Experienced French DXpeditioner 14DA028 Phil has announced an exciting solo Inland Water Islands (IWI) Tour of the Noord-Brabant province in the southern Netherlands, scheduled for 14–15 November 2026…
Operating from the picturesque De Biesbosch National Park, Phil plans to activate four diminutive freshwater islands, with approximately 3–4 hours of radio activity anticipated from each location.
The activations will also qualify for Parks On The Air (POTA) reference NL013.
FOUR ISLANDS – FOUR ACTIVATIONS
The following callsigns and island references are scheduled for activation:
- 19DA/NB025 – Biesbosch Museum Island
- 19DA/NB026 – Jantjes Island
- 19DA/NB027 – De Pannekoek Island
- 19DA/NB028 – Petrus Island
With limited operating time at each location, island hunters are encouraged to monitor DX calling frequencies and cluster announcements for activity updates.
A REMARKABLE WETLAND WILDERNESS
One of the Netherlands’ largest national parks, De Biesbosch is among the last extensive freshwater tidal wetlands remaining in northwestern Europe…
Its remarkable landscape features a labyrinth of rivers, winding creeks and secluded islands surrounded by willow forests, reed beds and wet grasslands.
This ecologically significant wilderness supports abundant wildlife, particularly waterfowl and migrating geese.
De Biesbosch Park also occupies a special place in Dutch history…
During World War II, its remote waterways provided refuge for civilians escaping German occupation forces.
In the winter of 1944–45, courageous resistance members known as the Biesbosch Crossers guided refugees from the occupied north into Allied-liberated territory while smuggling essential medicines in the opposite direction.
Their extraordinary bravery earned them recognition as national heroes, with their exploits inspiring numerous books and films.
For Phil, this historic wetland environment presents a fascinating combination of island exploration, portable radio operations and logistical challenges.
STATION CONFIGURATION
Phil will deploy a compact, battery-powered portable station suited to the demands of operating from isolated island locations.
- Transceiver: Yaesu FT-857 (100 W)
- Antennas: Single Loop + ML145
- Power Supply: 100 Ah Battery
FURTHER INFORMATION
With four IWI references available across two days, this latest adventure promises an exciting weekend for island hunters throughout Europe and beyond.
For additional information, including QSL Manager details, grid squares, activation updates and Phil’s extensive DXpedition history, visit his personal website: HERE
📌 We wish Phil every success with his forthcoming Dutch IWI Tour and look forward to hearing 19DA/NB025 through 19DA/NB028 on the air in less than a month’s time!
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