I went up to a spot I call Communication Point to try out a portable ham radio antenna I constructed from a camera tripod and an Elk 2m/70cm logarithmic beam antenna. When I got up to my spot I noticed that the forest service had cleared a huge area on one of the lower plateaus along the Highline Trail.

The spot makes a nice campground and safe place to have a campfire when allowed. The area cleared is big enough to land a helicopter so it could serve as an emergency LZ for the air-evac companies here on the rim. I found a tree to the side of the campsite with shade and soft ground to test my antenna. I put a red X on the topographic map showing where the campsite is located. You can't miss it because the trail goes right along the north side of the campsite.

Shade from the tree with a cable running over to the antenna

Looking south with the beam antenna pointing towards the city of Payson

My office desk and portable ham radio station (Yaesu VX-7R) with remote mic and speaker

Looking down the beam as it points towards Gisela while talking to Dave, KC7PFR on 146.520 simplex.

Standing on the trail looking up at the peak of Milk Ranch Point with campsite to the right

Standing on the trail looking south at the clearing and campsite

Campsite living room with fireplace and easy chairs

Complete antenna side profile shot for you other ham radio operators