DXpeditioners Felipe XQ7IR and Moises, CE3VTZ, have something in common with the seasonal residents of the remote and rugged Chilean island where they have planned a DXpedition in early October.

While they fish across the ionosphere for as many DX contacts as they can reel in, they will be helped by the small population of temporary residents of this South Pacific island who have come to fish too for yellowtail kingfish and other species.

Alexander Selkirk Island, IOTA Number SA-101, has rough terrain, posing numerous challenges for this team of two as they activate with the callsign XRØZ. The biggest challenge, however, will not be managing the pileups.

Felipe writes: [quote] "Moving all of our equipment to Selkirk will be one of the major logistical challenges of this expedition, given the island's remote location and difficult terrain." [endquote] The fishermen have agreed to help carry fuel, water, sleeping bags, radios, generators and personal belongings to the men's shelter on the summit of the mountain where they will call CQ for 10 days, 3,468 feet - or 1,057 meters - above sea level. It is a four-hour trek from the fishermen's village, covering more than 7 kilometres.

Goodwill and teamwork go a long way. The pair will be installing a VHF communication system upon their arrival and plan to donate it afterward to the fishing community for improved communication between the fishing boats and the island base. Felipe said it will be a token of gratitude for their support.