Paul, G8AFC is currently active as 3B8HE from Mauritius, IOTA AF - 049.
Information from Paul, 3B8HE:
Recent DX Spots 3B8HE
3B8HE is active on HF, in particular 10m and 6m SSB and occasional FT8, until the end of March. Running 350W to a Moxon rectangle (10m & 6m) QSLs should be via Charles Willmot M0OXO. This supercedes all other QSL info.
Mauritius — an island in the Indian Ocean
The island of Mauritius is part of the island republic of the same name in the western Indian Ocean. Mauritius is the largest island in the republic, and it is here that the capital, Port Louis, is located. The territory covers an area of 1,865 square kilometers. The island has a population of approximately 1,245,000. The national composition of the population consists of descendants of European colonizers and slaves from colonial plantations. English is the official language, but the population of Mauritius also communicates freely in French and German, as well as Creole and African dialects. Christianity is the state religion, but the multinational composition of the population means that other faiths are also present, in particular Hinduism and Islam, as well as local religious cults. Most of the population is engaged in agricultural work cultivating sugar cane, in the textile industry, and in tourism. Mauritius has its own airport that accepts charter flights, which greatly facilitates the reception of tourists and the conduct of business.
Mauritius. Author - Thomas Bleich.
From colonial rule to independence
The island was first named Dina Arobi by the Arabs, who discovered these lands in the 10th century. During the Age of Discovery, the island became a subject of dispute among the leading colonial powers. In the early 14th century, the Portuguese discovered this land and named it Sishna, after one of the ships in their expedition. Soon after, the Dutch began colonizing the island, naming it after Maurice of Orange. The Dutch turned the island into a colony for growing and processing sugar cane and cotton, bringing hundreds of dark-skinned slaves here for this purpose. The Dutch colonizers were unable to solve the problem of the invasion of a huge number of rats that had moved here from European ships. Because of this problem, the Dutch colonizers had to leave the island. Over the next two centuries, the island was colonized by France and Great Britain. The French built forts and roads on the island, and the British gave it its modern name, Mauritius. In 1992, the island gained independence as part of the republic of Mauritius.
Mauritius. Author - jeany.
The island's unique nature
Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. Mauritius is characterized by flat, flat terrain. The highest point on the island is Mount Piton, which rises 826 m above sea level. There are several extinct volcanoes on the island. The tropical maritime climate provides a comfortable average annual temperature of +19 to +23ºC without the exhausting heat. The rainy season lasts from February to May. Precipitation on the island is unevenly distributed: in mountainous areas up to 1,500 mm per year, in the plains up to 5,000 mm per year. Most of the island is covered by tropical forests. Mauritius is home to endemic animals such as the Proceratium avium ant and the Nephilengys dodo spider. In the south of the island, there is a nature reserve where you can see turtles. Mauritius is known for its rare plant species, such as the giant tropical water lily and the corypha palm. The island's unique nature is protected by the government, which is why a botanical garden was created in the northern part of Mauritius.
Sunset, Mauritius. Author - Malaquin Eric.
A tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean
The island of Mauritius is one of the most popular resorts in the Indian Ocean. It has a well-developed infrastructure with roads, hotels, cafes, and shops. Its coastline is an endless series of beaches with the purest white sand, indented with small bays for swimming with picturesque coral reefs. Mauritius is equally well suited for lovers of relaxing beach holidays, as well as for those who want to go scuba diving or windsurfing. In recent years, deep-sea fishing has been gaining popularity among tourists.
Among the island's attractions, visitors usually visit the village of Chamarel, which is distinguished by its unique lunar landscape. The dunes near the village are painted in different colors. The beautiful lake near the Hindu temple of Grand Bassin, where, according to legend, fairies bathed, is also popular. The main natural attraction of Mauritius is the Black River Gorges National Park, where you can see mountain rivers, waterfalls, many rare plants and flowers, as well as the highest point on the island. For those who decide to take a helicopter ride, a unique natural phenomenon will open up from above — an underwater waterfall. Independence Day is an interesting spectacle, celebrated with carnival parades, performances, and fireworks.
