Could love and ladies boost the Iron Man to higher performance?
It was suddenly announced that Danny was engaged to Miss Naomi Kay of Tampa. They got married and had a civil ceremony in the Canal Zone on July 21, 1960, planning a church ceremony during their intermediate stop in Ecuador. Danny claimed that Naomi’s assets were: “a good cook, boating experience, and considerable nursing experience.” It was obvious that while in Tampa, refitting YASME III, Danny pursued other interests as well, with a true seaman’s efficiency. Goodbye Dave, ZL1AV, and welcome Miss Naomi!
Ms. Naomi who broke the heart of a true blue DX-peditioner in a big way (from Yasme book/K1TN page 135)
The plan was to arrive in Guayaquil, Ecuador on August 18, 1960 for the wedding party and then continue to Galapagos and operate as HC8VB. The wedding party was as glamorous as they are in those parts of the world and the hams, particularly Joe, HC2OM and his lovely XYL Elsi, were heading the ceremonies. A whole book can be written about that party with more pictures than on any other occasion and one surely senses that the young love affair was totally overtaking the scene. Such are new marriages.
But we digress. Let’s jump back to the original reason for Yasme – an around-the-world expedition, which at that point was still in its infancy and heading toward its first South Pacific stop.
As leaving Ecuador toward the deep Pacific, via Galapagos and Clipperton, was to be the longest leg, a prior arrangement had been made to ship petrol to Galapagos.
Danny noted on their road trip to Quito: “The middle of the World at the monument of Latitude 0.00 and we straddle the northern and southern hemispheres. It was all a great moment for Naomi and me!” “And now – aren’t you ready for a trip yet darling?”
And off they went and with fair winds and favorable seas, San Cristobel Island was sighted on October 15, 1960. The commander of the island provided Danny a shack to operate from, one mile from the anchorage, and HC8VB was on the air! In eleven days of operation some 3200 QSOs were logged.
Next stop was Clipperton Island after nineteen days and 1200 miles at sea!
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