I have been issued with the callsign 3D2LB. I can now confirm that barring further misfortunes, my son Niall and I leave Aberdeen 1st June, returning on 17th after a round-the-world trip. This will not be a DXpedition with tons of equipment - it is not even a radio expedition, but we will try to operate as and when we can, mainly evenings and mornings local time, primarily from OC-121 and OC-016.

Our schedule is as follows (all times/dates local - remember we're flying east across the dateline):

1 June                        Aberdeen 18.50 - Sydney via Heathrow        3
June       05.20
6 June                       Sydney 11.30 - Nadi (Fiji)
6 June       17.25
6 - 8 June                  Beachcomber Island   -   IOTA  OC-121
Callsign: 3D2LB/p
8 - 10 June                Fiji mainland                 -  IOTA  OC-016
Callsign:  3D2LB/p
10 June                      Fiji  23.00  - Honolulu
10 June      07.30
10 - 12 June              Hawaii                           -  IOTA   OC-019
Callsign   KH6/GM3VLB
12 June                      Honolulu 21.25   -   Los Angeles
13 June     05.47
12 - 14 June              Los Angeles etc. (no definite plans)
Callsign    W6/GM3VLB
14 June                      Los Angeles 09.30   -   Toronto
14 june    17.21
14 - 16 June              Toronto (as tourists!)
Callsign    VE3/GM3VLB
16 June                      Tooronto 21.25 - Heathrow/Aberdeen           17
June   09.30/15.25

I hope we will be able to hear/work and even SEE some of you during this period. Operation will take place from whatever dosshouses we can find or from rental vehicles! There may be generator limitations on OC-121 - I hope 3D2AA will be advising me before then. We've been in touch via e-mail.

Kelso 12 April 2001

Dear Friends,

Finally, out of consideration for farmers, landowners and island owners or managers, I have decided to postpone all planned island operations until an official "All Clear" is given AND, more importantly, the island owners themselves are happy. Although I have permission to go to Inchmarnock CL10 at any time, I telephoned the owners yesterday to reassure them I would not be making any attempt to go. Although CL10 is not in an affected area, it has a new herd of highland cattle. Many islands which may not have livestock, do have deer. I personally feel that out of consideration to farmers, owners etc., all IOSA operations (other than by residents) should be suspended. It would be irresponsible to take any "chance". Government assurances via websites or whatever, are not adequate. I know that Peter GM3OFT has adopted a similar view and that other activators are reviewing their plans.

I now have the OK for the last island I was waiting for: Eilean MULLAGRACH SC21. This means I have the OK for SC10 Summer Isles, SC14 Isle Martin, SC20 Isle Ristol, SC21 Eilean Mullagrach and SC 22 Eilean Ghlais.

My plans for Treshnish are "on hold" because although there is no livestock or deer, I also intend to re-activate Gometra and/or Little Colonsay (and maybe a couple of others in the area). Inchmarnock is "on hold" for reasons already stated (highland cattle)

Vy 73 de Andre