In the hour before this weekend’s Sweepstakes, I was able to work PT0S (Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago) on 30 meter CW. I suspect that many avid DXers had already worked PT0S on all bands, and it probably helped that many hams were getting ready for the Phone Sweepstakes, but even still almost half of the 30 meter band was consumed with people replying to PT0S. Fortunately the North-South path was strong and I was able to punch through the pile.
Later in the night, about 12:30 AM local time, I found a very loud PT0S calling CQ on 20 meter SSB. They came back to my first call. And a few hours later, about 3 AM local time they were VERY strong on 80 CW, but they were only working JA stations. I have no doubt had they been working NA stations, I could have worked them again.
Ham Radio has been banned on the archipelago since the 1990’s, and special permits were required to allow this DXpedition to take place. DX Magazine rates at #16 on their “Most Wanted DX List”
The Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago is located at approximately 1 degree north latitude, 29 degrees west longitude. It is claimed by Brazil, and is known as St. Peter and Paul Rocks. As the photo below shows, it lives up to its name!
St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks
