|
|
 |
|
St. Patrick's Day on
Rodrigues |
 Our
international team includes Paul EI5DI, who
celebrated St. Patrick's Day on Rodrigues.
After an early breakfast, the team broke into two. Half travelled back
across the island to the sea port, where our container had arrived a few
weeks ago. We spent 40 minutes in the scorching sun waiting for the senior
customs officer to inspect our cargo. Opening the container was a challenge,
as the two padlocks had been badly affected by the salt water on their journey
from the United Kingdom. With the application of a little WD40 oil,
Jim
KF7E, was finally able to turn the keys and open the container.
Following the customs inspection, it was all hands to start unloading the
equipment onto three waiting trucks. Moving equipment in the heat of the sun
has to be done with care, to ensure that nobody is injured or suffers from
sunstroke.
 A
fork lift truck and some local help, ensured that the unloading took less
than 90 minutes. One of our trucks suffered a tyre puncture whilst still in
the port and had to jacked up while still fully loaded to employ the spare.
This looked a particularly dangerous operation!
Back on the other side of the island, the remaining members of the team
cleared the two rooms which are to become our shacks and imported tables for
the equipment. The locations for the antennas were carefully checked and
each marked with a pile of rocks.
At around midday, three fully laden trucks arrived at the
Cotton Bay Hotel,
along with two pick-up trucks all fully laden with equipment and antennas. A
forth journey was needed to complete the task. Over 4,500 kilos of equipment
had been moved and transported from one side of the island to the other.
 The
trucks were unloaded by the whole team and everything was stacked on the
ground.
After an extended lunch break, due to the heat, the whole team started work
on antenna building and laying out equipment in the two shacks. A special
electricity supply was installed by Bob GU4YOX, our "power king".
By the end of the day, beams for 20m and 17m were ready, along with the 40m
four-square and the first of two 80m phased verticals. Power has been
installed and all equipment moved under cover for the night.
Time for a quick shower before dinner, which tonight was an excellent hot
and cold buffet.
On Thursday, we start at 0515 local time.
Go to Thursday ->
|
|
Principal Sponsor:
Yaesu
Major Sponsors |
|
|
|
