Serpentine Wildlife Area

The Serpentine Fen has been a migratory bird reserve since my kids were small. We had taken the boys to visit the place numerous times when they were still teens. Time has marched on and the fen has continued to provide room for the birds as they migrate north and then south each year. Though now I noticed that the ponds that had been freshly dug back then are now quite settled looking and no longer an eye-sore with exposed gravel, instead they are algae fill basins of smelly water. I guess as it is for birds, it works well. The trails themselves are in decent shape and provide easy access to many wanting to walk and in migration season to view the birds.

The park had been on our map for some time though it seemed to have be hidden and I am convinced that it wasn’t showing on the map for awhile. Recently it became more obvious and I decided to plan our next outing to activate the area. The weather was starting to be warmer with drier days and so our wait wasn’t long. As the reserve is only a few minutes drive away we left a bit later than normal. Ralph arrived at 1pm and we set off for the parking lot of the reserve. Upon arrival we found it about half full, once parked, we started out along the main trail the follows the Serpentine River and is the main trail for access to the viewing stands.

We found a nice patch of level grass right next to the parking lot which one of us could use. Wandering the walkway, we found a few more stubbly areas. Taking a side trail, we came upon a nice open area next to one of the ponds. It would also be a nice location to set up in. We returned to the main trail and continued around a bend of the river there we found another larger open area which would be a good location. Ralph decided that he quite liked the spot and so we had several places to pick from. We started back to the car. Ralph chose that spot furthest from the car. I debated whether to use the side trail location or the one next to the lot. In the end I chose the lot location as it gave us the greatest separation.

We loaded the cart and walked into the park and immediately unloaded my stuff. I didn’t really need the cart but it did save me a few trips. Ralph then continued on to his site. As I was next to the parking lot, I had several people stop to ask about my activity. It is a fun way to share the hobby with others. Soon I had the antenna up and I was scanning the band for other activators. Unlike last time out, today I could hear many other activators out there. I called out to a couple and managed to work them – one in Florida the other in Utah - so I was off to a good start. I picked a frequency and immediately had a station from the Yukon responding. Next came an Arizona station followed by a chap in Arkansas who was doing a triple park activation!

Over the next hour I had 23 contacts logged. Those included two from fellow club members just over the ridge at their homes. Ralph was also doing quite well today. He had worked 30 stations and was ready to pack up. I didn’t have as many contacts but had nine park-to -park contacts in the log. That seemed pretty good to me. I had been on the 20m band the whole time so just before I packed up I switched to the 17m band as I saw one park listed. I was able to hear him and quickly worked him. It was as I was finishing off with that station that fellow club member Jim called, he was trying for the park but got me instead. Well at least he did get a park, just not the intended one which he couldn’t hear.

Done with radio I started packing up the gear and just as I finished Ralph showed up with the cart. Again we loaded it up for the short walk back to the car. It had been a lovely day out in the sun and fresh air. We both felt good about the activation and had a lot of fun talking with those across the continent. I find the program quite refreshing and it helps provide good motivation to get outside and do something more than just sitting at home.