Information from KU9C:
KU9C and N2OO operated as VP9HQ, VP9/KU9C, VP9/N2OO in 2017, and will not be operating the IARU contest in 2025.
Recent DX Spots VP9HQ
VP9HQ will be active from Bermuda Islands, IOTA NA - 005, in IARU HF Championship, 12 - 13 July 2025.
Team - KU9C, N2OO.
They will operate in HQ Category, from VP9GE station.
Before and after contest they will be active as VP9/KU9C and VP9/N2OO.
QSL info:
VP9HQ, KU9C/VP9 via KU9C.
Ads for direct QSL:
STEVEN M WHEATLEY, PO BOX 574, MORRISTOWN, NJ, 07963-0574, USA.
N2OO/VP9 via N2OO.
Ads for direct QSL:
ROBERT W SCHENCK, PO BOX 345, TUCKERTON, NJ 08087, USA.
The mysterious Bermuda: What you didn't know about these islands
Tiny islands lost in the turquoise Sargasso Sea – a tropical paradise where you can relax on pink sand, try a local cocktail, go on a boat adventure, and simply immerse yourself in the amazing culture of this incredible place.
Longtail, White-Tailed Tropicbird, Bermuda Islands. Author - Dev WR.
History: shipwreck and where did the pigs come from?
Little is known about the first European visit to Bermuda. Officially, it was discovered in 1503 by Spanish navigator Juan Bermúdez. But the real story begins with the shipwreck of the flagship of a fleet bound for a new English colony. That is how 150 sailors and settlers under the command of George Somers became the first colonists of Bermuda. The majestic island cedars provided excellent material for building new ships, and after 10 months, all but two volunteers were able to leave the island. Surprisingly, there were numerous wild pigs on the islands. How they got there remains a mystery to this day. Since then, the islands have been gradually populated. Today, the Bermuda Islands are part of the United Kingdom and are its oldest colony.
Bermuda Islands. Author - Ryan Hicks.
Major cities of Bermuda and their attractions
Hamilton is the official capital, government and business center, and the heart of picturesque Bermuda. Pastel houses and stately mansions surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, verandas with wrought-iron railings, narrow streets bustling with tourists.
What will surprise you in Hamilton?
- Holy Trinity Bridge – a neo-Gothic cathedral and the jewel of local architecture;
- Fort Hamilton, located on top of the hills – an impressive pentagonal structure that will reveal a magnificent harbor;
- The Bermuda Historical Museum and Public Library, opened in 1814 and surrounded by Pa-la-Ville Park, will captivate you with the history of the islands' discovery and delight you with a rich exhibition of items raised from the seabed;
- Crystal Cave – the entrance is located right next to the city, and inside you can walk across a bridge over the crystal-clear underground Lake Cahoe. The lake is 16 meters deep and can be seen as clear as day.
- Bermuda National Gallery – enjoy paintings by 17th-19th century masters Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and Winslow Homer.
- The Cenotaph, an exact replica of the London Memorial, was erected in honor of Bermudians who died in wars.
St. George's, the former capital on the coast of a picturesque bay, was founded by the first settlers and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most colorful towns. Here you can forget about the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the colonial era with beautiful houses and streets, old lanterns, and a very special atmosphere.
Bermuda Islands. Author - Canuck21.
Sights of St. George that cannot be missed
- King's Square – the royal square with the Town Hall, the State Residence, the “pillory” and the central tourist office;
- Somers Garden – the burial place of Admiral George Somers, the first settler of the islands;
- St. Peter's Church, the oldest on the islands, with magnificent collections of silver and documents;
- a huge number of museums, bridges, buildings, a lighthouse, and even an island that can be reached by a small bridge.
Amazing facts about Bermuda
- Bermuda consists of 181 islands (about 53 square kilometers), only 20 of which are inhabited. The islands are covered with lava and coral.
- There are only 249 kilometers of roads and bridges between the 10 islands.
- Bermuda is an island of bicycles, as private cars were only allowed in 1948.
- Nowhere else in the world will you find so many golf courses—20.75 square kilometers of them. It is truly a paradise for lovers of this elegant sport.
- There are no rivers or streams on the islands, only saltwater bodies. The only source of fresh water is rain.
- The beaches with their amazing pink sand are protected from the ocean by beautiful coral reefs (one of the best places in the world for diving). Therefore, you will not encounter sharks here. But beware of the “Portuguese man-of-war” — a small coelenterate with poisonous tentacles.
- The city of Perth in Australia and the capital Hamilton are located at opposite points of the globe and are antipodes.
- Howling winds, treacherous reefs, bird cries, and proximity to the mysterious Bermuda Triangle all justify the original name - Devil's Island. In addition, the compass needle does not point north here. A mysterious and incredibly alluring place!
The Bermuda Islands offer tourists the most vivid impressions — this is a trip you will never forget! Everyone will find something exciting and unique here. And who knows, maybe you will want to stay here forever.
