Bee Encounters of the Real Kind
The ARS Sojourner
I pulled my Jeep into the camp ground parking lot at about 0800 PDST. The temp was a brisk 60F and not a cloud in sight. I prepared for the 2 mile hike up the 1500 feet to Wheeler Ridge; 48oz of H2O in 2 water bottles, extra outer ware, a wide brimmed hat, #50 sun block, bug repellent, flash light, 9 and 20 ft lengths of coax, 4 quarter wave length of 5 conductor for radials, a qtr wave length of wire with fishing tackle and alligator clip for the radiator, 3 8 pack AA battery cells, my SD20 with nifty base courtesy of Vern (W6MMA), 2 mtr hand held with speaker mike and 2 battery packs, SST20 (with mods), RS folding earphones, Whiterook keyer/paddle, magic putty, 2 clip boards, a beach chair, log sheets for 450 QSOs (you never know), 2 pens, my buck folding knife, and 2 power bars (although, I could never eat 2 at one time).
The hike in was, in a word, spectacular. A few hundred yards into the ascent I reached the trail head. “Wheeler Lake - 3.5 mi”. The ridge was about half way or so. The long steep leg is through the woods below the tree line. The shade of the trees was refreshing and I didn't mind the steepness of the trail.
After penetrating further into the forest I could hear cow bells off in the distance. “What? Bears wearing cow bells? What will they think of next?”
Although I don't claim to be a botanist or even a naturalist, I do recognize when the wild mountain flowers are in bloom. Full bloom probably won't be for a few weeks but the profusion of colors was quite a sight for this city boy. As I breached the tree line the view of the ridge was magnificent in the morning light. The side of the ridge was covered with mule ear and mountain penny royal (coyote mint); the former named because it is exactly what you would expect to grow from the head of a green mule and the latter which emits the fragrance of minty lavender after shave. Rub some of the penny royal between your hands and it is quite intoxicating. You could probably use it for tea. I have a bunch of it hanging in my cube (they actually think I'm busy writing some important memo right now 8~}. Well, I am!).
The trail above the tree line leveled off a bit and the going was easier. More cow bells. By this time I was well above Inspiration Point and Lake Alpine. Blue sky above with coastal clouds far off to the west. A few more switch backs and a gradual ascent brought me to a saddle on the ridge just below my site. Buzzzzzz! Hmmm, lots of bees going after the penny royal. The last hundred yards or so is very steep and rocky. I took my time and got there with no trouble or sweat. A threesome of light traveling hikers were descending. The were collecting coyote mint. We exchanged greetings.
The set up was easy with not too much time to spare - 0945. I sat back, took off my sweat shirt, smeared some #50 all over my arms, face, ears, neck (my dermatologist would approve), plugged in my earphone, and tuned to 14060…nothing, no atmospherics, nada. I disconnected the coax and touched the alligator clip on the radiator to the input on the SST and the frequency came alive. 1000 PDST. I took off the alligator clip and connected directly to the SST (Hey! Just like at home in my garage!). Thus configured, I made 2 contacts (VE7CQK, AC6CW) before I realized my blunder. I had connected the radiator to the securing bolt rather than the center conductor terminal on Vern's base. Duhuh!
Anyway back in business and I realized I was surrounded by all sorts of flying fauna. The temp had risen to about 75F in the strong sun and the ridge is covered with a profusion of flora. And yes there were bumblebees. One really had a thing about my elbow. I whisked him (it) away and he (it) stumbled onto the arm of the beach chair. He looked back at me in objection, “Hey! Gimme a break! Just tryin’ to get some lunch. What kinda bee are you anyway?” I was speechless.
Well, I was taking it all in and really had trouble focusing on the objective. The view is something else. Sorry no pics at this time. Nuts! A camera seemed like a bit too much more weight. Maybe in the coming weeks, I'll go back up and get some pics. In the four hours, I made about 14 contacts, all but two of which were BBs. I'm still not the great CW op that I hoped I would be by now, 41 years since I first got my novice ticket, but I am definitely improving and I certainly hope everyone had as good a time as I did. Thanks to all who gave me a call.
73s Arth W6AGS