Monday 4th June 2018 - Moel Gyw GW/NW-053

Gig: Motown Gold

Venue: Peckforton Castle, Tarporley

Getting some SOTA to combine with this venue - in the middle of nowhere on the Cheshire Plain - was more of a challenge than for most of my recent gigs.  But it was a lovely sunny day, and I felt like a decent little walk.  I set the satnav to route me via a stop at the Clwyd Gate Motel on the A494. 

This is always a delightful hill to walk up and activate.  It starts by following the Offa’s Dyke Path down a road track and into a steep field. I followed the tractor tracks up by the fence to ease the gradient, but a lady down below, assertively shouted "It’s that way", pointing directly up the steep slope.  “I know the route” I replied, and continued.  There was a tractor driving around cutting grass, and I had to walk across one of the sections just attended to.  Cue a massive hayfever sneezing attack - deep joy.

I ploughed on, and soon I was at the wooden stile beside the water trough, and onto the better path along the side of Moel Gyw.  I left the Offa’s Dyke Path south of the summit, to switch back and ascent to the trig point.  Again I set up the 6m antenna, again not knowing what conditions would be in store.  The answer was - decent ones.  13 QSOs were made, all 6m FT8, and into 9A, CT, DL, EA, G, I and SP.  FT8 signals from North America were appearing on WSJT-X, and I longed to have been able to stick around and play - but duty called.

Thankfully, the gig at Peckforton Castle was an early start - and early finish - and I was on the road home to Macclesfield before 10pm. I was more delighted than ever to be getting into my bed!