Newsletter July - September 2025
- Hal Grant
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
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RV RISKYVENTURE Newsletter
Issue 2 Volume 1 July - September 2025
Dear Risky Venture Friends and Family,
Risky Venture Cross-Country Journey: July-September 2025 Summary
The Adventure Overview
Hal (WA2AKV) and Lorraine embarked on their year-long National Parks tour in their Minnie Winnie RV - aptly named RiskyVenture, accompanied by their dog Lola. This cross-country journey combines their passion for America's natural treasures with Ham radio activities, particularly Parks On The Air (POTA) operations.
Our route so far:
Geographic Journey Highlights
July: Started in Canada (Ontario) visiting Thousand Islands and remote wilderness areas like Booth Landing, then crossed into Michigan via the Upper Peninsula, experiencing Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Au Train.
August: Traveled through Montana and Wyoming, visiting Yellowstone National Park, Dubois (with petroglyphs discovery), and Laramie. Made special stops to visit friends including Jan Sepe in Boulder, Colorado, and enjoyed the Rocky Mountain National Park experience.
September: Journeyed through Colorado (Mueller State Park, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde) and into Utah (Arches National Park), with upcoming reservations for Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Grand Canyon.
Ham Radio Achievements
● POTA Activations: Successfully activated multiple state and national parks including Ridgway State Park (first solo activation with 13 CW contacts), Mueller State Park (guided by experienced operator Jim Stinson N0IPA), and Arches National Park
● Equipment Setup: Established vertical HF antenna system with radials on RV roof platform
● Notable Contacts: Made impressive DX contacts including KH6CJJ in Hawaii using 100-watt mobile setup
● Community Connections: Met fellow hams Justin (KD2NPK) and Michael (KD2NRP)
at Arches, and had memorable eyeball QSO with Bob O'Connell (K0VVV) in Arvada, Colorado
Memorable Encounters & Experiences
Wildlife: Multiple buffalo encounters in Yellowstone, hot air balloon festivals in Colorado Springs, and extensive nature photography throughout the journey.
Cultural Discoveries: Found authentic petroglyphs in Wyoming's Dubois Badlands, visited the historic Colorado Chautauqua (oldest in the US, dating to 1898), and experienced unique local establishments like Aphrodite's Antiques in Laramie with its authentic mountain man artifacts.
Technical Adventures: Overcame various RV challenges including furnace repairs (expertly handled by Joshua Ames, "The Bearded Nomad"), generator troubleshooting, and water system maintenance.
People & Community
The journey has been enriched by numerous meaningful connections: Jim Stinson (N0IPA), a Marine veteran involved with "Warriors on the Way" veteran healing program; friendly campground hosts and fellow travelers; and longtime friends like Jan Sepe and Clyde Mason in Colorado.
Looking Ahead
The carefully planned route continues through Utah's "Big Five" national parks, then to Arizona's Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and eventually Phoenix by November's third week. The journey represents not just tourism but a deeper exploration of America's natural heritage combined with the camaraderie of amateur radio community.
Journey Reflection
After over two months on the road, Hal and Lorraine report being "in good spirits and good health," having experienced "the most memorable travel experiences ever." Our adventure seamlessly blends outdoor exploration, technical pursuits, and human connections across America's diverse landscapes.
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