Hawaii 2007
I’ve decicded that a weblog might be an interesting way to post some of the events surrounding our trip (Ellen and I) to Oahu, Hawaii this year.
The idea behind the trip… well to have fun of course, we’ll be on vacation. But one of my reasons for going to Hawaii, other than celebrating the 24th anniversary of my marriage to one of the best women on the planet or to visit the most exotic state in this country, is to play a little ham radio! It will be my first experience on the other side of a pileup… at least I hope so!
Why not mix vacation and hobby? I think my ‘day on/day off’ method is going to work fine; one day doing vacation/tourist stuff and the next day off, hanging around at the beach/pool… or working a little on 20m!
I’ve been talking with a lot of people prior to this little adventure. Some of these folks have been regarding ham radio, some transplanted locals that have plenty of suggestions of things to see and do, other have been those who have already ventured to the islands and are ‘in the know’.
On the ham radio side, I’ve been in touch with Scott, NE1RD after seeing his website and the description of one of his ‘mini-DX’ adventures. He’s been a lot of help and has offered many suggestions. I’ve borrowed a great portable radio from Dick, W1FYI a Yaesu FT-897 and without him I would not even be going… or operating. I’ve told everyone in the SPARC club about the adventure and have bounced ideas off of Craig, W1MHz; without him I wouldn’t have even entered the hobby in the first place.
Both Shirley and Geri from CRN have been very helpful. The Moniez sisters, are transplants from Hawaii to Connecticut (frankly ladies I’m not sure what brought you to Connecticut I would have stayed there!). They have been very helpful and have setup a contact in Waikiki with their freind Vanda who can help us with some of the tourist attactions.
My brother Eric has been to Oahu before and he even stayed at the same hotel. He gave me a couple of tips like ‘don’t do the lowest level meal at the Polynesian Cultural Center… it’s mainly franks & beans’. I’m planning on emailing him during the trip to let him know how we make out… and to get more tips!
All in all it should be a lot of fun, some relaxing, some touristing, a chance to visit the Honolulu Elks Lodge and a chance to be 5000 miles further west on the globe doesn’t hurt either!