This was the approach to Grayson Highlands State Park this morning (K-1300). Much of the park was closed down. This location also allows the opportunity to activate K-9935, the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail. I was able to get 56 QSOs from my vehicle and luckily out of the cold, with a 20m Shark-brand hamstick on a vehicle mag mount.
While I often use my IC-705, I felt like using the IC-718 today and it performed well, as always.
By early afternoon, I made it to Hungry Mother State Park (K-1303). I started on 20m again, and I noticed a substantial deterioration in the band. It took me about 2 hours to get 10 QSOs to successfully complete this activation.
I actually had to switch my hamstick to a 40m to get the last one. In retrospect, I could have tried an EFHW there which would have allowed me to not only try another antenna and move around from band to band more efficiently.
Overall, it was a great day for POTA - it allowed me to be outside without having to be cold, by operating from my vehicle!