Cape Dx - Gary Deacon: Widerness Dxpedition

The Wilderness, Western Cape, South Africa.

Situated 15 km east of George on the Cape Garden Route, the scenic area of the Wilderness overlooks the Indian Ocean and consists of golden beaches, lakes, a placid lagoon, indigenous forest and over 230 bird species.

The mild climate and low winter rainfall makes this area a popular local and international holiday destination.

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe crossing the Kaaimans River into the Wilderness.

The picturesque forest walk alongside the Touw River.

A recent holiday with the family to the Wilderness included some interesting AM dxing.

I have often experienced remarkable results from various locations with elevated positions along the South African coast ( ie Millers Point, Jongensgat and Cintsa). After searching for an elevated position, I found an interesting receiving location situated approximately 50 metres above and 50 metres from the Indian Ocean.

The Wilderness dx location overlooking the coast.

After parking the car in the small public car park above, I descended the 122 steps to the beach while rolling out the 220 metre receiving antenna which was directed along the coastline towards Australia - a sloper for the first 50 metres which became a BOG for the remaining 170 metres. I returned to the car and dxed with the Sony SRF-M37V ultralight.

On the beach while my advisors calculate the direction to Australia !

Highlights from Australia included 1476 4ZR Roma (2 kw), 1530 2VM Moree (2 kw) and 1602 5LC Leigh Creek SA (200 watts).

Loggings during the evening of the 4th July included :

1125 1740 AUSTRALIA 5MU Murray Bridge (5 kw)

1143 1820 AUSTRALIA 4HI Emerald (presumed) (5 kw)

1242 1740 AUSTRALIA 5AU Port Augusta (2 kw)

1305 1740 AUSTRALIA 5RN Renmark (2 kw)

1314 1615 PHILLIPPINES DWXI Paranaque w religious sermon (10 kw)

1323 1725 AUSTRALIA 5DN Adelaide w id as "Adelaide's Cruise 13 - 23" (2 kw)

1395 1650 AUSTRALIA 5AA Adelaide with id "13-95 5 double A" (5 kw)

1467 1704 AUSTRALIA 3ML Mildura with id "Easy Mix 14-67" and pops (2 kw)

1476 1705 AUSTRALIA 4ZR Roma with id as "Zinc ZR" (2kw)

1512 1634 AUSTRALIA 6BAY Morawa with pops - a huge clear signal (5kw)

1530 1722 AUSTRALIA 2VM Moree with time check for "22 after 3" (2 kw)

1530 1640 CHINA Zhejiang RGD Hangyang (presumed) in CC (50 kw)

1575 1716 MAURITIUS BBC Relay Bigara (2 kw)

1602 1602 AUSTRALIA 5LC Leigh Creek with 'Overnights' (200 watts)

1611 1715 AUSTRALIA Vision Radio Margaret River with religious programme (400 watts)

1620 1632 AUSTRALIA UNIDENTIFIED with "Everlasting Love" (400 watts)

Could this be an official sign for barefoot dxing ?

6WF Perth on 720 kHz was received barefoot (via the internal ferrite antenna) at the elevated holiday cottage, situated approximately 500 metres from the coast. The reception occurred on the 6th July at 2130 UTC with a clear "7-20 ABC Perth" id followed by ABC news.

The Knysna Lourie, photographed opposite the holiday cottage.

Rowing up the Touw River - a memorable and tranquil experience.

After an enjoyable stay in this picturesque part of the world, we proceeded to the impressive Garden Route Game Lodge before moving on to Cape Agulhas which included an intersting dx session at the most southern tip of the African continent. More about that in my next post.