This year’s mini YL DXpedition was held on Sept 10-12, 1999. However, due to many exigencies, emergencies and schedule conflicts only two parties made it to the island this year: Jean and me (KB8YHN and KB8USZ), and Jim Iams K8BLB and Paula. We operated under our own callsigns independently at each of our respective campsites which were close together but not adjacent. Bob and Judy Cerrito (WA1FXT and KC8BOM) stopped by for a visit, and our niece Liz, her husband Frank, and their 6-month-old Jim camped with us. My brother-in-law and his wife also visited.
The weather was perfect, hiked and biked and sat around the campfire, looking out over the lake (we were on the north side of the state park campground, near the lake this time). Jim and I contacted lots of people, he with his Yaesu FT757GX and high 80m halfwave dipole, and me with my TAC-1 QRP rig and 40 meter tree-mounted ground plane. As Sept. 11 was my birthday, I regarded the entire weekend as a glorious, memorable gift. It takes a little time, money and effort to get on the island, but it's worth it. Jean and I plan to camp on Kelleys next September, weather permitting, and if the weather's right we're going to be staying three nights once again. It's a wonderful island on which to be marooned.
Hope next year brings out the adventurous spirits in force! 73, --Bill and Jean Ruth
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Last Updated: Oct. 18, 1999 by kc4iyd@geocities.com