Queens of the Mountain

Ever wondered what happens when passionate female ham radio operators take to mountain peaks? This episode takes you on an unforgettable journey into the world of Summits on the Air (SOTA) with two extraordinary guests - Amy AG7GP and Paula K9IR, founders of the "Queens of the Mountain" event.Amy shares her transformation from a novice carrying 25 pounds of equipment up mountains to becoming a skilled SOTA operator and community builder in the Pacific Northwest. Her story of overcoming self-doubt resonates with anyone who's faced challenges in outdoor activities. Meanwhile, Paula recounts her 48-year ham radio journey, from passing her first code test in 1976 to conquering an astonishing seven summits in a single day as part of what she calls "biathlon for geeks."The conversation delves deep into the unique experiences of women in this male-dominated hobby. Both guests candidly discuss the challenges some female operators face while highlighting the incredible support network they've built.Their Queens of the Mountain event (June 7-8, 2024) invites women worldwide to activate summits and encourages all operators to make contacts with them.You'll discover fascinating SOTA insights along the way - from prominence requirements that determine what qualifies as a summit to dramatic tales of broken ankles on mountaintops and navigating dense forest where "you need a machete to hack through." The guests even share the touching story behind their special award named for K1LIZ, a blind operator who achieved Mountain Goat status multiple times.Whether you're an experienced SOTA activator, curious about mountain operations, or simply enjoy hearing stories of perseverance and community-building, this episode offers something special. Ready to join this remarkable community? Listen now and discover how you can participate in the growing movement of women taking amateur radio to new heights.QRZ Page: Amy AG7GP - https://www.qrz.com/db/AG7GPPaula K9IR - https://www.qrz.com/db/K9IR