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Possible SOTA trip

  • 18 Sep 2018 4:27 PM
    Reply # 6675579 on 6671756

    Hello Harry and Jim, I just found this thread, and I can see that you are well underway, Harry, in identifying SOTA peaks. As far as list for BC, there are many peaks that could qualify, but were not identified when the list was created. I have met the BC SOTA manager, and he is open to suggestions of peaks that could be added. The list can be revised once a year, but I am sure he keeps a list of possible summits for addition.

    There are not many easily accessible summits in Alberta. Porcupine fire look-out for sure, and perhaps Tunnel Mountain in Banff and Square Butte west of Millarville.  Whitecourt Mountain is also drive-up, but that's a long way away. I would be happy to meet over a coffee and discuss SOTA, and show you how I do activations. By the way, Alberta Forestry service now has control of the area immediately around lookouts, and they are not keen on visitors. I can fill you in when we meet.

    Ian VE6IXD

  • 18 Sep 2018 3:31 PM
    Reply # 6675490 on 6671756

    https://www.sota.org.uk/Summit/VE7/CK-025

    Association: Canada - British Columbia Region: Central Kootenay 
    Latitude: 49.9724 , Longitude: -117.3014

    QTH Locator: DN19ix

    Summit Activity

    Total Activations: None yet!


  • 18 Sep 2018 3:18 PM
    Reply # 6675448 on 6671756

    Thanks Jim.  I'm learning about SOTA already.  Ok so on my list of lookouts only one meets SOTA and that is Idaho Peak.  Idaho Peak has never been activated and is worth 6 points so does that make it a prime target?  Regardless we can get to within 1500 meters of the lookout which is where the SOTA is located which I might be able to hike.  The ghost town of Sandon below Idaho Peak has some cool stuff radio people might find interesting.  There is a complete collection of electric buses parked around the campsite.  There is a power station that is still generating electricity to the few residents and museum left there.

    http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/Mobile/Search/search-result.aspx?site=REC2128&districtCode=RDKB&type=Site

    http://www.sandonbc.ca/idahopk.html

    http://www.sandonbc.ca/silversmith.html

    Ideal time for this trip is late July as the pass I use to get there often has snow in late June.

  • 17 Sep 2018 11:10 PM
    Reply # 6674121 on 6671756

    Hello Harry,

    You can search the SOTA database at <http://www.sotadata.org.uk> to see which BC peaks are listed as eligible for SOTA activations.


    Jim

  • 17 Sep 2018 11:57 AM
    Reply # 6673206 on 6671756
    Dave Cason (Administrator)

    Hi Harry,

    I'd be into that - it's just a question of when?

    If it's next year nail down a date and I'll book it off work .....

    Cheers'

    Dave

  • 16 Sep 2018 3:18 PM
    Message # 6671756

    This is aimed toward VE6IXD and VE6AGR but anyone else doing SOTA is more than welcome to join in.

    I read the Key Klix article this month about Ken and Ian and their trip to Montana.  I read about their side trips to a few peaks and it got me thinking.  My idea of hiking is to take my 4x4 as my hiking days are past me now.  I have often been to abandoned fire lookouts in my rig and it seems to me these would be ideal for SOTA.  Next summer I plan to go into the Kootenays to do a lookout tour and maybe those interested in SOTA could join and teach me about it.  My plan is to visit Lavina, Buchanan, Idaho Peak and Eureka which are all in the Kootenays.  Each of these lookouts/peaks can be reached by a truck and there is camping nearby which is my choice of accommodation.  There are several commercial hot springs along the way.  Total time for trip is 5 days and will include Gray creek pass which despite the bugs is another SOTA location I would think (still had snow in July!).  Post up if anyone is interested in planning for this next year.  FaceBook has a group site for the BC fire lookouts  https://www.facebook.com/groups/bcforestfirelookouts/?fb_dtsg_ag=Ady_tFFIa7Ow4Ux2MnVKwzKhi78lbAlU5w5MDVPL9DPvHA%3AAdwWE1nfbu7oppQVIFDRrfyvXPhxV_NA24WlGwZ0tlvFGQ


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