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Two Old Men in the Woods (and Scott)
United States
Приєднався 21 тра 2022
In the summer of 2021, at a family July 4th picnic, Ronnie and Chris (brother-in-laws), realized that they both had a common interest in getting more involved in hiking. Living in the Foothills and Mountains of the Carolinas, the duo has begun meeting monthly as they explore the multitude of trails in their own backyards. Recently our adventurers welcomed Scott to the team, and he has quickly become and indispensable part of the mix. Although "Two Old Men in the Woods" is now really "Three Old Men in the Woods" the mission remains the same, to capture our adventures and encourage other "old men" to get outside and enjoy God's creation.
POTA vs. SOTA - Comparing Ham Radio Programs "Parks On The Air" with "Summits On The Air"
Join us as we look back at several old Parks On The Air (POTA) and Summits On The Air (SOTA) activations, and answer some key questions about the differences between these two unique ham radio programs. We hope you enjoy: POTA vs. SOTA!
Links mentioned during this episode:
Summits on the Air (SOTA) Rules
www.sota.org.uk/Joining-In/General-Rules
Parks on the Air (POTA) Rules
docs.pota.app/docs/rules.html
SOTA Activation Zone Estimator
activation.zone/
#summitsontheair #parksontheair #hamradio #qrp #scparks #carolinas #amateurradio #hikingadventures #outdoors #hiking
Links mentioned during this episode:
Summits on the Air (SOTA) Rules
www.sota.org.uk/Joining-In/General-Rules
Parks on the Air (POTA) Rules
docs.pota.app/docs/rules.html
SOTA Activation Zone Estimator
activation.zone/
#summitsontheair #parksontheair #hamradio #qrp #scparks #carolinas #amateurradio #hikingadventures #outdoors #hiking
Переглядів: 555
Відео
My Other Hiking Partner Has Four Legs - Beech Tree with Bella
Переглядів 1882 місяці тому
In this short simple episode, Chris takes his four-legged hiking partner Bella out for a quick loop around the Beech Tree Trail at Croft State Park. Along the way, he comes across a trail he has never seen containing a monument to a Revolutionary War hero and his family. We hope you enjoy - Beech Tree with Bella. #hikingwithdogs #hikingshorts #spartanburgsc #scparks #k9adventures
Fire Tower Activation - Parks On The Air - HF QRP Ham Radio
Переглядів 4352 місяці тому
In another ham radio specific episode, our adventurers travel to the highest point inside Paris Mountain State Park, and use the remnants of the old fire tower residence as a cool backdrop for a "Parks on the Air" activation attempt. While they are there, they also answer some common POTA questions. We hope you enjoy - FIRETOWER ACTIVATION! #hamradio #qrp #parksontheair #firetower
PANTHERTOWN - The Yosemite of the East
Переглядів 1393 місяці тому
First and foremost, thanks to our new friend Mike who got us started in the right direction and shared some of the history of this amazing place! It was the first time for either on of us at Panthertown Valley. We only scratched the surface of this 13,000 acres of National Forest land and are already planning future trips to the "Yosemite of the East" as it is commonly called. We hope you enjoy...
Parks On The Air (POTA) Ham Radio HF QRP Setup
Переглядів 6 тис.3 місяці тому
In this ham radio specific episode, we take a closeup look at the High Frequency (HF) portable radio that Chris uses during his "Parks On The Air" activations. We hope you enjoy - PARKS ON THE AIR SETUP!
Parks On The Air Activation Attempt - Guana River Wildlife Management Area
Переглядів 1673 місяці тому
In this unique adventure, Chris heads out to attempt a Parks On The Air activation solo, while he was out of town. No mountains in this one, but plenty of natural beauty and lots of ham radio fun! We hope you enjoy -Activating Guana River!
The Bill Kimball Trail - Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
Переглядів 1564 місяці тому
Join our two adventurers and a special guest as they travel the one trail in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area they have yet to explore - the Bill Kimball Trail. This steep and rugged trail is well worth time and effort for those visiting Caesars Head Sate Park who want to add a little more difficulty and elevation to their journey. We hope you enjoy - BILL KIMBALL!
My First "Summits On The Air" Activation - A Look Back
Переглядів 1905 місяців тому
In the Spring of 2023, near the end of completing the Ivestor Gap, Tennent Mountain, and Black Balsam Knob loop in the Pisgah National Forrest, Chris decided to attempt something he had not yet accomplished with a ham radio - a Summits On The Air Activation. Summits On The Air (or SOTA for short) is a fun competition between amateur radio operators where they travel to designated summits and at...
Summits On The Air (SOTA) Activating Rocky Spur the Hard Way!
Переглядів 2996 місяців тому
Scott returns for another ham radio themed adventure as the team ascends Rocky Spur via Vaughn's Gap and the Blur Wall Preserve, to "activate" this unique summit the hard way! This 3091 foot summit is the seventh highest in South Carolina and designated as W4C/US-007 by the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. Along the way our adventurers pass through a beautiful forest and take a closer look at...
Welcome to Two Old Men in the Woods (and Scott)
Переглядів 8976 місяців тому
With the two year anniversary of our channel approaching fast, we thought it was about time to update our "Welcome" video on the channel to rightly reflect the whole crew and better represent the content you will see. We look forward to many more years of bringing you all hiking and ham radio!
Summits On The Air (SOTA) Activating Chestnut Knob
Переглядів 5157 місяців тому
In this episode, ham radio once again takes center stage with another "Summits On The Air" activation attempt. This time our two adventurers climb to the top of Chest Knob in the Pisgah National Forrest outside of Brevard North Carolina and attempt to "activate" this peak. We hope you enjoy - ACTIVATING CHESTNUT KNOB!
Croft State Park - A History of Change
Переглядів 3978 місяців тому
Join our two adventurers as they took a look back into the unique history of Croft State Park in Spartanburg, SC. Besides simply being a great place to hike, Croft is rich with remnants of that amazing history for those willing to take the time to find them. We hope you enjoy - A History of Change! SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING AERIAL FOOTAGE IN THIS VIDEO: Croft State Park does NOT allow the use of d...
WHISKEY-4-FLYIN - 16th Annual Triple Tree Flyin Special Event Station
Переглядів 8069 місяців тому
In a departure from our regular wilderness format, our adventurers recently traveled to the 16th Annual Triple Tree Flyin as part of the Spartanburg Amateur Radio Club's "Special Event Station" honoring this amazing aviation gathering. Our hopes is that this video can be used by both the radio club and Triple Tree to bring more attention to both amateur radio and general aviation. Many thanks t...
THE COLORS OF WHITESIDE - Whiteside Mountain in the Fall
Переглядів 13810 місяців тому
Brother Ronnie heads out on a solo adventure to a short but amazing trail along the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain. Come along for a beautiful day in God's creation.
MOUNTAIN BRIDGE - South Carolina's Most Beautiful Place!
Переглядів 72810 місяців тому
Although we enjoy every time we get out into God's creation, our favorite place (and the one we have spent the most time in) is the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Join us for a virtual tour of this amazing place as we combine video from multiple past episodes (and some new stuff as well) into a short documentary on South Carolina's most beautiful place!
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN 2023 - Face to Face with a Black Bear!
Переглядів 304Рік тому
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN 2023 - Face to Face with a Black Bear!
TRAILSIDE ACTIVATION - Parks On The Air (POTA) Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve
Переглядів 531Рік тому
TRAILSIDE ACTIVATION - Parks On The Air (POTA) Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve
THE BIG LOOP - Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
Переглядів 230Рік тому
THE BIG LOOP - Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
WORTH A TRY - Trailside "Parks On The Air" Activation Attempt
Переглядів 263Рік тому
WORTH A TRY - Trailside "Parks On The Air" Activation Attempt
Table Rock Reflections - A Rough Edit of an Amazing Day!
Переглядів 95Рік тому
Table Rock Reflections - A Rough Edit of an Amazing Day!
Raven Cliff Falls Dismal Loop Trail - Back Where It All Began!
Переглядів 272Рік тому
Raven Cliff Falls Dismal Loop Trail - Back Where It All Began!
A Hidden Gem - Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park
Переглядів 312Рік тому
A Hidden Gem - Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap State Park
Ham Radio on the Rock - Parks On The Air - John Rock
Переглядів 257Рік тому
Ham Radio on the Rock - Parks On The Air - John Rock
Wide Open Spaces - Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob
Переглядів 232Рік тому
Wide Open Spaces - Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob
Paris in Winter - A Unique Look at a Beautiful Place
Переглядів 283Рік тому
Paris in Winter - A Unique Look at a Beautiful Place
The Third Rock - Cedar Rock Mountain @ Pisgah Forest
Переглядів 179Рік тому
The Third Rock - Cedar Rock Mountain @ Pisgah Forest
Along the Border - The Foothills Trail @ Sassafras Mountain
Переглядів 173Рік тому
Along the Border - The Foothills Trail @ Sassafras Mountain
There’s Nothing Little About Little Pinnacle Mountain!
Переглядів 311Рік тому
There’s Nothing Little About Little Pinnacle Mountain!
Love it! Hiking and ham radio! I've recently felt the bug (again) myself and plan to start doing some POTA/SOTA. It's great that you have family to enjoy the fun! Like the other commenter, I'll sub from all of my YT channels. 73
Thanks Ron ... just subbed your channel as well!
Great video! Just subbed, saw your comment on a thread on the POTA Facebook group.
Thanks Rick ... the POTA FB group is definitely my favorite ... so cool to see all the activation reports from all over the US and the world!
So cool. Thank you!
You are quite welcome ... glad you enjoyed it ... it is an amazing place!
Great work , Chris! The camera work was very good and the amount of research you must have done is daunting.
Thanks Paul ... it was a lot of fun capturing all the footage and learning more about this amazing place!
Thank you for creating this video explaining the differences between SOTA and POTA. Videos like this are very helpful in educating people about the differences between these two programs. 73, 9M2PJU 9M2 SOTA Association Manager.
Thanks for the kind words and your work supporting the SOTA program ... 73
They add new summits every once in a while. Just last September, where I'm at, W6/SC, they added W6/SC-461, Chiquito Peak. Not often, but it does happen. Great video. 73 de W6OBB
Thanks … glad you enjoyed it … never thought about them resurveying and the list changing … another commenter said he lost the peak near his house … bummer
@@twooldmeninthewoods I'm surprised they haven 't removed some in my area. One is an area that it's illegal to climb. It's Morro Rock. I've asked them about it and they said they've decided to leave most of them just in case in ever changes. There's another one that is on private property, and there's videos on UA-cam of the owner or employees chasing people off with shotguns. LOL!
Fantastic work!
Thanks … it was fun looking back through the old footage … now were ready for more QRP adventures!
Great video Chris. You done good
Thanks Paul … when’s your next activation?
Great video, and nice to see an 818 in the field...my 817 says hi 😊 Good to know the difference in qualifying an activation, although I'm familiar with the SOTA scheme, I think there's a POTA eligible park near me so will have to check it out. One small thing regarding SOTA summits...very occasionally, a summit which is really close to the 150 meters prominence can change its status, usually as a result of a correction in a new survey. I only know about this because it happened to what was my nearest qualifying summit, which was a bit of a bummer as there used to be summits two within about 50 miles of me and now there's only one. 73 from the flatlands of South East Kent, England, (some bits of it are below sea level) Simon G0CIQ.
Thanks so much for checking out the episode and for the note on summit classifications! I absolutely LOVE my FT-818!
I really enjoyed your video. I want to hike this loop!
Thanks Cindy; it’s a tough but beautiful loop! If you want to see even more of that amazing area, check out our episode called “Mountain Bridge” from last year.
Km4oia here, just has a QSO on 2M with ya on field day.73, good to meet ya. Edit: our qrp setups are quite similar. Shoot me a message sometime if you ever want to collaborat
Great to talk to you as well … definitely on a future collaboration!
Great video, can't believe ive never heard of croft state park!
Thanks Bright ... Croft is the best kept secret in Spartanburg County!
It is a beautiful place, Chris. Our church used it last week for camping while working on Grace Presbyterian in Spartanburg.
This was filmed last week! Hope you all had a productive week helping out Grace Presbyterian. Thanks for your ongoing support and interest.
I think you both have it covered. I would suggest some sort of fire starter just in case & as everyone else suggested, a wilderness first day kit & the knowledge of how to use it just in case. You got it covered for comms if you are carrying your handheld. Of course, the more you carry, it may require a slightly bigger pack. It is always better to play it safe. What are the packs you are carrying now. All the parks you are visiting are not far from me. I am in Landrum. Have fun and continue on your hiking journey. Love the adventures.
Thanks again Janice for your continued interest in our adventures … you’re definitely right about the fire starter … we should probably do an updated version of this video … what we carry with us has changed a good bit since we made this episode.
Such a lovely episode my friend, one big like from me!!
Thanks for the kind words and the like!
Beautiful and interesting. Thank you for creating that video, certainly a part of history that should and hopefully never be lost. Thank you again for the history lesson.
Thanks again Janice … we really poured a lot into that episode … it is an amazing place with amazing history that needs to be preserved!
I really loved this video. Great job and great puppy!
Thanks Owen - it was just one of those simple days at our favorite place.
Very nice, thank you for sharing that piece of history. Looks like a beautiful area to hike. Maybe one day I will make it there. History is always a good thing to know. Thank You.
Thanks Janice. If you enjoyed that small look into the history at Croft, check out our episode called "A History of Change" which focuses on the story of this amazing place. By the way, your right, history is VERY important!
@@twooldmeninthewoods I will check it out, thank you.
great job congratulations 73 from kb2uew
Thanks! That one was a lot of fun.
You was standing on my grandparents Graves at Antioch. They were the original owners Murph of Whitestone Hall plantation (croft state park). Those small grave markers down further are slaves
Thanks for watching ... Our hope is that our tribute to your ancestors, and all the other families that lost so much in the history of Croft, was fitting and honorable.
Nice work 👍 You've got my sub! Firelookouts are some of my favorite SOTA/POTA spots.
Thanks for the kind words ... we really appreciate your support ... I need to look for more iconic places like that to activate from!
Nice video. US-2909 is my home park when I visit my daughter. Have to get to the fire house part next time I'm in Greenville. POTA on de KC2BPP
Thanks! The old fire tower residence is not a bad hike if you park in the top parking lot. We hiked up all the way from Lake Placid for this activation, and made a whole day journey out of it.
Thanks for sharing the nice adventure. I was finding my EFHW not up to the mark on 40m and started using a fan dipole for 40/10m. Now I have put it back in a slanting V and am able to work an occasional DX on 15m and long distance VUs on 20m. 73 de Jon, VU2JO
Thanks Jon … I need to try a fan dipole … a friend of mine from my local club swears by them … I just wonder how difficult they would be to setup out in the woods
Very nice spot. Hope to work you one day from RI.
It really is a unique backdrop for POTA, and the RI station was out first contact!
Going to be subscribing with all 7 of my UA-cam accounts now!
Thanks so much! Every little bit helps.
Nice video guys. 73 de kn4vvy
Thanks … glad you liked it … 73
Love it, keep them coming. Is that an FT-818 you are running? Not sure if I got the name of the EFHW you are using. Thank you so much for sharing. Fantastic job.
Thanks Janice … it is an FT-818 with several modifications … the EFHW is made by another ham (N9SAB) who has a eBay store where he sells numerous different types of QRP and high rated antennas … great guy to deal with who makes amazing stuff for reasonable prices.
Been there in fall leaves once. Such beautiful moments. And hike was one i won't forget.
Must be spectacular in the fall. We can't wait to go back and explore some more!
Nice to find some local fellas on here! I'm from the Chesnee/Gaffney area about 1 mile from Cowpens Battlefield! If I heard you correctly when you said your camera man's name he was actually one of the VEs when I got Licensed...LOL! Hope to meet you guys sometime! 73! -KQ4JOC
Although Stokes was not the cameraman, he was instrumental in setting up the whole event. He is a great ambassador for our hobby and the park service.
@@twooldmeninthewoods couldn’t agree more. He’s a great guy.
Great job! I want to do this trail.
It's definitely worth the time, like anything within the Mountain Bridge!
Beautiful place! Enjoyed the video.
Thanks Scott ... plenty more to explore at Panthertown!
Nice!
Thanks ... glad you enjoyed it!
Nice radio and setup, I would think at some point I would be better off with a icom 705 or kx2/3 for about the same $$ and smaller form factor
You may be right ... I am a Yaesu guy and liked the tried and true units ... if the FT-817/818 had an internal tuner, I think it would be hard to beat.
Nice setup 👍
Thanks … trying to get as much as I can out of 5W!
Great video. Love seeing the detail steps in your set up. I was wondering what stand you used to prop up the FT-818nd. Thank you
They came off eBay as a package deal with the bag that I use to hold the radio. Do a eBay search for FT-817 side rails and it will pop up. About $70 for both the rails and the bag.
Wait- Yeti makes a battery bank?!! I must check this out…
Okay, answered my own questions: I’m 3 years late to this party. I was just astonished at its compact size. This sogen uses the older Lithium Ion battery chemistry. Made by Goal Zero (not Yeti the cooler maker) . 120W inverter and as the name suggests, it’s a 200W system.
Yeah … I think “Yeti” is the name of that line of power stations by Goal Zero … nice little unit.
Thanks for the video on the simple setup. I'm just getting back into working POTA with my FT-857D after taking several years off, and I enjoy watching how other people set up. I'm looking forward to going through your videos. W5JDT
Thanks John … glad you enjoyed it … plenty of SOTA/POTA episodes you may enjoy!
How would I be able to get a pack like you carry?
I got the pack off ebay ... if you search ebay for ft-817 side-rails ... there is one seller who sells the side-rails with the bag for about $70
What is your call sign. I do POTA in the Lowcountry and I'd like to hunt for you. KD4YXM
I will look you up on QRZ and shoot you an email.
great setup terrific thanks 73 from kb2uew
Thanks ... modifying and improving the 818 has been a lot of fun.
did you have to build the speech compressor? I can only find the kit and not the completed compressor
Do the vk3ye mike mod and save money kg6mn
You can buy the completed ones from DX Engineering but it costs a little extra ... I built this one ... pretty easy if you have done some soldering before.
I have seen that mod ... it would be cool to do a side-by-side comparison between the two.
N9SAB antennas for the win! I have his 20/40m linked dipole and have had many successful outings with it and an 817. 73 de K2CJB
Tim is a great guy ... builds quality stuff and willing to answer questions.
I just received two of his antennas and excited to try them out. Your carry bags are cool!!!
@thequarantinecatholic thanks … i can guarantee Tim’s antennas won’t disappoint
Imagine how surprised I was to see the two hikers on “recon “. I go to church with Wes and son Josh. Small world!
It was great to meet them and learn about Trail Life … hopefully Wes and Josh got to see the episode!
@@twooldmeninthewoods oh yeah. I sent him the link!
Outstanding presentation. Giving me a lot of ideas.
Thanks Gene. It is amazing what you can do with 5 watts and the right antenna. I ended up making 37 contacts that day from all over the country.
@@twooldmeninthewoods Thanks. I have the 817nd model. I hope I can report the same.
@@genemcphee8053 I know there are newer QRP rigs with much fancier options, but you can't beat an 817/818 for shear ruggedness and capability.
@@twooldmeninthewoods Thanks for the support.
Excellent video and great explanation. Love it and keep them coming. KO4UWU
Thanks for the kind words Janice; we are glad you enjoyed. I am working on a longer video with more in-depth explanations of each part of the system - stay tuned!
How would you suggest that this presentation be simplified? Wordy but information packed.
Thanks for the comment. Do you think a longer more thorough explanation of pieces of the system would be helpful?
What strikes me most about this video is its ability to capture the essence of solitude amidst the vastness of nature. Bugs are always part of the experience ;) Great upload!
Thanks ... glad you enjoyed it ... I should have known better about the bugs ... Florida in May near the water equals bugs!
Thanks for sharing this. It is the first time I have heard myself on the other side of the qso. de N4YLA.
Glad you liked it. You were definitely coming in strong on my end!
Thanks for the nice video, dear OMs! Congrats! 73 de Rumen/LZ2AF, in Ruse, Bulgaria
Thanks Rumen - glad you enjoyed the video. Always great to connect with a fellow ham, especially in Bulgaria!
Hey POP POP it’s Garrett just wanted to say I love you and miss you and Tyler!!!!
Thanks Garrett ... hope all is well.
@@twooldmeninthewoods it is I got accepted to Mars Hill University
@@user-yt6pk4ts3d Congrats!
@@twooldmeninthewoods thank you!!!!
Great video guys. So glad it was a good hike and you got Terrel to go with you.