A Late Summer Hike On Shute Hill
September 2014
Judy and I took a quick hike on Shute Hill this afternoon. I set up
on 15 meters and worked
Bulgaria and Oregon. We started across from the old cemetery at the
top of the hill.
![](grave.jpg)
We hike east for several minutes until we get to the old bridge that
crosses the stream from
the beaver pond. The bridge is in pretty rough shape.
![](bridge.jpg)
The day is perfect... about 70F with a slight breeze. I did chores
around the house this
morning and was anxious to get out for a short walk. The trail on
Shute Hill is close
to home and scenic.
![](trail.jpg)
The trail is lined with wildflowers... wild asters (both blue and
white),
black-eyed susans, and goldenrod in full bloom... everywhere.
![](goldenrod.jpg)
The flowers are covered with wild bees and the sounds of humming
fills the air. We hike to a spot not far
from the top of the hill, and I set up in a small clearing at the
base of an old butternut tree.
![](tree.jpg)
This place isn't fancy, but it's sunny and warm. I toss my line up
about 40 feet and
pull up a 33 foot wire. I'm using the KX3 on 15 meters and I tune
around. LZ1ZJ
Slav in Bulgaria. He's really strong and answers my call. He gives
me a 589 and
sends, "Congrats for your 5W Jim. FB solid copy."
![](rig.jpg)
I went up the band a bit and there was Dennis W7WHO in Oregon
calling CQ. He gave
me a 559 and he was a nice 599. "FB Jim UR 5W doing well... enjoy
your hike." I've worked
Dennis 8 or 10 times before, and it was nice to work him again.
I packed up and headed back toward the car. In all, we were gone
about an hour and a half.
Wonderful adventure.