Activation Report: Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site (US-3635) — April 13, 2026
- 3 min reading time
Mode: FT8 (Digital) · Band: 20m · Radio: Xiegu X6200 · Contacts: 20 · Park: US-3635
A new park in the log — Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site, POTA reference US-3635, out on Terra Ceia Island near Palmetto. 20 QSOs on 20 meters and a genuinely one-of-a-kind place to set up a radio.
The park
This one is unlike anything else in the rotation. Madira Bickel Mound is Florida's first designated State Archaeological Site — a 10-acre coastal preserve protecting a flat-topped Native American ceremonial mound composed of sand, shell, and village debris, measuring 100 by 170 feet at the base and standing 20 feet tall. Florida State Parks Archaeological excavations have established that occupation of the site reaches back 2,000 years across three distinct cultural periods — Manasota, Weedon Island, and Safety Harbor. Wikipedia The Tocobaga people who built and used this mound were here long before anyone was putting up antennas.
The walkway winds under towering Spanish moss trees and sabal palms leading to the base of the mound, with interpretive signs along the path telling the story of the people who lived here centuries ago. Florida State Parks It's a small site — you can walk the whole thing in a few minutes — but the history packed into those 10 acres is remarkable. It was a beautiful day out there and the park was peaceful.
The setup
Arrived at 1125 and was fully operational in 10 minutes. JPC-12 vertical with all 8 radials laid out, Xiegu X6200, and the picnic tables gave a solid operating position. No technical issues — everything came up clean and stayed that way for the entire activation.
On the air
Ran FT8 on 20 meters from 1125 to 1254. Got spotted on the POTA network and contacts came in steadily. 20 QSOs — solid valid activation and a new park reference in the log. Conditions on 20 were cooperative and the session ran smooth from start to finish.
Would I activate here again?
Yes — it's a short drive from the Tampa Bay area and a completely different kind of POTA experience. Most parks give you nature. This one gives you 2,000 years of history to sit with while the contacts roll in. Worth the trip.
Full log uploaded to POTA.app. 73 de W4GGJ