During the summer months my wife and youngest daughter play in an evening ladies golf league. They go out on either Tuesday or Wednesday evening depending on tee time availability. I usually take the opportunity to visit my local park and fit in a POTA activation.
My local park is actually a city park, but we have the luxury of it being historically significant. Per the city’s website…”
Lone Elm Park is a 155 acre community park dedicated in 2004. The park is built on land that was once known as the Lone Elm Campground. For several decades, starting in 1821, this site served as a campground and rendezvous point for travelers along the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails.
During construction of the ball fields, project archaeologists discovered several historical artifacts that dated back to pioneer travelers.
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I usually set up within 50-60 feet from the historical marker and it counts as a 3’fer (US-4566, US-4576 & US-4579).
Operating in the park is great. It’s far enough from town that it has low noise and close enough to only be about a 15 minute drive from my home.
I am a QRP operator. I love the challenge and, since I’m a CW only operator, I’m usually successful in completing each activation. My radios of choice are the Elecraft KX2, LNR Precision MTR4B v2 & MTR3B v4. I also own an LNR Precision LD5, but it doesn’t get used as much.
My favorite antenna is a home built 40m EFHW with a 30m link. My latest iteration of it is extremely similar to this one. With that antenna set up as an inverted V, on a 10m SpiderBeams mast, I can get into Europe most activations.
Here are some photos from 8/12/2025…
