NAVASSA ISLAND 182 KP1

NAVASSA IS   K1N   15M, 17M, 20M SSB
NAVASSA IS   K1N   20M CW

February 7, 2015 - I share my ham radio adventures, once in a while, on social media outlets. Perhaps it will spark more interest in the hobby with folks whou wouldn't typically read a blog, such as this one. Here's a post I shared with "non-ham" friends the other day:

"Navassa is an uninhabited Island located between Haiti and Jamaica (Caribbean Sea). It's an unincorporated region administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and had been considered the second most-desired region in the world to contact via ham radio. (North Korea is currently ranked # 1 because of political policies, not remoteness). 

It's easier to communicate with Antarctica, Mongolia or spots within the Artic Circle because those locations are (seasonally) inhabited by citizens, researchers, military and/or corporate personnel, etc. 

That's not the case with Navassa. The island is "closed" from the world and is best accessed by helicopter, of course with special permits. And it can take years to plan a trip and receive permits needed for a visit. Ecological preservation is likely a key issue to consider. 

Navassa was a rare entity, until this week. An intrepid group of radio amateurs (trained in operating from remote parts of the world) made camp on this island for a remarkable, historic visit to this restricted area. It's been more than three decades since the last group of hams put this island "on the map" ... and now, Navassa is "on the air" again. 

I've been a radio amateur enthusiast for more than thirty years. And I finally "checked it off" my "bucket list." This contact is "right up there" with Desecheo Island (located near Puerto Rico and also managed by Fish and Wildlife) which I successfully contacted a few years ago during a similar expedition. 

My first ever contact was made with K1N the other day. Yay! I hope to complete a few more during the days ahead. Might even dust off a more code key and give that a whirl."