Redwood Park in Early March

I have been visiting the park a few times a week lately as I work up the numbers in my radio program. My goal is to reach the 100 activations level and today’s visit marks the half way point at 50. I am well on my way to the goal. Redwood works out really well for me as it is the closest park in the program to my home being only a quick 5-minute drive. It also has good facilities with 4 separate covered picnic table areas. If one is busy another is likely still available. The picnic tables are also far enough from houses that interference from residential WIFI and appliances is minimal yet close enough that cell coverage is reliable. An ideal location for doing Parks-on-the-Air activations.

Today began with me driving the back way to the park as the normal route takes me through what is currently a busy construction zone with controlled one-lane access and a long backup of impatiently waiting drivers who are not really wanting to let another vehicle pull into the line in front of them. The back route which is actually a bit shorter but takes one through slower residential roads is the route of choice for the day.

I arrived at the park and found only one car in the area next to the upper tables. I pulled in behind them and carted my gear to the table area. I noticed that the park was quite empty today, no kids in the play area and not even any dogs exercising their owners. I was able to get the mast in the air and the radio ready in short order and I checked the postings for other activators and started scanning the bands to see who I could hear. There seemed to be slim pickings this morning but I did reach a station in Wisconsin and then California. I started calling on my own frequency but responses were slow and I took a break to try scanning the band again. This time I managed a station in New York and New Jersey. Back to calling I finally had a few stations respond to my hails. They came from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky … It was a nice run but soon dried up again.

I eventually had enough in my log to stop but I felt like scanning the band again and this time I reached stations in Texas, Michigan, Oregon, and Nevada. It was more than required so I decided to pack up after around 50 minutes on the air. It had been a slow run but I made my numbers and enjoyed some fresh outdoor air. The park was still very quiet though a few dogs were out making their rounds. I packed up my radio and stowed it in the car and grabbed my camera and set out to capture a few scenes.

I found some nice early crocuses blooming next to the parking lot which offered a reminder that spring was in the air and that the warmer weather was about to descend. The trees were still not in leaf but many of the lower shrubs already had their initial leaf buds on display. I wandered along the main trail and made my way to the fairy village. The fairies were still mostly south for the winter and I found only a few houses on display. I do hope we see some of the nicer ones returned to the area in short order. I continued my walk along a few trails and eventually made my way back to the car. It had been a pleasant visit but it was time for lunch and so I set out for home. I will be back soon to complete the second half of my goal.