Location: Platte River Camp | GPS: 41.3131° N, 105.5910° W (approx)
We were up early today—6:00 AM sharp—because Gayla had a podcast recording on the schedule. It was a chilly 46°, but I welcomed the brisk morning air with a cup of hot coffee and a front-row seat to the sunrise. I’ll take this kind of cool June morning over a sticky 80° day any time.
While Gayla was on her call, I wandered around camp to stretch my legs and do some light nature spotting. A few Showy Milkweed plants were just beginning to bloom, and the birds were out and active. I caught the calls of a Brown-Headed Cowbird, a Common Grackle, and the distinct drumming of a Northern Flicker. Always a good morning when you start it with birdsong.
After her interview, Gayla wanted to keep the momentum going and work outside, so we set up our 7’x7’ diamond tarp for some shade. The forecast called for wind later, so we made the most of the calm while it lasted.
While she tackled client work, I activated the POTA (Parks on the Air) park again. This park has only been activated six times before, so it felt special being part of its radio story. I made 18 contacts today—much better than yesterday’s activation. This time I ran the Xiegu G90 with my homebrew 20m dipole, a solid performer compared to the 17’ vertical on the Tarheel I used previously.
We had planned to drive today but ended up scrapping the idea. Camp life was just too good to leave.
By noon, it was time to refuel. I grilled up some beef hotdogs, topped them with melted cheese and butter, and we called that lunch. Just after we ate, the wind really picked up—gusts hit 35 mph, shaking everything not tied down. We broke down the shade and retreated inside for the rest of the day’s work.
Both of us ended up catching a short afternoon nap, rocked to sleep by the wind buffeting the camper. After we woke, we took the dogs for a quick walk—leashed up so they wouldn’t blow away!
The highlight of the evening? A quick rinse in the Platte River. Cold, refreshing, and much needed.
Back inside, Gayla continued client projects while I did a little leather work and gave Oscar a much-needed nail trim.
Miles driven today: 0
Total miles on the trip: 1139.99
Some days are slow and simple—and that’s exactly what we needed.
