VHF 16/21(repeater 80), HF 2524, 4483
Knowing that we'd be here for a few days meant that we would have a chance to meet the legendary 'Carol' of the American River VMR. In fact Carol made sure of it by booking us, as soon as we'd arrived, to accompany her on her scheduled 80km round trip to Kingscote later in the week. As punctual as a Swiss train, we were on our way by 09:00.
Knowing that we'd be here for a few days meant that we would have a chance to meet the legendary 'Carol' of the American River VMR. In fact Carol made sure of it by booking us, as soon as we'd arrived, to accompany her on her scheduled 80km round trip to Kingscote later in the week. As punctual as a Swiss train, we were on our way by 09:00.
The Bloke calling to Carol from the 'Independence' inspired signpost into American River
Carol suggested the signal was a bit weak.
Technology update required?
Technology update required?
The original barque 'Independence' was built and launched from the 'River' over 200 years ago. There is a project afoot to construct a real replica, not unlike the Endeavour and Duyfken projects.
The 40km drive to Kingscote gave us plenty of time to get acquainted, share stories and learn all sorts of stuff about Kangaroo Island. Things like 13 years is not long enough to be considered a local; in fact if you are not born on the island you'll never be counted as an 'Islander'. There used to be over 1 million sheep on KI but this has dropped off to around 600,000 head. We also learned about the snakes. Oh yes, Carol told us as a mater of fact there are plenty of tiger snakes and for a bonus, copperheads too. Ukk! We'd gone on a walk along a trail and escaped harm but I bet that getting the Bloke to go on any more trails with me has about 6 chances: Nicks, Naught, Nothing, F****-All, Mine and Buckley's!
The most important thing we learned was that Carol Miell is a volunteer in the full sense of the word. She is entirely self funded. This service is her passion and she has some part time jobs to help cover the cost of the equipment and electricity. In addition to her morning and evening weather Scheds, she takes logons all through the day and is on a listening watch all night too. Her handheld radio was with her while she showed us about her turf. Mariners on her patch value her efforts highly and it is certainly our hope that the powers-that-be in Adelaide, acknowledge this dedication and service with some kind of financial assistance. A bureaucratic 'Coast Guard', based in an office in a capital city is no substitute to the hands-on local knowledge of the community-based radio people. We have been very fortunate to have been 'monitored' by various VMR's along the way and they are the best PR you can get for safe boating and local tourism.
To Carol, we say "T H A N K Y O U"!
View from Kingscote across to Backstairs Passage.
A nasty passage of water between the mainland and Kangaroo Island.
It often delivers mariners unexpected weather and currents as they 'poke their nose' out of Gulf St Vincent or from any of the northern shores of KI.
It often delivers mariners unexpected weather and currents as they 'poke their nose' out of Gulf St Vincent or from any of the northern shores of KI.
It gives Carol a lot of work!
The Southern Ocean behind Carol and the Bloke.
Carol monitors an area from Cape Spencer in the west to nearly Robe in the east; half way up Gulf St Vincent in the north and then south of Kangaroo Island.
Carol monitors an area from Cape Spencer in the west to nearly Robe in the east; half way up Gulf St Vincent in the north and then south of Kangaroo Island.
A popular surf beach on the southern shore
Glassy breakers rolling in from the Southern Ocean.
When Carol escapes her radio den she can enjoy this stupendous view across Pelican Lagoon
The American River Radio Suite
Carol in her radio den
Aerials aloft
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