On the 21st BOAR had the opportunity to assist with the install of a HAM radio repeater and antenna. We started the day meeting up down by Silver Lake Flat where we loaded conduit, pipe, fence posts, and cement into the truck.

We then headed up the narrow switchback section up to the gate that closes off the Major Evans Gulch area. After speaking with the owners, we passed through the gate and headed up to the cabin where we unloaded supplies and began the install.

A trench was dug for the antenna cable, pit dug for the antenna post install, and the shelf for the repeater was installed. While the cabling was being finalized and tuned, we had the rare opportunity to drive up the Major Evans Switchbacks to the top overlook. The views at the top looking down into Mary Ellens Gulch were incredible, as was the view of Mt. Timpanogos.

On our way back down we took a look into one of the mines that had been partially sealed off to store water. This water then travels down a pipe to the cabin and the flow generates electricity, along with providing drinking water. There is also an old Jeep that had rolled down the hill and been abandoned.

We then stopped back at the cabin to help finish up the antenna tuning/install. We couldnt get the antenna to work properly, so the connectors were replaced one at a time. Of course the last connector we replaced was the faulty one, and it also was the one the factory had done(poorly). Once that was sorted out, the antenna worked without issue and we were able to test it with our portable HAM radios.

As we headed down the canyon for the night, one of the idler pulleys in the truck failed, taking out the serpentine belt with it. This required a quick trip down into town for parts, back up to the truck, swapping the part out, and driving down. Big thanks to Coy for taking additonal time out of his night to assist.

By the time we exited the canyon it was late, but we had a great sense of accomplishment from the day. Another huge thank you goes to Protect and Preserve American Fork Canyon, who organized the event and gave us the opportunity to assist in this project. Definitely check out their page and see the great work they are doing to protect this area, http://americanforkcanyon.com/

Til' Next Time!