On April 6 I finally got around to installing the KISS SSB counterpoise.   But first I had to clean up the mess on the swim platform we had made the previous evening in the dark while cleaning our lobsters.

And then I had to clean out the port upper lazaret in order to get to the SSB tuner and to the space under the false flybridge floor where the uncoiled KISS would be placed.  The amount of “stuff” that had to be temporarily removed was embarrassing.  The installation of the KISS itself was easy and almost a complete success.  Not only were the SSB reception and transmitting greatly improved, but the “clipping” problem of words when broadcasting on mid and high power was apparently eliminated.   I say “almost” a complete success, because the reception and broadcasting power are still not equal to that obtained by some of our sailing friends.  But then, their antennae are higher and longer.

On April 7 Jackie & Eric (Compass Rose) and I got up early and went on a bird-watching expedition along the rough road on the southern shore between Cocoa Point and Spanish Point.   Below are the few pictures I got that are worth displaying.