My annual POTA week is near and I’m excited! Not completely planned out but that’s how I like it, I’m an improvisor – what I call hip shoots. Western Texas and eastern Arkansas!

I’ll bring my FT-891 and a few lucky QRP rigs – maybe FTX-1f and CFT1. I’m fickle, so maybe my KX2 and something from QRP Labs? For antennas, my go-to is to find ways to lean or lash up my 10m Spiderbeam and raise a wire. I’ll ground mount my 17ft vertical if nothing else works. I’ll bring along my ATAS as a failsafe against weather.

I hope to get to Midland, TX on the 28th and if I get an early enough start, activate Big Spring State Park on the way in. Bush Family Home State Historic Site Friday morning. After, I’ll move to Monahans Sandhills State Park then meet a friend on his ranch across the street from the park about noon.

We’ll consolidate gear to my wagon and head farther west to Davis Mountains State Park. Fort Davis National Historic Site and Balmorhea State Park will be close but I’ll have to play it by ear. The friend I’m meeting isn’t a radio-type and I’d hate to wear on his patience.

I’ll spend the weekend on the ranch with my oldest pards and pretend to dove hunt. In our advanced age, we spend far more time drinking beer and catching up than shooting birds.

Tuesday the 2nd, I’ll drive back to my QTH to give proof of live to my YL and on Thursday the 4th, I’ll head north to Mena, Arkansas for more POTA and the Queen Wilhelmina Hamfest on Friday and Saturday. This country is stunning compared to my West Texas roots and QTH on the flat, North Texas prairie. There’s too many parks to plan so I’ll just hip shoot whatever feels right.

If I travel into your country, I’d enjoy meeting you. If not, you can load me into your HamAlert and hunt my activations. Here’s to hoping the weather and sun are on our side.

73,
Mark
KA5TXN