The Anacapa Islands and Santa Cruz Island with a container ship from Clark’s Peak
31 DECEMBER 2020 – 1 JANUARY 2021 W6/SC-292
Scott WA9STI had let me know about the Zulu New Year in SOTA – or the phenomena that an operator could get credit for two activations by operating from a summit on the changeover from 23:00 hours UTC to 00:00 hours at 4pm local time. Brian WA6JFK planned on activating Cerro Negro Benchmark, while Scott went for 1,838′ (W6/SC-311). I chose nearby Clark’s Peak because I knew it was virtually a drive up. My last trip up to Clark’s Peak was October 1st 1999 with Cassie KG6MZR, big brother Mark and Chanucey the dog.
I’m not doing a map on this one because there is no real hike – just a short scramble up a fire break. Drive up Yerba Buena Canyon and take Cotharin Road past where it turns to dirt. Park in front of the “End” sign. There are also “Private Property No Trespassing” signs here. Parking is very limited and make sure you park so that the locals can get by your vehicle. Scramble up the hill on the left to the obvious summit.
The last day of 2020 was a very clear and windy day. I was pleasantly surprised to find the wind abated and a beautifully clear late afternoon atop the mountain. I spotted a roadrunner and a gopher snake on the way up. A large hawk kept me company on the summit.
Scott’s strategy was a great success. I worked 6 contacts in 2020, 6 contacts in 2021 and 6 summit-to-summit contacts. I got Scott and Brian in both years. It probably would’ve been tough to scare up the required 4 contacts on 2m FM, but there were a lot of people out to cover the Zulu New Year.
KG6MZS 