Many thanks to Christian (IX1CKN) who shares the following field report:
POTA in the hills of Tuscany
by Christian (IX1CKN)
The beauty of the POTA program lies in the fact that, even if you’re not in your region, you can still participate and, in fact, feel somewhat at home even from a distance.
So, Sunday 7th April afternoon, while in Florence, given not common family commitments, I took two buses bound for Fiesole and then walked about twenty minutes to reach reference IT-1396, Monte Ceceri Park.
The concept of a peak at 414 meters above sea level might make a Valdostan smile, because it’s less than the center of Aosta, the place where I usually live, but the view of Florence and its surroundings is priceless and truly breathtaking.
Moreover, as reminded by a monument on the clearing at the summit, the mountain was the stage for Leonardo’s first flight experiments, which adds charm and historical interest to the location.
I set up the equipment I managed to bring with me on the trip: Xiegu G106 and a quarter-wave vertical on the ground, with about ten radials. Not more, but the truth is, more isn’t necessary.
The less than stellar propagation on the higher bands led me to mostly stick to 20 meters, even though they were hyper-populated for the SP contest. However, well, I found a corner with sustainable crowding…
The final log shows 30 QSOs in just over an hour and a half, including various park-to-park contacts (including Nicola IU5KHP, national POTA manager, and Andrea IW0HK).
Unfortunately, an unsuccessful attempt with Dario IZ3QFG, but there will be other opportunities.
No overseas contacts, but I repeat: it’s not about quantity or distance, but the fact that being able to reach a reference by public transport and walking is priceless. 
It manages to give one that feeling of familiarity – amplified by the voices of those you connect with, amazed to find yourself in a park far from home – which is why it’s no surprise that Parks on the Air is growing!
Ham radio via public transit – I like your style! Sounds like a tranquil and satsfying radio outing in a beautiful and historic setting. Savouring to appreciate rather than rushing to accumulate.
Buon lavoro!
To me, being able to reach a reference via public transportation and walking opened litterally a new boundary. I wanted to see the place, and adding the fact to activate gave back an intense feeling. I don’t know how much in the US it would be feasable (even if I guess it should be), but everyone should try the experience.
Christiano (IX1CKN)
Ciao, approfitto del tuo post POTA e voglio farti una domanda logica. Ho assistito molte volte alle attivazioni POTA, in alcuni video e ho riscontrato che gli attivatori non inseriscono nel log i’RST ricevato e i’RST transmesso in CW. Voglio sapere qual e la motivazione per non registrare il rapporto RST e non registrarsi nel registro?. Trattandosi di veri e propri QSO e possibile inviare cartoline di conferma QSL. Qui i rapporti RST devono essere presentati in CW, come procedere in questo caso, ricordi quele RST hai ricevuto da un cacciatore?. Spero che tu abbia capito cosa ho scritto con Google Translate. Per favore, dimmi la tua opinione, Christiano. 72′ Pietro
Ciao Kuchta!
Non faccio CW, ma inserisco sempre nel log il rapporto (reale!) trasmesso e ricevuto. Per me, se non si mette il rapporto di ricezione nel log, il QSO non è svolto correttamente.
Ciao, 73,
Chris
This is a fine field report Christian, bravo! The fact that you made 30 QSOs in one hour with no overseas contacts shows that POTA really is becoming more popular in Europe.
Judging from your photos, it appears there are some fascinating geological stories to be told by the rock exposures.
73
Ciao Matt,
thanks for the comment. I think it’s undoubtable POTA is growing in Europe. However, such a figures tells us, as well, of a smooth propagation afternoon. As I’m typing I just came back from IT-1197, where I did 20 in 90 minutes. Tonight it was less satisfying, but always good to activate.
The rocks you see in the picture are remains of a quarry. In the reference on the Florence hills there were many (this one is on the road to the Mount top), and yes they’ve plenty of stories to tell!
73!