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So I'm going on a bit of a short trek around southern Australia with my partner, his parents who are visiting from the Netherlands, and my dog. We are taking 2 cars and there is a trip through the desert with a few days of 8-10 hour stints between towns. I've not done this style of travelling for a LONG time, and never tried it as a primary driver, and never with a dog.

At the moment, the OH is sitting behind me compiling travelling music.

I have in front of me an insulated bag full of various first aid goodies. This is my standard pack for day trips and a grab bag for general stuff. If you guys could take a look at it and tell me what I'm missing or what you would take, I'd really appreciate it.

It was originally designed as multi-purpose wound care and odds and ends for humans, so it is very skewed towards that, but it has kind of morphed as I needed things.

Equipment:
1 x stethoscope
1 x digital thermometer
3 x 10mL syringes
1 x 2ml syringe
1 x 3mL syringe
4 x 18G needles
1 x giving set
X x cotton wool pads
1 x vetwrap (self-adhesive bandage)
1 x micopore (low stick bandage tape)
1 x leukoplast (medium stick bandage tape)
4 x sterile eye pads
2 x bandage
4 x chux wipes
1 x pack unscented baby wipes
1 x pack Q-tips
1 x stitch kit (haemostats, forceps, scissors, scalpel, suture material)
1 x powdered and powder-free gloves
1 x multitool
1 x torch & batteries
1 x notepad and pen


Meds etc:
2 x sachet protexin (probiotic)
1 x sachet Lectade
1 x pack glucuse tablets
1 x antifungal cream
1 x terramycin powder pack
1 x Frontline dropper
1 x dettol spray and cream
1 x zinc base nappy cream
1 x Betadine liquid
1 x heat gel
25mL Stingose
1 x hydrogen peroxide
1 x triclosan soap
1 x bag hartmann's solution

I also have about 10L of water, warm blankets, extra food, jumper leads, and am seriously considering a jerry can for fuel, but is there anything else you'd suggest?

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I'm not familiar with your meds there, but do you have a basic painkiller/anti-inflammatory like aspirin/ibuprofen? You may want a small bottle of those in case someone gets a headache, sprain, etc.

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Hi,
I can think of several additions...
First, the vehicles... pack an extra set of fan belts
for each.
Be sure the tires are new, and designed
for the terrain you will be traveling on. Be sure you have
a new, fully inflated, spare tire
Communications... Personal radios, or Citizen's Band
radios, at least one for the group or preferably, one for
each vehicle. OR, at least one cell phone that uses SAT-COM
instead of the local relays. An extra, charged, battery
for the phone.
Bring a adapter that plugs into the vehicle
power to recharge the phone(s).

While we all know that is is hot in a desert, for some
reason not all know that it can dip down to near freezing
at nights, bring good warm blankets or better yet sleeping
bags that are good down to the expected lows for that area.

Be sure to pack enough water, at least a gallon
for each/day per person, or be sure to stop along
the way to refill the containers so you have plenty
of water available.

In the FA kit, you might want to add some of the thick
Kotex type pads, if available, the ones with the ties,
or just pads. These make excellent trauma bandages.

Go to the hardware or paint store and purchase a bundle
of the paint stir sticks about a foot long. These make
excellent splints if necessary. Also pick up some
triangular slings or tear up a couple of old sheets to
support immobilize injured extremities.

I would absolutely have a full jerry can for each vehicle.

Go to a camping store and pick up some packs of food.

Check with your vet and find out how much water the dog
will need and if he/she has any other suggestions. They may
want to modify the dog's diet to go with the heat.

I see the "Scope" but no mention of a "Cuff" You should
also have a BP Cuff. Not just for taking Blood Pressure,
but they can also make a great tourniquet if necessary.

Frank



-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

What's with road trips all of a sudden : Hope you get your fill of fun on yours calla

In addition to the water, take along a can or two of gatoraide powder (the melon or strawberry one is yum). Not only will it help with the whole electrolyte issue, but if you end up with funny tasting water sometimes you just don't want to drink it and ...not drinking is not an option. It can help cover over aftertaste.
I saw heat gel, what about the break ice pads? Not sure what they're called. Also I'd get a box of alcohol wipes, they can be used for other things as well. What about a book on all insect and other bites you might run into? Insect bites can alter plans

Get a good quality inverter so you can plug in and charge any additionals like ipods, camera batteries, laptops. Ours burnt out and we ended up with one more reason to need to check into hotels more often until we had time to stop for a new one.

Make sure the baby wipes pack goes in a zip lock bag, ours kept popping open, although they did stay moist to my amazement.

For sanity reasons a small broom, the dust and dirt gets everywhere, and eventually seriously gets on your nerves. windshield wipes, the bugs will cover over your windshield and you'll be out of fluid in a day (... ). Look in target or big W for some hard sided plastic rubbermaid type containers to keep things neat, and easy to move. We used the boxes our sleeping bags came in, until the water spilled and ruined boxes (sending food everywhere!). If you have to find stuff quickly in the dark, with the wind cutting through your gloves making you shiver beyond control and have the door slamming shut on your legs things get frustrating fast.

Food, get a variety, both snack and meal foods. And those heat packs that warm your food without need for a camp stove. Snow and rain may not be such a problem for you but wind may make things difficult on the food prep front. Seems you'll be in town in the evenings? You still may want to be ready in case you're not. And of course chocolate, coffee/tea, dry milk ect for a quick pick me up. Mess kits for everyone, and know where your swiss army knife is in case you forgot to bring a long a canopener , and if you do forget, don't buy a cheap one that is as much good as a flat rock!


I agree with checking with the vet Can you get him those driving glasses they made for dogs back in the 20's? That'd be a hoot! Bring a second set of polarized sunglasses for all drivers in case of misplacement, damage or abduction. They're really good for reducing headaches, and making the world look a lovely place. If you are planning on documenting the trip, get a flash drive you can wear around your neck and take it off only to shower, swim, and back up files. LED headlamps and self standing lanterns are great, I have one with a red light option as well which is good for night time (though not good for finding red roads on a map).
You mentioned one of most things, will you be able to restock quickly enough if needed?

Laundry detergent, and dishwashing liquid with a sponge. Packing I'm sure you know how to do, I don't know why I always overpack too many shirts, and end up wearing the same one over and over again . 2 cars 4 adults won't be too tight, but still, who knows what you'll pick up on the way (pounds and pounds of jelly bellys for instance).

Ok, that's all I can think of for now, I should be packing too!

Edit: Along with the pills superlion mentioned, grab a pack of telfast too. If OH's parents end up anything like me, a green ant bite will drive them out of their mind with the itching for weeks. Mozzies sometimes itch worse and allergy meds can help. Also some eurax cream and of course stingos and aeroguard (unscented).

^_^

Good work! I knew this was the right place to ask, FPers know EVERYTHING! I've raided the medicine box and have at least a few pills for every possible minor ailment in a ziplok baggie (bubblepacks, so the drug is printed on the back of the foil). I've also tossed in the "how to" first aid book... it seemed like a good idea.

Both cars have been serviced in the last 2 months, new tyres, oil, filters, brake pads, the lot. but for about 20k in the middle, I believe the roads are all surfaced now. I'll call the parts guys and see about fan belts.

I think Dad still has a CB from way back when, I'll see if that is a goer. 4 spare batteries and a charger, and we are going to split the phones over 3 networks. They should be fine for one section, but not the other

The night thing is worrying me a bit, I've called around the region and they are all reporting temperatures of below 0*C. There are two nights where 2 people are staying in the underground hotel (a comfortable 22*C all year round), and the other 2 are supposed to be staying in the cabin (bound to be a caravan) with the dog. The guy with the cabin was a bit... lets go with happy-go-lucky, so there may or may not be a cabin when we arrive, and it may or may not be liveable. I have my fingers crossed.
If push comes to shove, at those temps are we better off in the car or in a tent? I've got a -4*, -3* and a -8* sleeping bags, but am thinking space blankets might be worthwhile, just in case.

Yeah, towns every night. OH's idea of camping is 3 star hotel *sigh* Still, given the stupid distances I'm not complaining! It isn't like I desperately want to erect a tent in the freezing cold dark. I miss it though, I haven't been camping properly for years.

We are in the middle of winter, so I'm expecting the heat to be much less of a problem than the cold. Average daytime temp is about 20*C/68*F. I've been packing the food into the dog for the last few weeks to try and get some bulk on him, as he drops it very quickly if stressed or cold, and given he turns into a chattering mess here, I think this is going to be very interesting! Still, he's got more coats than you could poke a stick at, so he should be fine
The vet has loaded me up with antihistamines for him in case he puffs up, and he's got the all clear to go. Vaccination certificate is photocopied and in the glovebox of both cars, and his rego tag has been updated with trip details. I think I'd be lucky with getting him to wear the Doggles, but I am getting him a snazzy wire racing muzzle, a 30ft lead and harness.

Dustpan and boxes sound good. I'm dreading taking the little car out there, it is going to come back full of bulldust Can we get Gatorade powder here?

I think I may have to have a chat to the family scout, maybe borrow a few extra bits and bobs for just in case

Current shopping list:
paint stirrers
thick pads
2 x jerry can
Telfast
Eurax
Instant ice packs
Insect repellent (I have a feeling they are allergic to Aeroguard)
Sunnies (*grumble* That means I have to get Overs boo!)



For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I've been buying the powder there, look in the sports drink section on the top shelf, big orange plastic tubs. I can't think which flavor is the good one, it's melon something or berry blast I think. The powder is just much easier to transport and better for the environment (and wallet!) than bottles of the stuff. It's not the lime or orange or fruit punch flavor that's for sure (I've been on orange this trip and it's getting...old.)

Wool bobbley hats for everyone. You lose 70% of your body heat from your head. If you get the kind with the ear flaps that tie under your chin they won't fall off in your sleep. With those temps you're better off in the car over the tent. Again the plastic tubs will make things much easier for moving stuff around once you're ready to pack in for the night. (Gosh I wish we had had them!)

Allergic to Aeroguard ?! Goodness! Have them try a bottle of the unscented stuff though. It makes me cough and sputter a bit as I spray it on, but it's not greasy like the regular stuff is and works for me (I could bathe in Off and the mozzies would still find me!), and doesn't give me a headache.

Broad brimmed hats are also a good idea, Fills in sunglass gap, keeps hair out of eyes, and makes it easier to use a camera in the sun.

Hotels every night, maaaaaaaaaan that's the life!

^_^

For insect repellent try Bushman's. It's a bit more expensive than the others and around here I've only been able to find it in camping stores or pharmacies but it smells a lot nicer than Aerogard or Rid and works better IMO (and if you get the green can/ tube you have the added bonus of built in sunscreen).

G_T

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

Ta GT! I'd forgotten all about that one! That should work brilliantly

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

Zip lock bags.

Hand for many, many things.

Snacks. Wet socks. Interesting things you find that are sandy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

LMAO! I had a brief moment of "why on earth would wet socks be useful?" and then the penny dropped. Ugh, I need a holiday!

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I have never done a long distance road trip but I have spent some time in the tropics fishing and a lot of walking in off beaten areas.

I would never travel with out these two items.
Dermasoft Sanitising Hand Gel it is sold in tubes 100ml chemists.
Also Hexol it is an antiseptic lotion it is supposed to be diluted but I just use it straight and it stings like Metho. With minor cuts it is the perfect cleaner it is also excellent for washing hands before you have to any nasty self/other person repairs. It is liquid 500ml Chemist. There are other products which could have different retail names but the chemist should know.

Did I see any sunburn cream only buy the very expensive thick stuff with a very high rating all say 15+ but the good ones are above 80+ and made in Aust.

Another excellent product is a simple Ponds 15+ moisturizing cream put this on before any sun lotion and you will never get burnt. Bought any good super market.

Another thing waterproof matches just in case.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Fishing gear! OMG, I almost totally forgot! Waterproof matches reminded me

Any Victorians know if I need a licence? I've looked up cray sizes, limits and bans but couldn't see anything on basic licensing. Do I need one or no?

Will pick that up tomorrow Keith, ta!

For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett

I dunno if I'm weird or not (no no, don't answer it's ok ) but I cant STAND hand sanitizing gel, and it's not just because of the unfortunate incident in Romania (see today I learned something new for further details). But it does always give me horrid painful hangnails even if I use lotion as well. A few studies have found that a bar of soap and some water do just as well as antibacterial soap (which I also have serious issues with).

Just a thought, you don't want to be covered in bandaids the whole trip after all!

If you have one of those collapsible folder files....the kind that pull out like an accordion and you can sort files alphabetically or by month, one of those might come in real handy for keeping keepsakes flat (that are supposed to be flat) and free from wrinkles and tears. Also any receipts for hotels or other purchases that you may need to keep for later reference.

BTW I think your inbox was full .

^_^

If you are referring to a Vic fishing licence the answer is yes as far as I know. To be on the safe side contact the local authorities. If fishing in the Murry river you will require a NSW licence even if you are on the Vic side But again check. The local PO should have fishing rules BUT they are a guide only. If you want up to date info it will require a direct contact
http://dse.vic.gov.au/
or 136186

I hope this helps you

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info
Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Have a good trip. And don't forget the wet socks!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~

Don't forget the obvious, like a bowl for the dog to drink out of. My dogs aren't real flash on drinking out of a coffee cup.

How about a thermos? Can get it filled in towns or at your campsites.

Don't forget your own girlie comforts while worrying about packing everone elses.