With a slight gap in my family duties, the time finally came for one last 2024 SOTA adventure on Vedder Mountain (W7W/WH-196). Perched along the US–Canada border and overlooking Sumas and North Whatcom County, this summit has been on my list for a while. The best part of this activation? Bringing along my new hiking buddy, Nella, our Red Retriever puppy!
The Sloshy Trek Up
We set out mid-morning, hoping to beat the inbound storm. That plan didn’t exactly pan out. The sky opened up, turning the narrow footpaths into muddy slip-and-slides. Slogging up the hillside with Nella happily bouncing along in the muck, it quickly turned into one of those “embrace the elements” moments. You get soaked, you laugh, you keep going—and realize you’re having the time of your life.
The Final Bushwhack
Vedder Mountain rewards you with a little “bonus” near the top: a bushwhack. Branches snapping back, drenching us with stored-up water, and slick ground to keep us on our toes. That’s part of the SOTA fun: sometimes you just make your own trail. Eventually, Nella and I broke through the final tangle of brush to find ourselves on the summit, overlooking the fog-drenched landscape below.
Gear for a Rainy Day
I brought along my trusty Elecraft KX2 for this activation—lightweight, reliable, and an absolute gem for SOTA ops. Paired with the K6ARK end-fed halfwave and a Sotabeams mast, I had all the key ingredients for a successful outing. On a day this wet, one could easily justify a new radio, the lab599 Discovery TX-500 (well known for its rugged, weather-resistant design), but I went with what I love (and own) the Elecraft KX2, and tried to shield it from the worst of the elements.
Ironically, the piece of gear I really missed was my tried-and-true poncho rainfly. Something so simple can make a world of difference when you’re protecting sensitive electronics from a soggy onslaught. I made do by huddling under my neighboring Cedar and Duglas friends, but as soon as I got home, I cracked open the KX2 by the fire to let warm, dry air circulate through it. Definitely worth the extra effort to avoid any lingering moisture damage!
On the Air!
With the antenna deployed in a small clearing, I tuned up on 20 meters and started calling. The rain was still drizzling, but it didn’t stop the chasers. Using my indispensable PoLo app for auto-spotting, rapid call lookup, and real-time integration with SOTAwatch and QRZ, I was set—except for one problem. Raindrops danced across my iPhone’s surface, causing all sorts of random taps! Logging became a bit of a battle of wits: me vs. the rain (in hindsight, I should have used my Rite in the Rain notebook. Still, I managed to keep track of my contacts, including:
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K6HPX in Arizona
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KF9d in Illinois
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WD7D in Ohio
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W6DT in California
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N0IPA in Colorado
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WS7DA in Oregon
Each QSO felt extra special, knowing we’d worked hard just to get on the air. It was a dance of determination and joy between adjusting the antenna, scribbling down call signs, and keeping Nella untangled from the wire. Conditions were excellent, and the chasers were well poised from their operation positions, and the chases came rapid fire. Thanks all.
Post-Activation Thoughts
It’s days like these that make SOTA so addictive. The wet slog, the gear challenges, the enthusiastic puppy—it all adds up to one of the most rewarding outdoor radio experiences. Nella loved every moment, dashing around and shaking off mud (onto me, mostly), while I relished each successful contact made from this rain-soaked summit.
If you’re considering Vedder Mountain, come prepared: the final approach can be tricky, with route-finding and a little bushwhacking required. Don’t forget your poncho (seriously, learn from my mistake!) and be sure to dry out your radio gear thoroughly once you’re home. Trust me: there’s nothing like a roaring fireplace and the satisfaction of a completed SOTA log to warm you up after a day in the rain.
73 and happy trails, N7JTT
(and from Nella, a big, muddy paw shake!)