My first SOTA activation was on Mount Williamson W6/CT-247.  Six years later, on 07/18/26, I reached 1,001 points on Pine Mountain W6/CT-040.  My wife Juli accompanied me on most of these activations.

My first 250 activator points were all on 2m FM using a 5-Watt Yaesu HT, and a home brew roll up J-Pole antenna.  Now, along with 2m FM, I use a linked dipole on a carbon fiber mast for HF SSB contacts and always try to work as many people as I can. 

I really appreciate all of the Chasers, Activators and Contributors in the SOTA community. They have helped make this part of our hobby so much fun. I have made friends and received helpful advice and encouragement countless times which inspired me and improved my success along the way. 

Some of my favorite summits include Pikes Peak W0C/FR-004, best drive up ever.  Half Dome W6/SN-040, via the cables with my son, daughter and son-in-law.  El Montaon W6/SC-315, beautiful transition zones of flora and geology from sea to summit. Grandview Benchmark W7A/CN-013, where wild horses roam.  And Pine Mountain W6/CT- 040, where bighorn sheep greeted me at the end of my goat hike.

I chose Pine Mountain W6/CT-040 as my Mountain Goat summit because it is one of my favorite summits and I have always referred to this hike as a “goat trail” up the ridge line from the north side. 

[CJB: Welcome Rick to the herd. I believe you are Mountain Goat #51 for our W6 Association.]