BDARS DXpedition to Mid Island

6^th and 7^th September 2003

Mid Island at low tide		Mid Island at high tide

Mid Island is an uninhabited island in Strangford lough. The name Strangford comes from the Viking "Strong Fjord". At the mouth of the lough there are terrific currents as millions of gallons of water passes through a narrow entrance at each tide change.

There are 365 islands in Strangford lough, one for every day of the year. But there is a causeway connecting Mid Island with the mainland (at low tide), so it does not qualify for its own IOTA reference number. It is however counted as part of the big island EU-115.

There were a few obstacles to overcome on our DXpedition as there is no power or running water on the island. So we needed to bring our own generators and drinking water amongst other things.

Being surrounded by salt water, Mid Island proved to be a great location to work DX. We worked a lot of Asian stations in the Asian DX contest and everyone was surprised at the strong signals received from Australia via the long path.

	The last resident's cottage (we used this for our station).
	All mod cons.
	Bill (GI4AAM) checking the tower is going to be up straight.
	Jeff (MI0AEX) checking our tower, watched by Adam (son of GI0UAG), Myles (GI0VTS) and Bill (GI4AAM).
	Jeff operating the station.
	Pete (GI4VIV) cooking up a big feed.
	Some of us walked to nearby Chapel Island. This can only be reached at low tide. Myles (GI0VTS) did not have any boots and his feet got wet.
	Mid Island, as viewed from Chapel Island.

Pictures by GI4XSF and GI4POC.