P40L Team will be active from Aruba Island, IOTA SA - 036, in ARRL DX SSB Contest, 2 - 3 March 2024.
Team - W6LD, WE9V, K1DG, W0YK.
They will operate in Multi Op Category.
QSL via WA3FRP.
Ads for direct QSL:
RUSSELL MILLER, 1507 WILSON LN, WEST CHESTER, PA 19380, USA.
Aruba
The island of Aruba can be called a true paradise that is located on earth. It is incredibly beautiful and demonstrates a warm subtropical climate throughout the year. It is characterized by the almost complete absence of the rainy season. The average annual temperature here is always +28 degrees Celsius. Aruba is away from the movement of hurricanes and does not suffer from their devastating effects. The island is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so the influence of Dutch culture can be felt everywhere.
There are several versions of the origin of the name of the island. According to one of them, the Indians called it "Shell Island", and in the Spanish version the name translates as "there was gold here", as Spanish navigators have been searching for gold in this area for a long time.
Unique nature
The island of Aruba was formed by volcanic activity, which confirms the great variety of rocks present on the island. Although rainfall in the area is very irregular, the island is characterized by lush vegetation. Aruba's flora includes oleander, almond, mango, lemon, hibiscus, aloe vera, divi-divi and other plants, so the island can be confidently called evergreen. There are also about 100 species of cacti. The fauna of the island is not characterized by large animals, but there are often lizards and geckos, as well as a huge number of species of birds that come here during migration. Among them you can see the famous pink flamingo. The diversity of marine life is also striking.
Akrikok National Park
On ¼ of the island there is a unique park where you can see mountains, plains, unusual animals and plants, remnants of former plantations, and a surviving gold mine from ancient times. There are many unique caves in this park, which have their own peculiarities. On its outskirts is the entrance to the famous Huliba Cave, also called the Tunnel of Love. The corridor of the cave is 90 meters and is shaped like a heart. The islanders associate an ancient legend with this place. Once a chief of an Indian tribe killed his daughter and her boyfriend here because they continued dating despite his prohibition. At the moment of the murder, the ceiling collapsed, after which the cave got the shape of a heart.
Among the interesting places in the park is also the Guadriquiri Cave, which has 2 large underground halls that are connected by a corridor. It is home to many bats. In the sunlight the whole cave takes on a fantastic appearance. There is a legend that the cave used to be a haven for sea pirates, so their looted treasures could be hidden in it.
In the wide area of the park there are numerous stone formations, the origin of which is still unknown. The island of Aruba is sandy by nature, so no one can explain where the monolithic rock boulders came from. Many of them have a weight of several tons and resemble strange stone sculptures. On some boulders you can see the remains of images - petroglyphs.
It is believed that these drawings were left by an ancient civilization, as the huge boulders have the form of geometrically correct concentric circles. The government of the island of Aruba has created a recreational area in this area and paved hiking trails. Along them you can climb to the top of the stone hill and see the most beautiful panorama of the island. Indian petroglyphs can also be found in Fontaine Cave, which is the largest cave in Arikok National Park. Here you can also see unique stalactites and columns of quartzite - stalagnates.
Unusual places on the island
One of the island's scenic spots is also the area near the old stone California Lighthouse, built in the 18th century. On the coast of the island there is also a real natural wonder - a pond "Conchi" with sea water, which is surrounded on all sides by stone boulders.
A unique natural monument is the Natural Bridge in the form of a 30-meter stone arch. It was formed as a result of the long action of the surf on the rocks of the coast, but was destroyed in September 2005. On the northeastern coast of Aruba you can see 7 more very beautiful bridges of the same origin.
Aruba is the best vacation destination
Aruba is considered to be the most famous tourist island in the Caribbean. There are luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, ideal golf courses, many boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs. The island hosts annual festivals and carnivals.
The architecture of the island combines features of European and Caribbean colonial architecture. Mountain bikes, jeeps and quad bikes are available to visit the natural parks. In addition, the reef area offers ideal conditions for diving.