I strained my calf muscle a few weeks ago and haven't been able to get out for any exercise or SOTA activations due to the pain. I decided to go to Frazier Mtn, as I knew I could drive to the top of the mountain. It was an easy drive from the Crescenta Valley. I took the 5 north to Frazier Mtn Park Rd., to Lockwood Valley Rd., to Frazier Mtn Rd., which becomes Forest Rte 8N04. The roads are well marked and it is an easy drive. I was at Frazier Mtn Road in about an hour from my house.
I got an early start so I decided to do some geocaching. There were 15 geocaches on Forest Rte 8N04 from Lockwood Valley Road to Frazier Mtn. I was able to find each cache. Along the way I saw a nice sized bobcat. By the time I stopped and got the camera ready, he was gone. I also saw a deer on the road and several quail.
The first two miles of the road is paved. There are a few potholes before you reach the campground. After the campground, the road turns to hard packed dirt. A little rough in spots, but I had no problem with my 2-wheel drive Toyota. At six miles, there is a fork in the road. A clearly marked sign indicates to turn right to Frazier Mtn Lookout.
On the drive up, there were some nice views of the Lockwood Valley.
After the activation, I had a good time exploring the mountain. I was hoping I could go inside the old lookout tower, but there was a gate at the top of the stairs. While I was walking around, an older gentleman in camouflage rode up on an ATV. He was out bow hunting and said he had been chasing a buck in the area.
There are plenty of trees in the area to support the antenna. Although I am still hobbling a bit, I felt good that for a change, I threw my rock over the correct branches on the first attempt.
I found this old wall that provided a good spot for my station. I brought a small cooler this trip that I used as a chair. The location also had some nice views. As soon as I arrived at the mountain, I was contacted on 2m by Hal, N6JZT, for a summit to summit activation. He was on Strawberry Peak (W6/CT-018) in the Angeles National Forest.
On the other side of the wall, it looked like someone made a memorial. There was a rock cross and a planted tree.
As I began to work the radio, Roxy found a nice shaded spot between the trees and settled in for her nap.
It was a nice morning on Frazier Mtn. and to have the opportunity to get out for an activation, even though I can't hike this week. Hopefully, I will be ready to hike next week. On the way home, I exited the 5 fwy in Gorman and attempted to access Lebec Benchmark, W6/CT-122. I traversed a couple of dirt roads before I was within a 1/4 mile from the top and I came across a fence with a gate and a posted "No Tresspassing" sign. I turned around and headed for home.
I made the following contacts on Frazier Mtn.:
2m - N6JZT - Summit to Summit W6/CT-018 Strawberry Peak
20m - W0MNA, W0ERI, WA2USA, NE4TN, VE2JCW, NS7P, K6TUY, K8LJG, N4MJ
40m - W7RV, KN6CCW, K6EL, NS7P, WA6RIC, WB0USI, NR7T, NA6MG, N7XCZ, KE6YX
Thank you to all chasers and spotters!
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