Weather was particularly poor as we set up the station at Plover Scar Lighthouse, Cockerham, but we were finally on air at about 11.15. You can see from the pole for our new Windom aerial, just how windy it was, even during the fine periods. 40 metres was so crowded that we hardly ever got in over other respondents, so we moved up to 80 and claimed a frequency. Bill started manning the shop, and Richard took over after about 2 hours, finally passing the baton to Peter. Apologies to Peter for the distraction of frying bacon. There were two heavy showers in the day, but the weather cleared up in the evening, and we closed down about 5.30.

Sunday was less busy, with little activity on 80 metres. Alex started the session, and Dave and Richard took over later, until the bands dried up in mid afternoon. On 40 (and even more so on 20), traffic was largely dominated by South/East England and Europe, so we were at somewhat of a disadvantage being 200 miles to the north-west of most contacts. Weather cooler, but at least dry. We were somewhat chagrined to hear of warm sunshine in the south and east of England.

Overall, many more contacts (about three pages between us) than last year, and the use of Richard's caravannette at least kept the showers out. Struggling with the tent in driving rain would probably have produced a mutiny.

Lighthouse Details