With the equipment from the 3D2AM Conway Reef DX-pedition left behind in Fiji, a unique opportunity presented itself. Martti (OH2BH) and some of the YASME team were heading off to Walvis Bay—a new DXCC entity I hadn’t even heard of at the time—leaving the gear ready and waiting.
The conversation before everyone left Conway Reef had touched on T33 (Banaba), and I was eager to save up and join another expedition. As summer rolled around, I received a fax from Martti with a message that was both disappointing and inspiring:
“Sad man. We won’t be coming to the Pacific; there are other plans in the making. But cheer up. You can do it. Why don’t you organize a DX-pedition to T33?”
It took less than five seconds for me to decide: Why not?
From Idea to Action
With the equipment already in place and Martti’s encouragement ringing in my ears, I immediately reached out to Pekka (OH1RY). His response was just as enthusiastic:
“I’m in. Let’s go.”
And just like that, the T33T and T33R operations began to take shape but with me as the organizer. The logistics of the DX-pedition were challenging but straightforward compared to previous experiences. Having access to amplifiers, larger antennas, and the infrastructure left from 3D2AM gave us a significant operational advantage. In addition the yacht we used for Conway could be made availablle again.
An Unexpected Encounter on Banaba
Upon our arrival on Banaba, 4 months after initial “Lets go”, we were surprised to find that Baldur (DJ6SI) was already there, staying in the same guesthouse. His presence had not been publicized, and the overlap between our operations came as a surprise to both sides. Unfortunately, Baldur wasn’t in the best of spirits during our brief encounter, but his friends DK2VW/T33WV, DJ6JC/T33C were more open to conversation.
The situation presented an unavoidable dilemma: two DX-peditions operating from the same rare DXCC entity at nearly the same time. While it might have been possible to coordinate and operate simultaneously under different arrangements, sharing the same guesthouse was not a practical option.
Fortunately, we had the advantage of better equipment, including amplifiers and larger antennas, which allowed us to maximize our impact on the bands and deliver a robust operation. Seeing this, Baldur and team packed their equipment and left for new adventures. I have full respect for Baldur, I have worked a few of his DX-peditions and they were always a solid performance.
Reflection on the T33 Experience
The T33T and T33R DX-pedition was a success, not just in terms of the QSOs and DXCC entities worked but also as a testament to the power of taking initiative. Martti’s words, “You can do it,” were the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone and take the lead.
What started as a conversation on Conway Reef turned into an adventure that further cemented my love for DXing and exploration. It was also a lesson in adaptability—navigating unexpected encounters and challenges while keeping the focus on the mission.
For me, the T33 experience underscored a central truth about amateur radio and life itself: when opportunity knocks, don’t hesitate. Even the smallest nudge can lead to something extraordinary.