ZL3/WC-638 Un-named summit near Reefton

 This is another one of Andrew ZL3CC's First Activation summits, in fact it hadn't been activated since he did it. We (like many!) have always driven straight through Reefton, however this year, we decided to stay a few nights and have a look around. The first town in NZ to have reticulated electric power, what's not to like?!

Thursday 28th Dec 2023 dawned warm and fine, the starting point at Blacks Point is only 3 minutes away from the camping ground and I was there and ready to go at 8am. Taking the left track directly up the spur, I was soon sweating out the Christmas cheer. The initial part is steep but well benched. Soon the exotic forest is left behind and we are into the native, lots of predator traps and wasp bait stations and the abundant birdsong proves their worth. I heard what I thought was a Kaka and sure enough, on the way down later, I was lucky enough to have a close encounter with one - very special! 

The remains of old goldmines are preserved as if they had just been abandoned. Very interesting relics scattered around.

I arrived at the Horse Whims turnoff which Andrew determined was within the AZ, I agree. However, like Andrew, I climbed up through the bush towards the summit a little to be sure and to get away from what looked like a well-used track. Another good call as two parties went through while I was there (but they were unaware of me).

Unusual operating surrounds for us Cantabs!

The bush is fairly thick so the EFHW wended its way through convenient branches then up to the top of the 6m pole and down again to a convenient trunk. I spotted a few wasps so was very careful where I walked...

Yellow antenna wire looped around the trees at head-height

The KX2 tuner made short work of finding a match so it was time to get out a spot or National System repeater call. No service from either, I think the Greymouth Nat Sys node has moved since Andrew used it as I could not access it at all. OK, call CQ on 7032 kHz CW so the RBN can let people know I am about. I then went to 7090 kHz and it worked, I worked Phil ZL3JD, ZL3PEA, ZL4AB and then Rick ZL3RIK who spotted me and it was all on! I got Dave ZL3DRN on his summit then worked my way up the bands. No VKs but Chris F4WBN, NW7E and WB6POT in the log on 15m CW. Nothing happening on 10m.

Expecting John ZL3MR and Nick ZL3NLA to arrive on their summit at 11am, I went back to 40m SSB and waited. As the day warmed up, the wasps were getting more active so I was keen to get moving. Once they were in the log, I packed up and headed down. Home to Reefton in time for lunch! There are several loop options to get back, the Konini fork would bring you right back to Reefton (if someone dropped you at the start point).

Want a Bach right at the carpark of a SOTA track?!

Time: 1 hour 15 min to the summit. 4.2 km with about 500 m vertical gain

Cell: No reception

Repeaters: None available

Trig: none, the summit is not even noted as a point on the topomap!