W6/WH-007, Clem Nelson Peak

Activation Date: 3 June 2017
Transport: Hike Distance: 2.8 miles
Elev. gain: 940ft Time: 1.5-2 hours
Rig(s): FT-817, VX-2R Band(s): 40m, 20m SSB; 2m FM
Antenna(s): Linked dipole, 12.5 inch flex whip
Cell Service: Marginal (T-Mobile)
ParkingSchulman Grove Visitor Center, $3 per person, max $6 per vehicle
TrailheadSchulman Grove Visitor Center, west side
Fees/Permits: None
Route: Discovery trail, cross-country
Dogs: Yes  Toilet: Yes

My second peak of the day, I did this one after a nice break at the Schulman Grove visitor center. Earlier on in the day, I had gotten there before the visitor center was open, and couldn’t figure out where or how to pay the parking/day-use fee. When I got back from the first hike, the visitor center was open (and had visitors!).  I went in and got a fridge magnet, and chatted with the very friendly rangers that staff the center.  Returning to my car in the parking lot, I ran across a man who’d locked his keys in his truck.  I offered my help, though I knew not what to do.  He said he planned on breaking the window after trying various other means.  I didn’t stick around long enough to find out what he was going to do.  I figured I’d help him somehow, upon my return. Later, it appeared he was able to get into his vehicle. It was gone, with no sign of broken glass.  On with my hike to Clem Nelson Peak!

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W6/WH-009, 10660 – White Mountains

Activation Date: 3 June 2017
Transport: Hike Distance: 2.6 miles
Elev. gain: 600ft Time: 1.5 hours
Rig(s): FT-817, VX-2R Band(s): 40m, 20m SSB
Antenna(s): Linked dipole, 12.5 inch flex whip
Cell Service: Marginal (T-Mobile)
Parking: Schulman Grove Visitor Center, $3 per person, max $6 per car
Trailhead: Schulman Grove Visitor Center, south side
Fees/Permits: None
Route: Mexican Mine trail, cross-country
Dogs: Yes  Toilet: Yes

This was the first of two summits for this day. I originally had more ambitious plans, but as covered in my post on the other unnamed peak (10940), I had limited access to the summits here in the White Mountains.  Also, with the elevation and some minor stomach issues, I wasn’t feeling super energetic. I did get an early start to the day, heading up to “Sierra View” to enjoy breakfast while watching the sun rise, casting a golden glow on the Eastern Sierras.  I arrived at the visitor center bright and early, parking right near the trailhead for the Mexican Mine trail.  This trail would take me pretty close to the destination peak — unnamed peak 10660, or referred to on some maps as “Mexican Mine Peak.”

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W6/WH-008, 10940

Activation Date: 2 June 2017
Transport: Hike Distance: <100 yards
Elev. gain: 100ft Time: 15 minutes
Rig(s): FT-817 Band(s): 40m, 20m SSB
Antenna(s): SOTABeams Linked Dipole
Cell Service: Marginal (T-Mobile)
Parking: Free – roadside
Trailhead: White Mountain Road
Fees/Permits: None
Route: Cross country
Dogs: Yes  Toilet: No

Out of the several peaks I planned to activate in the White Mountains, this unnamed peak “10940” was the easiest to get to, and one I had planned on doing last.  That planned changed, as plans often do in the mountains.  First of all, I brought my VW Passat wagon, rather than my AWD Honda Pilot. So once White Mountain Road went from paved to unpaved, things got slow—really slow. The road doesn’t seem to get much maintenance, and it’s probably a difficult road to maintain with the harsh weather conditions and remoteness of it. So it took me almost 40 minutes to cover the 5 miles of unpaved road. A high-clearance vehicle (even not 4×4) would have a much easier time. Either way, make sure your spare tire is ready!

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