Every year we load the RV for a fall foliage trip to our local state park. It is the perfect time of year for warm days, cool nights, brilliant colors, hiking, and ham radio! I make a campfire each night to keep warm by as we watch the sunset. State parks are some of the best camping places to enjoy the great outdoors. More on this 5-day adventure to Claytor Lake State Park…
I like to combine this fall trip to include several goals. Hike 6-7 miles per day on the many trails throughout the park. Also, to set up my portable ham radio gear to make two-way radio contacts with other ham radio stations around the world. And finally to enjoy the outdoors and the peak of fall colors.
Claytor Lake State Park
This park is about 20 minutes from home so a great local park for picnics, fishing, and camping. Claytor Lake State Park is a 472-acre state park in Pulaski County, Virginia. The park is located on Claytor Lake, a 4,500-acre, 21-mile-long reservoir on the New River formed by Claytor Dam, which is used to generate hydroelectric power by the Appalachian Power Company. Claytor Lake State Park has hiking trails, a freshwater swimming beach, boating and fishing opportunities, a full-service marina, visitor center, concession, lakeside cabins, and camping.
The lake is man made and formed by the Claytor Lake dam that was built in 1939. The dam provides hydroelectric power for the local area. There was a small settlement in the valley that had to be moved before the lake was formed. An interesting account of these people is found in the small museum in the park. There are still a few concrete structures visible when the water level is at its lowest level.
Hiking and Photos
The hiking at this park is never too challenging even though a couple of trails are listed as moderate. Nothing like some of the local mountain top hikes. But, they are very enjoyable to get a good walk in and see the environment.
Besides all the park activities, one of my favorite things is the outdoor cooking. I made bacon and eggs for breakfast and some fried potatoes and pork chops for dinner one day.
These guys would come out every day in the morning and evening. Not too afraid either.
The tree coloring was at its peak this week. And of course, it was Halloween so some park employees did some decorating.
Our son Ross came to visit one afternoon for dinner and to sit around the campfire. Great times.
More hikes with Pat and some relaxing reading my book. Pat comes out for the hiking, but campfire smoke is a challenge for her.
The lake was as still as glass generating a smooth reflection.
I believe this guy is an heron on its way south for the winter.
Parks on the Air
This very popular aspect of ham radio is my favorite as well. Basically, ham radio operators take their portable antennas, radio, battery, microphone and morse (CW) keyer to a picnic table in one of the official park entities. Once set up, they spot the frequency in the Parks on the Air (POTA) app and all the radio stations within hearing distance will attempt to make a two-way radio contact.
It is tremendous fun to be on the activator side of many other hunters attempting a contact. Many certificates and award are obtained for various accomplishments. All just for fun. The one serious benefit is to practice the portable radio set up in case of a requirement for emergency communications (after a weather event or other disaster that disables regular communications).
My antenna is a hamstick dipole up at 14 feet on a tripod mast. 
The campsite 
RV in for Service
It seems every year we have some planned maintenance work that I am not able to perform myself, so after the unload from our trip to the park, she goes into the shop. This time it was for some slide seals and one slide topper. The plan is to have this done in 2-3 weeks and return just in time for the Florida snowbirding trip.
Wrap Up
That wraps up my annual fall campout just prior to our Thanksgiving family get together and then Florida. Thanks for following along and God Bless.
Fantastic photos and a great job of capturing the fall and the state park visit. Thanks for sharing.
Robert