Pictures from the contest

In May 1999, several five of us packed our backpacs with a few essentials (such as beer) and went to a cabin in the woods for the weekend. The goal was to participate in the CQWW World Prefix contest. Our contribution wasn't exactly good, but we had a lot of fun. These are the photos I took during that weekend.

• This is us after the first bus had gone. We waited for several more hours. Left to right, LB7VE/Ole-Egil, Stein Inge, LA7UJA/Lars Erik.
• This is while we still were walking on fairly good road. The wheeled arrangement on which the blue box was fixed was later named «Cecilie». Stein Inge, LB7VE/Ole-Egil, LB7JE/Øystein, LA7UJA/Lars Erik.
• A closer view of the load. LB7JE/Øystein, LB7VE/Ole-Egil, Stein Inge.
• This hill was really hard to climb with a 150 kg equipment box in tow. We had two car batteries in the box, and kept worrying whether the battery acid would spill. LB7JE, LB7VE, LA7UJA, Stein Inge.
• View of Lundamo. An hour earlier, we crossed that bridge way down there. By now we were very tired.
• Even more uphill walking. This was shortly before we took the wrong turning and ended up walking for half an hour in the wrong direction.
• We had brought a Butternut antenna, but it proved to be difficult to assemble. LB7VE/Ole-Egil is fighting with the antenna while LB7JE/Øystein is looking in the plastic bags for some other parts.
• It took some time before we got the cooking fires going. Here LA7UJA/Lars Erik is waiting for the flame to subside while enjoying a well-earned beer.
• Roadsigns by the lake. The owners of the cabin, NTNUI, had set up these signs, presumably for fun. They were wildly inaccurate.
• I wasn't the only one who had brought a camera. Here LA7UJA/Lars Erik is trying to assemble his, with LB7VE/Ole-Egil standing in the background with a beer.
• The Butternut is finally assembled. LB7VE/Ole-Egil is putting the finishing touches on his work.
• The morning after. No sleep for the weary - conds are good, and the JA stations are begging to be worked. Last night's drink can be seen on the table.
• A much-needed breakfast later. LB7JE was up all night, which is evident from this picture. LB7JE, LA7UJA, LB7VE.
• The boat we used to transport the equipment to the cabin was in bad repair. LB7VE felt the spirit of niceness steal over him, and he made an attempt to fix it.
• Although unlicenced, Stein Inge was with us. He volunteered as cook, and was supreme master of the casseroles for the whole trip.
• The second evening came. We of course had to drink the rest of the beer to lighten our load on the way back. Here LA7UJA is enjoying his.
• Here LB7VE shows us what the bottom of a beer can looks like. I blame the lousy camera angle on Mr. Alcohol.
• LA7UJA tries once again to assemble his camera. From his satisfied grin, one can assume he has succeeded.
• LB7JE at the key again. Although he had to yield to sleep later, he sat up for most of the night. LB7VE in eager discussion in the foreground.
• LA7UJA is taking over and working some QSOs. Beside him can be seen the attempt someone made to build a tower of beer cans all the way to the ceiling.
• I shot this picture just before going to bed. LB7JE finally had enough of the candlelight and got out his penlight.
• In the cupboard we found some ancient seaweed spices. They were then cooked and tasted. LA7UJA's expression more than sums it up.
• The last day. While we others were out cold in our beds, Stein Inge went fishing. This is the result.
• Perhaps not as good as new, but it works. This is the result of LB7VE's efforts to repair the boat.
• Finally, we went home. Although our blue box was much lighter this time, we were still tired and hungry once we got down.