April 14th: We were welcomed to the island, given a fine package of small gifts and information, and heard a talk from Representative of National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA), Sylvain McIntyre. Later, we were refreshed and met with delegates from Guyana, Dominica, Sweden, St. Lucia and Grenada, all with stories of personal contribution to ham radio.

April 15th: We rose early several mornings during our stay in Grenada to walk the Grand Anse Beach, where the Allamanda Resort is located. We returned to marvel at Lars’ SM0CCM radio setup in the room next to ours, where, despite problems with propagation, he still managed to work hundreds of CW contacts over Hamboree weekend. The guys prepared for a public ham radio presentation at the tennis courts…mounting the antenna was a particular challenge! Under the tent, we discussed with the locals many of the victories and trials since Hurricane Ivan of Sept. 2004, and they let us know the help that is still needed there.
Afternoon sessions featured Ray Smith with some audio recorded in the midst of Hurricane Janet, and Clem James J73CI spoke to us about radio link and satellite transmissions. We played some beach volleyball, swam in the pool and prepared for the evening barbeque served by the XYLs

April 16th: Easter morning, sunrise on the beach and a moment to reflect on the risen Christ. We heard bright singing when members were spilling out of a local church on this Sunday, and we delighted in a buffet breakfast that was coordinated by Reuben’s wife, Dr. Pursoo, served on grounds next to the church.
10am. We toured up the west coast, took a sea bath at Bathway Bay, and visited a remarkable restaurant called Barry’s Country Resort in St. Patrick’s. We saw firsthand the devastation from Ivan in many of the areas we visited. We went back to the hotel by way of the Grand Etang Forest Reserve, and stopped at Grand Etang Lake, which is water that has filled a crater of one of Grenada's extinct volcanoes. This was quite a tour!
Fellowship lasted into the evening, the usual gathering in Gay and Dee’s room, with birthday/working anniversary cake, and coffee.

April 17th: The official conclusion of Hamboree. David recorded testimonials from the various hams. We will be excited to play back the various perspectives from Hurricane Ivan, thoughts about Hamboree and amateur radio in general. Later, Dave and Gay went with Graham J39BW to St. George’s University on the island, which is American owned and like a resort. They considered it a worthwhile visit, taking notes and several pictures. Dee took in the local flavors with the Dominican contingent, and spoke with several Grenadians to gain additional perspective.
Later we met with Allan J39BK and his associate Valisca Edwards in the breezeway conference area of the hotel. They made remarks about their work toward disaster preparedness and showed their ideas for organization. We were grateful to receive a copy of the plan for use in other more remote locations. Dave had already made a donation of equipment, and some additional requests were made.
Suppertime. They have Subway in Grenada, too! Besides being minus some of the freshest ingredients, we all partook of our favorite sandwiches during our last get-together in room 112.

April 18th: We were so thankful to meet this morning with Reuben J39DE and his brother Eugene, who is a professor at New York’s Medgar Evers College and was Grenadian ambassador to the UN some years ago. They really displayed an allegiance to Grenada and a desire to help with its growth in many aspects. Our conversation was as stimulating as the fine local coffee-- we covenanted to keep contact and work together when possible. Eugene honored us by asking if we would join as “Friends of Grenada”, a group he has assembled to benefit his homeland.
They showed us to a hilltop property owned by Eugene, with a panoramic view of the port at St. George’s. He discussed his future plans and gave a bit of history of the area. They helped us around town to get important stamps and souvenirs…again, great hosts.
Evening. Since most of the delegates had now gone, we were able to keep company with our ever- funny Swedish friends. More talk of ham radio, projects in Dominica where Seth plans to spend much more time, and the future. After sunset, we crossed the football (soccer) field to share a supper of Conch (yes, the sea mollusk in the shell) steak and vegetables.

April 19: It always seems too soon to be departing, but especially when the 4:45am taxi comes to collect us. We made our return trip safely…we were abuzz with all we had experienced and the future before us. It would be good to get home, back with family and the normal routine.