[SEDXC] TRIP TO DAY TORTUGAS

[Mike Greenway]

I am putting this out to my SOTA list first before putting out a larger 
broadcast for the Dry Tortugas DXPedition trip. We recently have had 2 
of the main members back out due to work commitments and we are looking 
to fill those spots immediately! This is a chance of a lifetime!

A few reasons to go:

Those of you following the ARRL grid square chase, this grid square, 
EL84 has zero contacts from it. You will be the DX when on the air!

All radio equipment is being provided, you will only be responsible for 
your own food and camping equipment.

There will be time during the day (and night) to explore the fort and 
snorkel.

Night time you will have the place almost to yourself with no light 
pollution. The night sky is unlike anywhere else.

Obtaining a permit and operating here multiple days/ nights is not 
something you can do on short notice and this will be the only organized 
trip to this grid square for the ARRL grid square chase.

If you can get down to Atlanta, you can ride with me to Key West so 
there is no worry about transportation.

  The rest is from Nathan:

Amateur radio operators!

Have you ever thought about going to a remote, exotic location and 
operate amateur radio just like a real dxpedition?  Have you ever 
thought about what it would be like to work from the “other side” of a 
pile up?  Ever wanted to be totally off of the grid for a few days while 
enjoying one of the country’s most hidden treasures?   Well here is your 
chance!  On the second weekend of June, I’ll be leading a team of 6 down 
to Dry Tortuga National Park.  It’s a US island approx. 70 miles off of 
the coast of Key West.  If you have never heard of this spot, check it 
out at https://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm  It’s a very sought after 
locale for amateur radio operations for multiple reasons! We are looking 
for 2 enthusiastic people to join us!

Please review the following guidelines to see if you would be a good 
fit!  (Please read carefully!) You’ll need to be available June 8th thru 
12th.You will also need to be able to provide your own transportation to 
and from Key West with your own camping gear and maybe a few extras.  No 
radio equipment will be needed.  One member needs to be a general class 
operator or higher. You’ll also need to be able to pay approx. $800/per 
person with half due immediately.  This includes lodging in Key West (to 
and from), ferry transportation and all fees and such on Dry Tortuga.  
Most of all, you need to be flexible and a great team player!  In 
amateur radio fashion, the purpose for these 2 slots is to give 
relatively new amateur radio operators a chance to experience expedition 
style operations without the years of intricate planning, the exuberant 
expense of international travel and long months away from home.  A 
parent/child team would be great for this but it’s open to any two 
people who are looking to be exposed to a different style of amateur 
radio operations.

Keep in mind; this is a remote location that does come with its own 
challenges and advantages.  Since it is within the US, no passport is 
needed.  (US or state issued ID is required.  Birth certificate is 
accepted for children)  You’ll be hours away from any definitive medical 
care.  There is no cell phone or internet service on the island.  There 
is also no light pollution which makes the night sky AMAZING!  The 
island is filled with tons of history lessons, photo opportunities and 
activities like snorkeling, bird watching and enjoying the beach!  And 
BTW, the radio operating conditions are known to be stellar!

This trip is a sanctioned event of the North Fulton Amateur Radio League 
in Roswell, Georgia. NFARL membership is not required but would be 
appreciated. This can be handled easily at https://nfarl.org/join.html

Please email me directly if you have any questions.   Nathan H. Wood, 
K4NHWk4nhw at arrl.net-- <mailto:K4NHWk4nhw at arrl.net-->

Nathan H. Wood, K4NHW

Or

Ryan Kovacs, WG4I

678-648-6662