Anybody else get disappointed about an aspect of the hobby after getting more involved? I heard about SOTA and envisioned all the participants doing serious multi day hikes to get to a mountain peak to operate. Turns out a large number of SOTA contacts are made from parking lots. The rules do have minimum distance from vehicle to operate but It doesn't appear that rule is followed too closely.
I do a lot of hiking and thought it would be a fun aspect of the hobby to get involved in. I ordered some QRP equipment, something light enough, my old ass could carry up a hill. Started watching videos of people operating, saw an awful lot of asphalt, vehicles, beams, pushup poles in the videos and pictures. Went to the SOTA mapping to see what mountains in my area were on the map. The map also shows activations. An awful lot of activations from parking lots on top of hills. Yes, there are a lot of hills with a few activations that require a few miles of hiking to get there.
I'm still gonna operate and have fun, but I'm definitely gonning wonder if activators can unlock their vehicle with their key fob from where they're sitting.
Old man shouting at the clouds (over mountain tops)
Edit it's amazing that I expressed my feelings over my expectations, realistic or not, and people are telling me what my emotions should be.
ALSO, OLD MAN SHOUTING AT THE CLOUDS. I'm not telling anybody how to operate to their station, or what activities they should partake in.
