w6csn’s outdoor amateur radio

On our first trip across Wyoming a few days before, we did not stop for POTA because we had places to be and a lot of driving to get there. Nevertheless I had noted several potential historic sites that I could activate if I had the time and energy.

Our return trip was on a more relaxed schedule, although we still wanted to make it across Wyoming to Salt Lake City by the end of the day. On the outskirts of Laramie is Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site (US-6122).

Hmmm…. a prison? Like the activation at the “Massacre Site” in Idaho, not really the vibe I was hoping for. But, the site was close to I-80 and had been activated many times, encouraging signs that this could be an easy win.

I paid the entrance fee and asked the person at the desk if I could setup a low profile ham radio station at the group picnic area just next to the warden’s residence. She said this would be fine.

For this activation I again paired the KH1 with the GRA-7350T antenna, but this time used the GRA-GNT micro tripod kit with telescoping extension to raise the antenna feed point a couple of feet off the ground.

With “Ok” cell service here, I spotted myself on POTA and began calling CQ. The conditions were such that I was able to collect the needed 10 QSOs in about 20 minutes on the air. KG5WAW called right at the end for number 11.

With Wyoming activated, I quickly stowed the radio gear and took a quick tour of the prison and grounds before hitting the road again.

73 de W6CSN