Did you notice how the activity on this page dropped after the OJ0T DXpedition? Holy shit.

To be honest, I haven’t even unpacked all of my gear yet. I guess it’s about time to start sorting the cables from the dirty laundry; in about a week’s time I’ll be heading up north to Helgeland for a family vacation. We’ll spend two weeks there, and I will try to be on the air whenever I get the chance. However, since this is a vacation with the wife and kids, expect short and sporadic activity.

“But Stian, do you have any DXpedition plans?” said nobody, ever.

Well, I’ll tell you anyway. I’ve been thinking a lot about Svalbard lately. Oh sure, it’s not exactly the most exotic spot, nor is it a top-notch DX entity, but my love for Svalbard and the growing urge to return conquers all other principles.

The XYL has already given me her nod of approval, so it is now a matter of waiting for the moment where airfare and hotel prices magically align and drop down to affordable rates. The minute they do, I’ll be busy booking.

Realistically speaking I don’t think it’ll happen any sooner than September. Heck, maybe even October or later. Regardless of when I go, or what bands I’m on, the goal is to work more SSB and also give CW some more love. It’s funny though, because nobody warned me about CW and what an addictive drug it really is. For example, during the DXpedition to Market Reef I worked about 3200 QSOs on CW, and when the pileups behaved and everything just “clicked” it was exhilarating, like a rush of adrenaline. The pace was also incredible at times, being able to work contacts much faster than on SSB or FT8.

Lastly, a word of advice to myself: Don’t focus the activity around a contest participation like last time. As if visiting Svalbard in March, pitch darkness, arctic storms, polar bears roaming about, having a ring of constant aurora surrounding me, being barely audible to others due to QSB wasn’t enough — I thought to myself it would be a brilliant idea to attend the CQWPX contest as well. Turns out that, hey, it wasn’t. So don’t do that again, Stian.

As soon as I have more details on my plans for JW Svalbard activity, I’ll post it here. Stay tuned.

Also, for anyone interested, my next post will be from Herøy, Nordland, JP66 / IOTA EU-062. I’ll be sure to include details on bands, modes, and estimated on/off times for those looking for a QSO.