In January, 2025, Dx Adventure Radio (DA-RC) Members 67DA101 Matt and 67DA123 Cecilia undertook a series of captivating and very successful Summits On The Air (SOTA) and Lighthouse On The Air (LOTA) adventures from peaks and the grounds of light structures along the picturesque Uruguayan Atlantic coast.
As well as stunning mountainous landscapes, this QTH is a spectacular region of South America (SA); one which is characterized by beautiful beaches, surfing, and fishing villages, yet treacherous offshore conditions where maritime safety has been at the forefront for decades.
In keeping with the Amateur Radio Lighthouse Society’s objectives, the purpose of Matt and Cecilia’s LOTA activities were clear…
- Promote public awareness of the role radio comms and light beacons have played in assisting and maintaining safety at sea; and
- Preserve the heritage and history of lighthouses.
See below the captivating LOTA DXpedition Report from this inspiring DA-RC Team…
The Beginning: Prep & Training
Every great challenge begins long before the journey itself!
We knew what lay ahead wouldn’t be easy.
This was not just a radio expedition—it was a test of physical endurance, adaptability, and passion.
While the altitude of our objectives was not extreme, the steep incline and the need to carry equipment meant every step counted.
For this reason, six months before departure, we began training with daily walks and jogs.
The reward was twofold: not only did we improve our endurance, but in my case, I lost over 10 kilos!
The Plan: Locations & Strategies
After careful consideration, we mapped our route with three key locations:
- Punta Brava Lighthouse, Montevideo: An accessible place where we could operate from a mobile station without difficulty
- Pan de Azúcar Hill: The most physically demanding challenge, with a steep 1.5 km climb and no support infrastructure
- Cabo Polonio Lighthouse: Accessible but challenging due to unpredictable WX conditions.
To achieve this, we acquired a Jackery Explorer 300Wh with its 120W solar panel, an Anytone 5555N2 transciever, and a mast with two antenna options: a 49:1 end-fed half-wave and a self-built three-element skypper.
With this equipment, we were confident we could operate under any conditions!
Day 1: Punta Brava – The Invisible Sun
The first day in Punta Brava for 12DA/URU-012 seemed ideal.
The temperature was around 19 to 22 degrees Celsius, with a cool sea breeze from across the sea.
The setup was simple, and radio conditions within this comfortable WX were excellent!
What we didn’t know was that the UV radiation index was at its maximum level.
We didn’t feel the heat, and there was no discomfort—until we got in the car and the seatbelt touched our skin.
Severe burns on arms and neck, fever at night, and a brutal reminder: the sun is unforgiving.
Lesson number one – ALWAYS use sun protection, even if the weather seems mild.
Day 2: Pan de Azúcar Hill – The Relentless Wind
Sadly today the WX today was not on our side for Summits On The Air (SOTA) activity.
Torrential rain and cold prevented our ascent for several days, meaning a short delay for 12DA/CG007.
Finally, when the sky cleared, my back was still red from sunburn.
With backpacks and gear in tow, we started the climb.
Reaching the summit was a success, but a new challenge awaited: 90 km/h wind gusts.
The skypper, our big bet, was impossible to use.
In fact, the wind not only threatened its stability but also our safety.
With no choice, we resorted to our backup vertical antenna.
Against all odds, we managed to make contacts, defying the force of the wind.
Lesson number two: always have a plan B and be ready to adapt!
Day 3: Cabo Polonio – The Magic of Radio
Our final destination led us to Cabo Polonio Lighthouse, an iconic location, more than 130 years history, with an almost 360-degree view of the ocean.
In 1976, the Cabo Polonio Lighthouse was named a Historical Monument of Uruguay and, for this reason, it’s a very special DXstination indeed!
The wind and salinity posed a technical challenge, but nothing compared to the thrill of connecting with operators from other continents as 12DA/URU-005.
Imagine it……with solar-powered equipment, surrounded by an unparalleled landscape, we heard the voices of colleagues from different parts of the world.
In those moments, fatigue, challenges, and sunburns faded away!
Radio worked its magic.
Lesson number three – the effort is worth it when it turns into an unforgettable experience!
Lessons Learned & Recommendations
- Always have a backup for your equipment
- If an antenna fails, have an alternative
- Weight matters
- Make a checklist and prioritize
- Forgetting something as simple as a chair can make the difference between enjoyment and discomfort
- Don’t take anything for granted. “I suppose I’ll find a place to sit” is a dangerous assumption
- Always have a weather contingency plan.
- If your chosen site is inaccessible, have backup locations ready
- Take care of your health
- Sun protection and hydration are non-negotiable
Regardless of any challenges, we’d do it again a thousand times!
Every obstacle, every lesson, and every radio contact made this expedition not just a challenge but one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Radio, nature, and personal challenge combined into an unforgettable adventure.
See you on the air!
73 de Matt & Cecilia
Amazing report with a great story. The prop wasn’t on my side, so i cant get a log. Thanks for the activation and for the great job was for sure a long hiking. 73 de 35DA035