Spain Expedition – My First P.O.T.A. Activation Ever
30 AT /BR
25 August 2025 – 27 August 2025
Operator: 13AT289 Jakob
Natural Park Bardenas Reales , Spain
Logbook: 107 Contacts
Our journey to Spain began with our camper, travelling through Luxembourg, Belgium, and France before finally reaching the beautiful northern Spain.
One of the highlights of our trip was the spectacular Bardenas Reales Natural Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is famous for its unique semi-desert landscape, impressive rock formations, deep canyons, and wide open spaces. Over thousands of years, wind and water have shaped this extraordinary landscape into one of the most fascinating natural areas in Europe. Walking through the park feels almost like exploring the American Wild West.
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We spent several wonderful days surrounded by nature and enjoyed every moment with our family. I had the opportunity to be active on the radio for several days in the Park.This expedition was especially important to me because it was my very first P.O.T.A. (Parks on the Air) activation.
As far as I know, it was also the first-ever P.O.T.A. activation on the 11-metre band
making this trip even more memorable.
During the activation I logged 107 contacts, speaking with stations from many different countries while operating from this incredible natural environment.
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Unfortunately, our stay ended dramatically when a powerful thunderstorm suddenly hit the campsite. Strong winds and heavy rain damaged part of our radio equipment and camping gear, forcing us to end the activation earlier than planned. Despite this unexpected setback, the memories of this expedition remain unforgettable.
This activation changed everything for me. It was the moment I discovered how perfectly my two passions fit together: exploring beautiful places in nature and enjoying amateur radio. Since that first activation
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I have fallen in love with POTA. Every activation is a new adventure, allowing me to discover amazing landscapes, spend quality time with my family, and make radio contacts with friends around the world.
Looking back, Bardenas Reales will always have a special place in my heart—not only because of its breathtaking scenery, but because it marked the beginning of an incredible P.O.T.A. journey that continues to this day.
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After leaving the breathtaking Bardenas Reales behind, our journey continued north towards the majestic Pyrenees. Every kilometre brought new scenery, from wide open plains to winding mountain roads, making the drive itself an unforgettable part of the adventure.
Before reaching the mountains, we spent some time exploring the beautiful city of Zaragoza. With its impressive architecture, lively streets, and welcoming atmosphere, it was the perfect place to take a break and enjoy another side of Spain.
Just when we thought the day couldn't become more exciting, we suddenly found ourselves stopped by a road closure. A few minutes later we discovered the reason – the Vuelta a España, Spain's famous cycling tour, was passing by. We had the unexpected privilege of watching the world's best professional cyclists race right in front of us. It was one of those magical travel moments that cannot be planned but will never be forgotten.
As the road reopened, we continued climbing into the spectacular Pyrenees. Towering mountains, deep valleys, crystal-clear rivers, and endless curves made every kilometre a pleasure to drive. We had an amazing time together as a family, enjoying the stunning scenery and looking forward to our next destination.
Our journey was far from over.
Waiting for us high in the Pyrenees was the tiny mountain country of Andorra a beautiful principality nestled between Spain and France, surrounded by breathtaking peaks and untouched nature.
The next chapter of our adventure was about to begin with another special activation:
51AT/VDI – Vall del Madriu (Valle de Incles), Andorra
A beautiful and romantic high-mountain valley, surrounded by spectacular scenery, crystal-clear streams, and peaceful alpine landscapes. It would become the setting for another unforgettable radio adventure.
Stay tuned... the expedition continues!
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