Dear IOTA chasers
When I close my eyes at night I hear music, it’s the Sirens song calling for me to visit a remote Australian island. This Sirens song is a choir of thousands of IOTA chasers all singing the same tune, it’s a serenade seducing me to throw off the bow lines and set sail into the raging seas.
Life should be an adventure, but it won’t be an adventure worth telling if there are no islands being activated. 2017 will be an exciting year and I’m pleased to present this menu to satisfy your insatiable hunger for IOTA:
Champagne at midnight OC-228 Granite Island Jan 1
Pre-dinner drinks OC-196 Gabo Island Jan 31 – Feb 1
Entrée OC-233 Bruny Island Apr 22 – 23
Main course OC-198 North Island Oct 12 – 16
Dessert OC-230 Rowley Shoals early Nov
After dinner drinks OC-216 Ashmore Reef early Nov
Logic and common sense tells me that the cost of time and money is too high a price for me to pay. But the joy I get from bringing you that “new rare one” is overwhelming and so the island must be conquered. But the fight can be tough. There are strong winds, searing heat and stifling humidity when trying to put up antennas and build a station, I’m responsible for life support in a remote environment with dangerous wildlife, and I’m trying to fight fatigue and sleep deprivation to be on the air all hours of the day and night. It can be overwhelming trying to conquer the island by myself. In moments of fear, hopelessness, exhaustion or doubt I close my eyes, they sting with sweat and sand. But then a smile washes over my face as I realise that I’m not alone on the island. You’re here with me. I have a passionate and loyal army of IOTA chasers by my side. Your support either on the air, with positive DX cluster comments, supportive emails or financial sponsorship makes me fight harder and harder to get you in the log.
It is an absolute honour and privilege to activate these IOTA’s for you in this adventurous year of a lifetime. But I do need your help. The cost of Ashmore Reef is very high, over $10,000. Thank you so much to the clubs, organisations and generous individuals who have already sent in sponsorship. I know November is a long time away but early sponsorship is so important. If you are able to help then I would truly appreciate it. Remember all people who send in sponsorship prior to the DXpedition automatically get a QSL card at no further cost or need to use OQRS.
If you are able to help, please visit ashmorereef.wordpress.com/support
73s de Craig VK5CE
