K7WX, Warren Hill, k7wx, KF7AY, Grenada, VP2GWH, Central Arizona DX Association, CADXA, DXpedition
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In December of 1974 I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland and the following week traveled to Woodlands, Grenada as the guest of Fred (VP2GBL) and Mary Pressey . On into January of 1975 I was able to try my hand at CW on a daily basis using the call sign VP2GWH. |
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| Even though Grenada could hardly be considered by anyone as a rare location, being only just off the coast of Venezuela, this was still my first operation from outside the United States and seemed quite exotic at the time. Needless to say it was quite thrilling to be on the "other side" of the pile-up for a change! |
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| In the 1970's, CW contacts with this small island nation were still quite unusual. Every time I would come on, the pile-ups that quickly developed would turn into a bottomless abyss. This was an outstanding location for running Europe and West Africa. The path to North America was open almost 24 hours per day on one band or another and I made it a point to work as many Novice operators as possible using slower code speeds. This practice was well received and was the start of a pattern that persists to this day of trying to give contacts to new DXers. On my return to the United States it took many months to answer all the cards that were waiting. It was a great thrill to read on one card after another: "Thanks for the new one!" |
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| Grenada currently has the prefix J3. Several well-known contest groups now frequently travel to this location. For me, this was a great first experience in DXing! |
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