jimmy M3EYP was getting restless, so he made a few contacts with some of the contest warmer-uppers to guarantee his activation point ahead of 8pm. He went on to make nine QSOs, all 2m SSB.

           

I made 41 contacts, also all on 2m SSB, during the evening, working Maidenhead locator squares IO70, IO74, IO80, IO81, IO82, IO83, IO91, IO92, IO93, JO00, JO01, JO02 and JO03. I did hear Stephany G1LAT/P calling from IO84, but she couldn't hear me! There was also a French station in an IN square, but the QSO was not completed.

           

After our torchlit descent, we drove back to Wheddon Cross for a late drink and snack at the Rest And Be Thankful Inn, before returning for our last night of camping at Minehead. Again, we drifted off to the sounds of BBC Radio 2 on the VX7-R (hanging on a loop above our heads and set to a 30 minute APO), ahead of Jimmy's ambitious plans for the journey home day.