Adventures

August 28 2022

I spent the weekend at the shack. I was finally able to install my 34 foot (20 meter) vertical antenna. I have a picture of my radio setup in the shack and one of the antenna. The antenna blends in well with the poplar tree. It is supported by the pvc pipe next to the tree. There is so much less noise in the signal out in the woods compared to using an HF antenna in the cities. I heard a station from Hawaii loud and clear full quieting. I also made a contact with a guy from Washington state. I was transmitting at 25 watts. I generally keep my power low for my contacts. Its easier on the equipment. I have a coleman cooking grate that I can use in my fire pit. The last picture is of my new generator. This is the fourth generator I have purchased over the years and this baby is quiet. It only weighs 46 lbs and should be alot less of a burden to bring on trips.

August 13 - 14th 2022

I stayed overnight on Saturday night at the new 20. This is only my second overnight at the new place. I got alot accomplished and took a bunch of pictures. I did a bunch of clearing and scouting for a ham radio antenna site. I would like to set up an antenna soon. I also built and tried out a fire ring. I used rock from the pit fill layer of the driveway. It was a beautiful evening. The last two pictures are of a large black bear that is in the area. This picture was taken from my next door neigbor's security camera. He is walking toward my land. We are very vigilant when we walk the woods.

August 10th 2022

I went camping at Baker Park Reserve last night since I have Wednesday off.

August 6th through 8th 2022

On Sunday Amy and I rode our bikes on the Luce Line trail around Watertown MN. Monday morning we took a walk around lake Ann in Chanhassen.

August 3rd 2022

I had today off so I left for the shack after work yesterday. It looks like I will be taking more weekday trips like this. I like them better. The traffic on 169 was lighter. This was my first night in the shack at the new location on the 20 acres. I repaired a piece of siding and the chimney. There was not too much to do after the 10 mile move from the old property. Everything faired pretty well. I do need to trim the vegetation and set up a fire ring.