Guy Atkins wrote:
For the first time in many years, I traveled inland within Washington rather than to a coastal site for a DXpedition. My intent was to concentrate on tropical band DXing for a change, as trans-Pacific MW DX is the primary target from the WA coast DXpedition locations such as Grayland and Ocean City State Park.

Conrad Meadows is a beautiful spot in the Mt. Rainier area, and is the starting point for hikers and packhorse trips heading into the Goat Rocks Wilderness. I set up camp in a nearby "dispersed camping" area, where you are free to set up camp in whatever spot looks inviting. I picked a location a short stone's throw from the South Fork of the Tieton River, and between two conveniently-placed pine trees (for antennas).

The area is green and lush during the spring, but this part of the state is bone-dry at the moment...still, it's a pleasant location to camp next to the burbling waters, string up some antennas, and DX completely free from local noise or interference sources. The photos on this individual's blog show what Conrad Meadows looks like in the month of May:
http://www.moderndogweblog.com/photo...fromabove.html

This was the 3rd DXpedition I've used the PA0RDT Mini-Whip antenna, and it was great to find that it always equalled, and usually exceeded, my Wellbrook ALA 100. The Mini-Whip clearly performs best in a noise-free location and mounted as high as possible. At the campsite I was able to raise the Mini-Whip to a 40-foot level in the branches of a Ponderosa pine; the ALA 100 antenna was erected similarly, with the flat-top portion of an inverted delta loop also at 40 feet. Total loop circumference was 100 feet; probably overkill but the loop was still a fine performer.


It's weird that the mini-whip is so vulnerable to noise. Its creator
says he designed it specifically for use in urban environments and so
that he'd have an antenna for LF work that would be quieter than an
active loop. And yet the reviews I read all talk about what a noise
magnet the mini-whip is. I don't get it.

Steve