Another ham radio year, another trip to Vollmer Peak, my first SOTA hill. I activated this peak every year since my first activation on March 14, 2015, which was my re-entry into the amateur radio hobby. Since I’ll be leaving Berkeley this autumn, Vollmer will no longer be my “home” peak, so my June 30, 2018 activation will be my last visit for a while. This was a wonderful place to visit after work to contemplate, reflect, and occasionally play with radios.

2015

2016

2017

2018

Thanks to all the chasers: AA1FD, N6DAL, KK6VQK, W6CTQ, WU1Q, KM6MRU, K6WIS, KB6KHP.

Some fun facts about Mount Eddy (elevation 9025 feet), near the old logging town of Weed, CA:

• It’s the high point of Trinity County, the Trinity Mountains, and the parts of the United States west of Interstate 5
• It’s named for Olive Paddock Eddy, who was the first woman to summit Mount Shasta
• It has beautiful views of Mount Shasta

The summit is often overlooked in favor of the majestic Mount Shasta, which is nearby and 5000 feet taller.  The hike is relatively accessible, about 8 miles out and back along part of the Pacific Crest Trail with 2500 feet of elevation gain.

We started at the Deadfall Meadows trailhead and followed the path to the spectacular Deadfall Lakes. From there, the climb became more strenuous, with numerous switchbacks until we finally reached the summit.

Deadfall lakes

Onwards towards Eddy

The switchbacks…

Shasta from the summit – some snow on the north face

I had an easy time on 20m CW, and before long it was time to head back. Thanks to all the chasers: K9PM, W7RV, K6HPX, NG6R, N6PKT, NQ7R, K5DEZ