I had a gig with the band in North Leeds, so I threw the boots and rucksack in the car on my way out, just in case I had a couple of hours to kill, as often happens on these jobs.  After finishing setting up my bass rig at the venue, just ahead of the contracted set-up time, it transpired that there was another band on before us, and that we were not required for a further 2.5 hours. I agreed a pass-out with the bandleader, on the condition that I was returned and changed by 9pm, and I set out to play SOTA.

Leaving North Leeds west on the A6120, I soon missed a turning or two and ended up making slow progress towards Bingley via Bradford city centre.  Eventually in Bingley, I turned for East Morton, followed towards West Morton (and the signs for Silsden), before taking the right up the road marked "Unsuitable for vehicles after 1.75 miles". This led to the transmitters, and I left my car in a large turning area. Having already lost a lot of time, I took the decision to leave my boots and go for it in the trainers I was already wearing.

Through the gate where the now green lane continues down to Ilkley, and then an immediate right to follow the fence by the transmitters across the moor.  Most of the way was slabbed, so my decision to save time by not changing footwear paid dividends. This time I remembered to bear slightly left when reaching the boulders ("Dropping Stones"?), and made a direct beeline for the trig.

           

Further time saving was then achieved by using the cairn around the trig to support the mast, rather than the guys. I struggled on this summit last year using the rubber duck, but this time on the SOTA Beam it was qualified inside 5 minutes. As expected, stations from West Yorkshire answered the calls, all unfamiliar callsigns and voices, and then just as I was about to pack up, there was Don G0NES/M, incredibly and coincidentally driving down the A1 in Yorkshire! He was followed by JNN who chased my in the Yorkshire Dales weekend. I hadn't even notfied this summit, it was gone 8 o'clock on a Saturday evening, so to get a couple of regulars was surprising and pleasing.

A rapid photo session, break down and 10 minute sprint back to the car.  I was still very much behind schedule, and drove back to the gig venue, thankfully without any wrong turnings this time. I arrived there at 9.05pm, and was transformed into my black dinner jacket and bow tie by 9.10pm, marginally managing to avoid the wrath of the bandleader! As it was, dinner dragged on a bit, and we didn't take the stage until 10.30pm.  Played through until 12.30am, home for 3.30am and no less than 3 hours kip before the family decided it was time for me to get up - Fathers Day or no Fathers Day!

Thanks to the following stations worked, all on 2m FM with 2.5 watts: