Shaw Butte W7A/MN-138

06/10/2017

Activated another summit, Shaw Butte in Phoenix, Arizona, this morning designation W7A/MN-138. Starting to get warm this morning so made the hike at 5:30am to try to beat most the heat that is expecting. Even still, it got well into the 90's by the time I was back to my car and my camelback was almost empty. I forgot to pack extra water and was regretting it as soon as I got to the car, taking a water bottle out of the trunk and downing it. I’ll be able to get an extra three points, though, because of the high temps now that it’s June.

Me and my gear on the summit trying to keep myself from dying from the warm temperatures and low humidity. The picture of my antenna set up didn’t come out but maybe next time I’ll be able to get one that looks decent. I pack 9.9 lbs. of water normally and my radio equipment weighs just over 3 lbs. Total weight of the pack is about 16 lbs. so the remaining weight is supplies such as first aid kit and survival stuff. I hope never to have to use it but make sure I pack in on the eventuality that I might that one time.

Looking south over the city to Phoenix from the summit and am still amazed of the wonderful view we get. This mountain houses several antennas used for various organizations in the valley none of which I’m able to identify. Even still, there is lots of room for me to set up my equipment and I was left mostly alone when I was working. A few hikers came up asking what I was doing and I was able to explain ham radio and SOTA activations. Nobody seemed upset I was there and some even appeared interested in what I was doing up there.

Looking up at the towers where I set up my equipment about half way down on my way back to the car. Even though the path was paved, I still used my hiking sticks to keep me from stumbling. The road had not been repaved for several years leaving several places where I was trying to make my way over boulders. This is definitely not a “drive up” activation but a nice hike if you are prepared for the conditions. As I’ve already said, I forgot to pack extra water and that is something that I will not be forgetting next time.

The closest thing to a tree on the entire hike were cacti that dotted the landscape the entire hike up. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and still think it’s funny that we have a forest full of cactus instead of trees. But, unlike the Midwest where we used to live in Kansas, there are mountains and trails to enjoy. The only trails back there were those left behind by cattle and you had to watched were you put your feet.

Thanks for letting me share my hobby.