HC5DX Ecuador. From DXNews.com

David, WB4OZM inform dxnews.com that he is moved to Ecuador and currently active as HC5DX.
He is working on HF Bands.
Recent DX Spots HC5DX
Information from David:
Good day all, I moved down to Ecuador with my family back in Nov 2016.
Getting settled with Gardening, hiking, baking, cooking( ex-chef) and setting up my shack in the Andie mountains at an altitude of 8100′(tall tower!).
I’m running a IC-7851, Alpha 8100, AT-AUTO Tuner by Palstar and working on my 60′ with Force 12 Magnum 240N 40m, 2 element yagi, and a Force 12 C-3E tribander.
I also have long wire, end feed antennas plus a Four Square receiving array by DXEngineering.
I feel that I’m living in paradise everyday and really love the friendship of the locals.
I hope to work you down the log.
QSL via N4GNR.
Ads for direct QSL:
DAN CISSON, 12 HANCOCK DR, TOCCOA, GA, 30577-9388, USA.

The unique equator of South America

How many mysterious places Mother Nature has given mankind! Many travel enthusiasts have an irresistible desire to visit a corner of the planet where day equals night all year round, and shadows disappear somewhere during midday. At the same time, you can easily jump from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. No, this is not a fairy tale myth! This is the South American country of Ecuador. Its name means “equator” in Spanish. The small republic of Ecuador is a unique combination of unusual balance and harmony with unpredictability of volcanoes located here. The country has long been famous for its beautiful roses, which are the national flower of the state, and delicious bananas.

Ecuador. HC5DX Antennas. Author – David Sturm.

Ecuadorian surprises

The Republic of Ecuador rightfully belongs to the status of the most beautiful country in South America, with its diverse culture and unique collection of natural creations. So what surprises Ecuador, located in the middle of the planet?

• It is the only country in the world where not only citizens of the country, but also foreigners enjoy the right to participate in elections. Refusal to vote is punishable by a fine.
• Since 2000, the Republic of Ecuador has announced its refusal to repay its foreign debts (purely out of principle, not financial insolvency).
• The flattest climate on the planet is characteristic only for Ecuador (except for earthquakes, there are no hurricanes or typhoons here).
• Frequent appearance of unidentified flying objects is registered annually over the territory of the state (apparently, Ecuador is also interesting for UFOs).
• Here was born the oldest giant tortoise, listed in the Guinness Book of Records (its age reached 176 years).
• On the territory of the country is the highest point of the Earth’s surface from its center (volcano Chimborazo, whose height calls into question the palm of primacy given to the summit of Mount Everest).
• Ecuador is the birthplace of one of the highest active volcanoes on the planet (since 1738 Cotopaxi, which has a height of 5897 meters, erupted about 50 times).
• In the Ecuadorian jungle until the present time lives a tribe of nomadic Aurani, who do not use clothes.
• In the country the prerogative is given to matriarchy, a man is responsible for a woman if she is expecting a child, even outside of marriage. In case of corporal punishment of the weaker sex, he is threatened with prison.
• The locals have a rather strange tradition: on New Year’s Eve, men dress up in women’s clothes and ask visitors for money.

Ecuador. Author – Jorge Luis G..

Ecuador through the eyes of tourists

Visitors of the country among the many unique places of Ecuador especially emphasize the monument that symbolizes the Middle of the World. It is located near the capital of the country – the city of Quito and is made in the form of a pyramid with a huge five-ton ball on top, the diameter of which is equal to four and a half meters. And inside the pedestal there is a small museum, the exhibits of which can tell about the historical past, culture and activities of different ethnic groups of Ecuador.

A popular place that attracts not only citizens, but also guests of the capital is the Statue of the Virgin Mary, located on the Panecillo Hill. Made by Spanish architect Augustin Matorras, the aluminum sculpture is a symbol of the city of Quito. From the observation deck you can see almost the entire city.

Fans of natural creations enjoy visiting the Mindo rainforest, the beauty and biodiversity of which is unrivaled on the planet. The incredible combination of green hills, pointed mountain peaks, babbling brooks and waterfalls leaves indelible impressions in the soul of every tourist. And what is worth a visit to the famous waterfall Pailon del Diablo (height of about 100 meters)! Only a desperate daredevil can walk through the tunnel of stone walls, stand on the platform under the rumble of falling water, reach its white wall and see the cauldron of bubbling liquid in the lagoon.

Hummingbird, Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador. Author – Tom Rayner.

The Galapagos Islands, part of Ecuador, are truly exotic. For example, visiting the tiny island of Rabida, it is simply breathtaking to see the red-colored sandy beaches. The secret is simple, the volcanic soil is rich in iron oxide. Yasuni National Park, with its world record for the number of tree species growing on one hectare of land, will leave a lasting impression on your soul. 470 species of trees, about 60% of all the country’s mammals, and more than 500 varieties of the bird kingdom inhabit the park.

Approaching the “Chinese Hat” island from the northern side, tourists are amazed by its unusual shape. Guests are especially delighted by the sight of Galapagos penguins, which splash in the coastal waters. It seems that their appearance here is a mistake of nature!

Adventure seekers will enjoy kayaking down the Panyayaku River, which is teeming with piranhas, characterized by their voraciousness and incredible sounds.

HC5DX. Where is Ecuador located. Map.