Many thanks to Scott (VA3EKR) who shares the following field report which was originally posted on his blog:
August 4, 2024, HMCS Haida National Historic Site (CA-4870)
by Scott (VA3EKR)
I wanted to try out a new park, and so I visited the HMCS Haida National Historic Site (CA-4870).
Band conditions were simply awful, so thankfully Dave Burroughs, VA3CP, and his help getting out the word to the Hamilton repeater, I was able to make this a successful activation.
There were some nice trees, next to some nice picnic tables, and I asked if I could use them, assuring them that I would be exceptionally careful and cause no damage. The male teen suggested I not, so I set up with 20m antenna mounted to the car.
The next priority was to get a picture of my faithful mascot, QRP-Bear.
With antenna set up, I next found the least ergonomically attractive configuration possible. One that made me twist my torso for every time I had to send. If you can avoid this silliness, it’s probably for the better.
I then took a tour of the vessel.
This is on the from the deck of the ship.
Next, I really wanted to see the radio room. I was hoping they would have the transceiver running, as they sometimes do, and let me send some QSOs as the Haida callsign, but that really only happens occasionally.
This is the radio room. They keep a modern radio tucked behind some of the older equipment, and they have a 20m dipole on the deck.
These are from the control room.
Looking up the bow.
A view of the lake.
Some historical context.
Some weaponry shots.
So, while the propagation was not so great, the tour made up for it, and I had a good time!