Mese: Marzo 2023

Philaturism:  A new concept in the World Practice of Tourism

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Valery Sushkov RW3GW is an Old Timer DXpeditionner and actual President of the Russian Robinson Club (RRC).

Valery is a researcher, postal historian, traveler and marketer, document-list, chief postmaster of the International Society of Philatourism, author of the new concept of “philatourism” in the history of world tourism practice, curator of the Museum of World Postal Communications. Project Manager & Postal Adventure. Visited more than 50 countries of the world, participant and organizer of more than 100 different expeditions on 6 continents, conqueror of the South Pole and Mount Kilimanjaro the highest peak of Africa. Mmember of the Russian Geographical Society,  Society for the Study of the Amur Territory, member of the Union of Journalists of Russia, laureate of the National Prizes of the Russian Geographical Society “Crystal Compass”

Valery  is the author, general producer and project manager of the  Great Russian Travelers. Under the Prism of Philaturism

The great Russian travelers were pioneers and put new lands and seas on the map of the world, made discoveries that enriched world science, pushed the development of maritime trade, and also raised the prestige of their country and contributed to the development of new territories.

See: GREAT RUSSIAN TRAVELERS. UNDER THE PRISM OF PHILATURISM (postventure.ru)

Refugio Teniente Primero Aroldo Serrano. New Entry on WAP WADA Directory

On: By: Gianni Varetto

During the last Antarctic Summer Campaign,  a staff from the Argentine Joint Antarctic Command set a shelter for scientific personnel on Vega Island and called it Refugio Teniente Primero Aroldo Serrano. This is a brand new entry on WAP-WADA Antarctic Directory and referenced  as ARG-NEW.  (Pic aside show the building operation of the Refuge)

Vega Island,  57°50’South, 57°33’ West  is a small island to the northwest of James Ross Island, on the Antarctic Peninsula. It is separated from James Ross Island by Herrbert Sound and from Trinity Peninsula by Prince Gustav Channel. The island was named by Otto Nordenskjold, leader of the Swedish Antarctic Expedition (1901–04) in honour of the ship making the first voyage through the Northeast Passage, 1878-79.

Vega island, 17 mi long and 6 mi wide, is the northernmost of the James Ross Island group and lies in the Western part of Erebus and Terror Gulf.  Surveyed by SwAE in October 1903, when its insularity was established, and named Vega  after the Swedish ship Vega used by Baron A. E. Nordenskiöld  (uncle of the Leader of SwAE) in making the first voyage through the Northeast Passage,

TNX Gabry IK1NEG

Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum

On: By: Gianni Varetto

The Museum was built to raise funds for the ongoing conservation of the historic buildings at Cape Denison which were used as the main base for the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition (AAE)

The Replica Museum is a boutique, world class museum providing visitors with the opportunity to learn and understand the history and achievements of the men of the 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition led by Douglas Mawson.
Standing on the Hobart waterfront just 200 metres from where Mawson’s expedition departed from in 1911, the Replica also serves as an educational facility and promotes the legacy of the AAE.

The museum promotes awareness of Australia’s involvement in the Antarctic and highlights Hobart as the gateway to the Antarctic continent for the Asia Pacific region.
Situated on land generously provided by the Hobart City Council (HCC), the Replica Museum was constructed off-site in an area provided by the Tasmanian Ports Authority. Construction was done in three sections to allow transportation to the current site where it was bolted together for the final fit-out.
After years of securing funding and the support of the HCC in providing a site, work on the Replica began with the assistance of a special grant of $350,000 from the Federal Government in 2011 and the generosity of many Tasmanian businesses and individuals who donated time, goods and goodwill.
Construction took just four months and it was officially opened on December 2, 2013 on the 102nd anniversary of Mawson’s departure from Hobart as leader of the AAE.

Thanks and Credit to: Replica Museum – Mawson’s Huts Foundation (mawsons-huts.org.au)

Volker Strecke DL8JDX  has been awarded as Antarctic Ambassadors  of the IAATO

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Antarctic Ambassadors is a global community of people who love and respect the region, educate others by sharing their Antarctic experiences, advocate for Antarctica when opportunities arise and protect Antarctica by making positive changes at home.

 Volker Strecke DL8JDX  has been awarded as Antarctic Ambassador of the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators).
After a long absence from Antarctica during a “usual” job in IT and Communication for 29 years Volker Strecke DL8JDX, three times wintering in Antarctica, 1988-1989 Georg Forster Station, 1990-1992 Georg Forster Station, 1992-1994 Neumayer II Station, as communication electronician and radio operator,  had the luck and honour to go back again in 2023 as a lecturer and expedition guide, creating Antarctic Ambassadors himself with lectures and carefully guided shore excursions.

Volker wrote: “Since returning I have delivered several presentations using my experience in Antarctica and sharing the history of the Antarctic Treaty.  Antarctic Ambassadorship is important. With ambassadorship it is possible to make visible the importance of the further protection of Antarctica. We see how quickly the climatic changes affect the polar regions. Therefore, everything must be done to at least slow down this process and to give people information on how everyone can contribute directly or indirectly to preserve the sensitive nature of Antarctica for future generations. My presentations on many different occasions and also my work as a lecturer and expedition guide on board expedition ships in Antarctica are a contribution to this.”

TNX and Congrats to Volker Strecke DL8JDX

AXØPB Project Blizzard 1984-1986

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Project Blizzard aimed to increase public awareness of Australia’s involvement in Antarctica and, in doing so, conserve Mawson’s Huts. In particular, viewed the scientific work, including meteorological, biological, geological and magnetic research of the AAE, as significant. The organization immediately began to look for financial support from the community, hoping to raise capital for a privately-funded Antarctic expedition. The campaign used the slogan ‘Buy a board for Mawson’s Hut’.

The Project Blizzard team carried out two expeditions to the site, the first in 1984/85 and the second in 1985/86. In 1984/85 their work largely involved recording of the site and structures by surveyors, architects, archaeologists and a materials conservator. The red fibreglass Apple Hut was constructed during this visit, adjacent to the Granholm Hut. In 1985/86, they focused on stabilising the internal platform of the Main Hut, which had partly collapsed under the load of snow ingress, using metal and timber props. This work involved an associated archaeological excavation program in areas disturbed for the works.

The Project Blizzard efforts had two positive effects. They clearly stimulated increased efforts in conservation planning for the site and also led to further co-operative efforts between the public and private sector to conserve the Mawson’s Huts.

In 1986 ANARE returned to Cape Denison. The Sorensen Hut was constructed during this expedition, sited in a valley 500 m to the east of the Main Hut. The structure was composed of insulated metal panels.

Meanwhile, conservation planning for the site had begun. The Antarctic Historic Sites and Monuments Advisory Committee was established in 1986.  In 1993 Michael Pearson prepared a Conservation Plan at the request of the Mawson’s Huts Conservation Committee and the AAD.

Source: Project Blizzard — Home of the Blizzard (antarctica.gov.au)

 

75th Anniversary of Macquarie Island Research Station  (WAP AUS-Ø8)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

7th March 1948-7th March 2023. 
Established on March 7, 1948  Macca celebrates the 75th anniversary of its foundation.

In the early hours of the morning of 7th March 1948, HMALST 3501 (later renamed HMAS Labuan) anchors at Buckles Bay, Macquarie Island 54° 29′ 56″ South, 158° 56′ 17″ East.

The ANARE team had arrived to establish a base that was to be permanently occupied for the next 75 years. The ANARE Club pays tribute to the 1306 men and women expeditioners who have wintered there during these 75 years.
The Voyage Leader of the 1948 Expedition, and Captain of the Ship, was Lieutenant Commander George Dixon

Macquarie Island is located half way between Tasmania and Antarctica and a Station was established on the “green sponge” in 1948. The Island was used as a half way point to establish the first radio link between Australia and Antarctica during Sir Douglas Mawson’s 1911 expedition.
The Macquarie Island Station (WAP AUS-Ø8) ,  commonly called Macca,  is a permanent Australian Subantarctic Research Base, managed by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). The station lies at the base of Wireless Hill, between two bays on the isthmus at the northern end of the island.

To celebrate the 75th event, a  special postage-paid envelope has been issued. Release date: 7 February 2023. See: Shop (auspost.com.au) and Australian Antarctic Program: 75 Years – Australia Post (australiapostcollectables.com.au)

New small Chapel at Base Petrel (WAP ARG-17)

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Renovation work continues on the infrastructure of the Petrel Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-17) within the framework of its reopening as a permanent Station, during the 2022/23 Summer Antarctic Campaign.

The main advances in the building recovery, are focused on the reconditioning of the rooms and the extension of the sewage network of the main house. While the total restoration of the hangar, includes the reinforcement of the electrical network.

The complete repair of the road to the Main Power Plant, the demolition of the old power plant and the bases of disused communication towers, are part of this second phase of development together with the renovation of the landing strips and the disposal of waste. antarctics

For the construction of the maritime pier, personnel from the Naval Hydrography Service are carrying out bathymetry studies on Dundee Island.

Also,  Petrel Base has already inaugurated its new small Chapel named “Santo Cura Brochero”.

Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero (16 March 1840 – 26 January 1914) was a Catholic priest who suffered leprosy throughout his life. He is known for his extensive work with the poor and the sick.. He became affectionately known as “the Gaucho priest” and the “cowboy priest”.
He was beatified on 14 September 2013 after a healing was recognized as a miracle attributed to him. Cardinal Angelo Amato, on the behalf of Pope Francis, presided over the beatification. Another miracle under investigation was approved in 2016 and a date for canonization was approved in a gathering of cardinals on 15 March 2016. Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero  he was canonized as a saint on 16 October 2016.
More info at: Argentina reactivates Petrel base in Antarctica | Polarjournal

The Ministry of Defense advances with the reconstruction work of the Petrel Base | Argentina.gob.ar

Dr. Carlos Court Lucero,  Retired Radiologist, Medical Lieutenant of the Argentine Navy Reserve
Member of the 4th crew at the Corbeta Uruguay Scientific Station on Morrell-Thule Island,  South Sandwich Islands did help to find a recent picture of the new Chapel, which will be pubblished  on the Church in Antarctica section here at WAP website.
TNX Dr. Carlos

2022-2023 Antarctic Season’s at its end … how many emotions and beautiful QSOs in the log

On: By: Gianni Varetto

Great emotions this year with several Antarctic Stations on our Logs!

Now the operators are almost leaving the Icy Continent;  some are already back home,   others are approaching the return,  others are still on site for another 20-25 days,  as for example the Czeck Team actually at Johan Georg Mendel Station (WAP CZE-NEW) or the Argentineans at Petrel Base (WAP ARG-17) as well as the Overwintering Teams at the several Bases  who areapproaching the loong South Polar night. Our thanks go to the Argentinean operators at Esperanza LU1ZV and  Belgrano II  LU1ZG,  the Russian RI1ANC from Vostok RI1ANU at Bellingshausen,  who are still on,   to continue to be on air  or VU2CUW at Maitri waiting to be on air!.

WAP is following the overwintering Teams  hoping to work some of the operators before too long … but how not to be grateful to David FT4YM for his wonderful activity from the various Antarctic sites , some of which, never worked before! How not to be grateful to the 3YØJ Team for the exciting operation at Bouvet Island another new one for many of us, to Sebastiam VP8/SQ1SGB from Halley 6-a Station and as VP8/SQ1SGB/p from Wolf’s Fang Runway (WFR) together with Oleg Sakharov ZS7ANF that, in addtion to the WFR, he did operate from Whichaway Camp WAP MNB-11. About Oleg, in a message sent to WAP, he wrote:  «300 QSO from WhichAway this time. I came back to WFR after 8 hours car driving. We did close the camp now and we are back to Cape Town»

 

Thanks to Oleg UA6GG-DX Trophy  who sent us  a picture (here on the side) showing some very well known brigade of Antarcticians friends who haven’t seen each other for a very long time,  joining a  festive meeting at Cape Town, South Africa after the tiring experience in Antarctica. (L-R Oleg Sakharov ZS7ANF, Axel Schernikau DL6KVA, Oleg Neruchev ZS1OIN together with a group of ZS Hams).

TNX all the Operators of 2022-2023 Antarctic Season, thank  you for giving us so many emotions again this year!