TO THE TOP OF NEW JERSEY: High Point, 1,803 feet

Welcome to High Point, New Jersey, in November, 2003. High Point provides a beautiful, spectacular panorama of the rich farmland, forest, soft hills and lush valleys of the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
During this visit, it started snowing with wind gusts of 48 mph. Needless to say, it was an adventure to get the parafoil to support my antenna and keep my hands warm enough to use the bencher. Fortunately, I was able to contact W2BN, as scheduled, on 80 meter CW.

The 220-foot tower is at the 1,803-foot peak. It was built in 1928 and overlooks the Catskills, NY and Pocono Mountain, PA, ranges, along with the Wallkill River Valley of NJ. The monument is built entirely of New Hampshire granite. The monument was landscaped originally by the relatives of the famous designer of New York’s Central Park.

Lake Marcia is a spring-fed 20-acre natural lake that is nestled below the highest point. Regardless of the season, it is a beautiful area and very good for a day trip of hiking, camping, picnicking and, of course, working QRP from a wooden picnic table.

My QRP portable station consists of the following:

Elecraft K1 running 5 watts on 160/80 via a 360-foot wire, or 40/30/20/15 via a 90-foot wire. Ground wire radials for each band provide excellent tuning via the K1’s built-in ATU.

The battery – at 2 amp-hours – is most useful for a full weekend of operations. Eight AAs internally are also useful for lightweight operating.

I use a Bencher key (Finger Tip Keyer is useful for casual operating.

The parafoil kite is 7.5 square foot secured by actual antenna wire.

The entire station, including tools, paper and pen, log, camera, ear buds, flashlights, parafoil, etc., fits perfectly in a my heavy-duty backpack that spaces all weight equally over my back.

High Point is only two hours from New York City’s Central Park. However, you will feel like you are a world away from anywhere. I would suggest it is well-worth your time and effort to visit High Point, NJ with your entire family and QRP rig.

Editor’s note: For more information on New Jersey’s highest point, visit: <http://americasroof.com/nj.shtml>
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Curt Lambert, W3HQ, is a QRP DXer and outdoor operator living in West Chester, PA.