Abaco Islands
Our accommodations were at the 2nd home of Steve Rutledge, N4JQQ. He used to rent a very nice two bedroom, 2 bath cottage that came complete with a ham station. I communicated with Steve in February 2006, and he told me that he sold this site. Abaco Island is a stark contrast to Paradise Island. It is a very non-commercial, laid back and relaxing place to visit. It was the easiest way to go on a Dxpedition that I knew at the time. Cheap airfare from most points in the US, a station already waiting for you and reasonable rental rates.
When you get a cab at the airport, you didn’t need to worry about directions. I just told them I’m a ham radio operator and they knew right where Steve’s place was. An interesting note is out by the airport I was surprised to find pine trees (I expected palm).
Bahama Beach
Relaxation Time
Steve’s Cottage
WJ2O Time
Time To Leave
Waiting on an airplane!
WJ2O/C6A QSL Card
Bahamian Ham License
They have an application that should be filled out and sent along with photocopies of your birth certificate and FCC license. Also enclose the annual fee of $6.00 US (which also happens to be $6.00 Bahamian). The address is:Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation
P.O. Box N-3048
Nassau, Bahamas
Tel: 809-323-4911
Fax: 809-326-7474
Locally the licensing authority is known as Batelco for short. The application is available from either them or the ARRL.
Small Accomodations
Kenwood TS-940 Transceiver
Tandy 1400 HD Laptop Computer
Heathkit Micromatic Keyer
Cushcraft R5 Vertical
Customs
The customs official on Treasure Cay was very friendly. He was familiar with ham radio, the cottage I was staying at, as well as Steve (N4JQQ), the owner. No problem, they know all us Americans are honest…right?!?!