Jacky, ZL3CW will be active as FW2CW from Wallis Island, IOTA OC - 054, Wallis and Futuna, 20 - 30 November 2023.
He will operate on HF Bands, including activity in CQ WW DX CW Contest, 25 - 26 November 2023, as FW5N.
Recent DX Spots FW2CW
FW2CW Log searchFW5N Log searchRecent DX Spots FW5N
QSL via ClubLog OQRS, LOTW.
He will operate from FW1JG QTH.
DXCC Country - Wallis and Futuna, FW.
FW2CW FW5N Wallis Island News 21 November 2023
Jacky, FW2CW start his activity from Wallis Island.
Wallis and Futuna Islands: in the heart of the Pacific Ocean
Safely tucked away in the Pacific Ocean, the Wallis and Futuna Islands are perhaps the furthest territory from its official capital. Paris and the tiny archipelago are separated by 16,000 kilometres. The paradise place is still very far from mass tourism, so the nature, culture, customs and gastronomic traditions of the indigenous population of Oceania have been preserved here in almost pristine condition.
Geography and climate
The islands of Wallis and Futuna belong to the "Polynesian triangle" - they are 300 kilometres from Fiji, 370 kilometres from Samoa, 2,100 kilometres from Caledonia and 2,800 kilometres from Tahiti. The area is commonly referred to as an archipelago made up of three atolls - Wallis, Alofi and Futuna. Although geographically the definition is not quite correct. The islands are separated by an impressive 230 kilometres and have never been historically or physically attached to each other. Despite this, geographers divide the territory into two groups:
Wallis - one main island with the capital Mata Utu, lagoons and a dozen coral atolls.
Horn - the islands of Futuna and Alofi. Futuna is divided into two parts, Sigave with a jetty and Alo with an airport.
All the islands are of volcanic origin. Wallis Island appeared in the Cenozoic era (66 million years ago), the atolls in the lagoon are quite young - 300,000 years old. The terrain is low-lying, with the highest point being Mount Lulu Fakahega at 151 metres. Futuna is more mountainous. The summit of Puke (524 metres) gradually slopes down to the ocean, forming a complex and picturesque topography.
The climate of the islands is tropical, humid, with no abrupt change of seasons. The temperature is constant all year round, varying between 25-32°C, monthly rainfall varies from 150 to 400 mm. The cool period with moderate trade winds lasts from May to September. From October to April, the islands experience hot weather with frequent rainfall.
History of the islands
Wallis (Uvea) and Futuna were settled 3,400 years ago by peoples of the Lapita civilisation. From the 15th century, the Wallis were inhabited by the Tonga people, who established a hierarchy of authority of "chiefs" that is still in place today. Europeans visited the islands in 1616. Dutch sailors were able to miraculously cross the coral reef and reach Futuna. In 1767, Samuel Wallis reached the island of Uvea and gave it his name. The first westerners to settle permanently on the islands were missionaries. From 1837 onwards, they worked to evangelise the indigenous population. In 1842, Wallis converted completely to the Catholic faith. Futuna joined Christianity in 1846.
A protectorate treaty with France was signed in 1888. Despite this, Wallis and Futuna were never colonies. From 1942 to 1946, the U.S. Army occupied Wallis and made significant contributions to infrastructure. Roads, marinas, and airports are still in use today. In 1959, a referendum approved the annexation of Wallis and Futuna Islands to France. The decision came into legal force in 1961.
The universe of Wallis and Futuna Islands
The islands are, in every way, a unique place on the planet. Untouched by the tourist industry, the archipelago has managed to preserve its pristine nature and unique Polynesian culture. Single travellers are greeted by smiles, hospitality and flower necklaces. The islands' rich history (ties with Tonga and Samoa, evangelisation, American occupation, incorporation into France) has been carefully preserved in architecture and cultural traditions.
Natural attractions on the islands are represented by crater lakes, in particular one of the largest in the Pacific Ocean, Lalolalo, and the beautiful Wallis lagoons, with 13 uninhabited paradise atolls. In just ten minutes you can reach unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters and a magnificent coral reef - every diver's dream. Mount Puke makes a powerful impression with its picturesque landscapes, diverse flora and fauna.
Archaeological and historical monuments on the islands are represented by the magnificent heritage of the Lapita civilisation, the Tongo people and the developed infrastructure of the Americans. Tourists primarily visit:
- cannibal oven on Futuna;
- Loka Cave on Alofi;
- the Poi Basilica, site of the assassination of Oceania's only saint, Pierre Chanel;
- the volcanic stone Mata Uta Cathedral;
- St Joseph's Church;
- the fortress city of Talietumu.
The islands' many churches are well maintained, decorated with flowers, always crowded as much as possible with a population of 11,000. The original traditions and customs make you fall in love with the lost world forever. It is here that you can witness and participate in the catoaga ceremony, a half secular, half religious event that involves drinking the famous cava. Watch the work of artisans whose art has been carefully preserved for centuries and, of course, sample the national cuisine, based on coconut milk, seafood and pork.
Curious facts
There is absolutely no tourism on the islands. There are only four hotels with 26 rooms each. Restaurants are proudly called roadside eateries, and there is no public transport. Taxis did not take root on the islands because the locals were categorically unwilling to pay the fare, and tourists are so few that they do not cover the cost of maintaining cars.
The French authorities are pushing hard to encourage settlement of the island. One of the social measures offered as part of the demographic programme is increased salaries. Teachers, doctors, researchers, civil servants who wish to work in Paradise can count on a salary 2-3 times higher than the mainland one.
It is very difficult to get to the islands. And the matter is not even in the distance, but in the lack of developed transport infrastructure. For example, planes to Fiji depart from the local airport only once a week. And there is a high probability that a flight will be cancelled due to cloud cover.
Wallis and Futuna are extremely interesting for active travellers who are not afraid of difficult roads, long distances and the possibility of being stuck on the islands for an indefinite period of time. In return, you can enjoy unspoilt lagoons, crater lakes and bizarre landscapes. We can only wish you a happy exploration of unspoilt lands while the opportunity exists.
