A Simple Activation Turned Special POTA at US-4239 (North Country Trail) on 2025-04-27
Posted by k8are 4 days ago
Operator: K8ARE Reference: US-4239 Park: North Country Trail Type: National Scenic Trail Location: Ohio Grid: EN70ud Date: 2025-04-27 Total QSOs: 21 Rig: ICOM 705 - 10W A Simple Activation Turned Special This was just a normal, ordinary activation—until it wasn’t. I was out on the North Country National Scenic Trail, doing a simple CW activation. Since it’s a popular trail, lots of people were out walking and biking. That’s when a new friend named Josiah stopped by. He was very curious about what I was doing and started asking questions. I asked if he wanted to give it a try, and he seemed eager. So I switched over to a 2-meter repeater and called out that I had a new friend who wanted to make a contact. N8BCM came back first and was happy to help Josiah make his very first radio contact. Then KB8VVK jumped in with a radio check. What struck me most was how kids like Josiah don’t have the fear we adults sometimes do when trying something new. He spoke a little fast, but honestly, he did great—especially for his first time on the radio. We had a quick chat afterward about what he had just accomplished, and I congratulated him on his first contact. Hopefully, that little spark of excitement will stick with him, and he’ll keep exploring the hobby. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gJ4QFoy5TPs