Well, not exactly Out at Sea, but I liked how that sounded with the similarity to “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” From such a remote place on the planet it sometimes feels like we are adrift out here in the Pacific.

After a pile of contacts in the month of June I realized that hitting the 20,000 contacts milestone before I left for a vacation at the end of July was in reach. Thanks to all of you we made it happen. I logged over 2100 contacts in my free time between SSB, CW, and FT8. I was also pleased to see Wake Island has dropped to #35 (from #30) on Club Log’s Most Wanted list.

I have really slowed down on blog posts which is a sign to myself that I’ve been too busy. Days on Wake start to feel like they blend together after a while. With the slightly longer summer days I took advantage to get in regular rounds of Wake Island’s coveted 17-hole disc golf course. A few guys and I would play a quick round after dinner a few nights a week. In addition to that I definitely ramped up my physical fitness efforts by spending more time in the gym and out running.

The heat and humidity on Wake have also ramped up through summer as the ocean temperatures peak. Running in 85 (30C) degrees and 85% humidity is not too bad once you get used to it. I also avoid running in direct sun as much as I can so the trail I made through the trees has gotten a lot of use lately. I like to run for about an hour. My pace is pretty consistent so I’ve shedded the desire to track my miles along with my GPS watch. I just run for time. Run faster when I feel like it. Stop to stretch and enjoy a view of the ocean at the halfway point, just for the enjoyment of the moment.

To supplement my hydration needs I have honed my skills at opening coconuts with my machete. I am continually surprising how much water there is in some. I’ve come to enjoy popping the top on a few per week, although I do prefer mine a little chilled (70 degrees), shaken, not stirred. Once you start to see them as a readily available resource it’s hard not to notice how many there are all around. I make a mental notes of potential caches of ripe coconut clusters as I drive around the island; which are in reach and those that require a tool to harvest. FT8 even allowed me a minute or two to open a coconut while operating at the beach house (photo below).

Some photos here of a few random things, and birds posing on objects I found amusing.

In other exciting news, I was informed there will be another ham on island while I am away. I wish I could have been there to meet him, but Jim Rossi (KH9/K9HEI), is schduled to be on island for about two weeks in August. Keep an eye out for his activity coming soon. Please go easy on him.

Until next time, 73. Allen