07/12/2003 | WA9TKK Operated from DM45 on top of Humphrey's Peak near Flagstaff at 12,633 feet, the highest point in Arizona. This has

always been a very challenging hike due to the altitude, exposure, and severe weather. Several years ago, I had to

abandon the VHF contest when a hail and lightning storm errupted on my way up when I was only about 1/4 mile from the

top. Other years, the Forest Service had closed the hiking trails due to fire danger. This weekend, the weather was

clear and warm, but I still packed my severe weather gear just in case. The previous 2 weekends there was hail and

lightning on top as I attempted to hike to the top to get in shape for the contest weekend. The main discomfort was

being continously covered by flying gnats which plague hikers on top. The hike is about 11 miles roundtrip with about

3600 feet of elevation gain. So I desired to keep my pack weight down. So I left the FT-690 6m all mode rig at home

which was a mistake due to the good 6m conditions. I also didn't want to be a lightning rod so I also did not pack the

big yagis and masts. My total pack weight was about 32 lbs which included 3 quarts of water. But my total score was my

best ever for a VHF contest due to not only my location, but the number of other hams operating at remote locations in

the state. Hope to be able to operate up here again. Hiking time to the top was about 5 hours; return trip about 3-1/2

hours.
Radios: Yaesu FT-290RII 10W on 2m, Alinco DJ-280 3W on 220, and Icom T-81A 5W on 52, 4W on 446 and 0.8W on 1294.
Antennas: 6m: Yaesu telescoping whip, 2m: Larsen telescoping 1/2 wave, 220: standard Alinco rubber ducky, 446: Arrow

3-ele yagi, 1294: Comet 5 ele-yagi.
Power source: 12V-2AH gel cell for FT-290; standard battery packs for Alinco and Icom HTs.
50 TOTAL QSO POINTS, 27 TOTAL GRIDS.

73, Mike -- WA9TKK