SEDXC - SouthEastern DX Club

CEŘZ

Juan Fernandez

When Bob K4UEE learned he would be going to Easter Island XR0Y and checked the map, it seemed awfully close to another, rarer DXCC country. With some licensing and logistical help from some local hams, he managed a license and an operating site with a 150 ft tower; perfect for the low band emphasis he had in mind. An old friend from AH1A, Randy K0EU and Bob decided to do it. Randy brought along another fella so we were three. After a rather harrowing charter flight to the island from Santiago, Chile and a landing on top of the mountain on a dirt strip they were transported to the only town by sea -- two more hours.
The set-up was great and they hung loops from the big tower and did very well on the low bands. It was a new one for most everyone on 160m. They made about 18,000 qsos in seven days and returned home after a three-week sojourn and operation from two DXCC entities. Juan Fernandez is also named Alexander Selkirk Island; it's where the Dutch sailor was marooned in the 1700s that was the inspiration for the novel Robinson Crusoe. Bob spent some time at the top of the mountain where Mr. Selkirk watched for ships with a signal fire ready to light -- a really historical place!

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