The Fiji IOTA DXpedition team is currently active on Tavewa Island in the remote Yasawa Islands — a spectacular archipelago of about 20 volcanic islands in the Western Division of Fiji (99 Division).
This is the third Islands On The Air (IOTA) activity in the Tour after Viti Levu and Denarau!
Sharing the reference number OC-156 with others in the RSGB identified IOTA group, Tavewa Island has never before been activated on the 11m band.
It therefore represents an amazing opportunity for serious Island Chasers the world over to log a “new one”.
The team left from Denarau Island on April 11 and arrived at Tavewa some 6 hours later by boat.
Tavewa does not have a pier; all supplies had to be loaded onto a small landing boat from a supply ship stopping between the islands.
The station equipment and luggage had to be carried from the vessel in knee-to breast-deep water onto the beach. From there, the goods were transferred into wheelbarrows and carried to the bure.
There is no power on the island so the team must use a generator to run the station. Diesel for the generators is transported this way in jerry-cans. No problem!
Since their arrival, the team reports to experiencing some favourable band conditions on the island with some 600 stations logged in the first 48 hours on Kevin’s homemade Skypper antenna.
There is lots more hard work to be done however and both Kevin and Darren are committed to providing as many chances as possible for those whom are not yet ITL.
Measuring approximately 3 kilometres long by 1 km wide, the island is dotted with coconut palms and golden sandy beaches with a backdrop of magnificent rugged mountains.
There are approximately 10 traditional Fijian bures which make up the Otto and Fanny Resort where the team is staying.
The locals are receptive to the team’s needs.
There is no fresh drinking water on the island and the bure has a cold salt water shower only.
The team has brought bottled water and a stock of Fiji beers for hydration.
Pictured on this page are some images of the expedition, photographs which demonstrate the unspoiled and breath-taking beauty of one of the most picturesque island dxstinations on Earth.
Tnx for a new IOTA 🙂
73
Congratulation for your activation!!!! 73’s to all team DA !!!! many thanks for contact!! bye bye from Italy.
1ET072 Mr.Max
Was nice to hook up with you even though it was short. What a nice place to DX from.
9BC169 Barry
Good contact from here in southern California to there!! Enjoy!
Craig, 2WR778
Hi DA-RC Team,
A great location guys!
73 de Jeremy, 23DA330
Hi Darren & Kevin,
amazing job you are doing. Incredible area & lots of log entries. Already more than big success and let me thank you both, that you give us, the community, such exciting activations to be listened and logged. 73s Chris#002
A very nice location and happy I am on the log. Have a good time and good dx there.
73 de 153 DA 012 Andre
gud iwing DAREN SUPERRRRRRRRRRRR GUD AKTIWEISZYN 73
Hi Fiji Team,
Looks like you are having a fab time guys. 11 meters is buzzing over this activation. The prop is just not getting strong enough in the south east of UK. Heard you strong the other day and you had to go qrt for a big storm. Keep up the good work Darren and Kevin. Fingers crossed I will make the log.
73s guys from Mark, 26DA007
thank you both for these activations,
very nice pictures, as in a dream DX’er.
73’s jerome.