Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Well it's only a few hours now until I head off to the airport to begin my trip to Fiji! I have been packing all morning, squeezing as much into my bag as possible and ticking off my kit list.
I have had some difficulty in obtaining my kit as it is Autumn here in Australia and the summer gear I need is almost out of stock. Also, the list does not always contain the detail I required to make the best purchases; as a way of keeping a record of all the tips and tricks I picked up about packing for my trip, I decided to dedicate a blog entry to what I have learnt.
My kit list is as follows:
- Rucksack (min 50 litres)
- Daysack (20 litres)
- Rucksack liners
- Sealable plastic bags
- Sleeping bag
- Box mosquito net - permethrin treated
- Wash kit
- Biodegradable multi-purpose washing liquid
- Towel (trek towel and old one)
- Sun cream
- Mosquito repellant
- Camera and memory cards
- Spare batteries
- Fijian plug adapter
- Plastic bowl and mug
- Knife, fork, spoon
- Large water bottle
- Notebook and pen, eraser
- Mask, snorkel, fins and booties for diving
I left some of my kit to be purchased here in Australia due to weight restrictions on my bag from England and also I thought the quality would be greater as the equipment here is built for a similar climate as to that in Fiji.
I started off my putting together my insect kit which included insect repellant, antihistamines and a soothing bite cream. I arrived into hot weather here and as fresh british meat suffered with about 20 bites when I arrived. The local chemist suggested Bushman's and many times since buying it have been praised for my decision; Bushman's is the best australian brand repellant as it contains DEET, a chemical that in high quantites is illegal in many countries but completely repels any flying insect in the nearby vicinity. And on my Godmother's advice I bought a hydrocortisone cream that really soothes and reduces the inflammation of the bite.
I moved on to my first aid kit next; I have to put together a personal first aid kit to treat my own minor injuries and ailments, this includes:
- Iodine or betadine
- 50 fabric plasters (assorted sizes)
- 10 wound dressings
- 1 pack medium size gauze
- Swimmer's ear drops
- alcohol wipes
- Antiseptic soap
- Micropore tape
- Zinc oxide tape
- Antiseptic cream
- 30 pain killers
- 30 antihistamines
- Rehydration sachets
- Vitamins
Well I already had antihistamines ticked off my list but I still had plenty to purchase. I was able to buy the plasters, vitamins, pain killers and betadine in the local supermarket cheaper than in the pharmacy. I then bought the rest, apart from the zinc oxide tape and antiseptic soap, in the pharmacy with the advice of the pharmacist. The antiseptic soap and zinc oxide tape proved more difficult to find and stumped many of the chemists around. I did however manage to find a bar of antispetic soap made by dettol in a dollar shop! I still haven't found the elusive zinc oxide tape...
Other things to take into consideration are that hardware shops also stock a few first aid items and after already buying my plasters, found the local hardware shop doing a deal of 100 assorted plasters for $2 rather than the $4.99 I had already paid for 50.
My Godmother also suggested I pack a small bottle of tea tree oil as this was a great antiseptic and had a multitude of uses.
As my kit was fully makeshift I purchased a toiletry bag with plenty of storage pockets for it all. It is soft so it packs easily and is relatively waterproof too.
If you have read 'The City (Part 2)' you will know the difficulty I had in buying my mosquito net, but it is all packed and ready to go now. I bought a cotton sleeping bag liner as my 'sleeping bag' as it will be warm and the liner will hopefully do me just fine (I will have to wait and see).
I had a great last day yesterday as we took a family trip down to the peninsula and spent the day at the beach. It was gorgeous weather and I got to see some spectacular views across the beaches and bays. We also went up the top of Arthurs Seat and looked out across the whole coastline.
I don't think it has hit me that I am leaving tonight for this trip; that I have spent several months working towards it and it is finally here. I may have a chance to write a blog or two at the airports I stop at on the way so it isn't quite goodbye yet, I want to thank everyone for their help in getting me here and as internet is pretty limited where I am going, I will tell all when I get back to civilisation.
- comments
Jo/celyn Es Thought of you and looking ar blog and here I am. Do so hope all well with you bet it is exciting! Lucky you with the heat. Jo n Co