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Many? I mean am I likely to encounter a lot of them on the track?
Reason I'm asking is the other day we did a hike and forgot the salt. So quick thinking, I peeled the tomato of the sandwhiches (which had salt on them) and used that to get them off our ankles
It worked
and so a discussion came up on some preventative measures. My hubby has come up with a novel idea – make a vaseline/salt paste. Rub this onto the tops/sides of your boots and around the bottom of your gaiters. Also acts as a water repellant as well. He wants to know if anyone has actually tried this and whether or not it would work so he wouldn't have to be stopping every 10-15 mins to pour some salt onto his legs.Must admit, I'm not quite sure what to make of his idea. No reason why it wouldn't work of course – or is there?
Hi again Fluppy
When we trekked I think we only saw one or two leeches the entire 9 days trek like wise mossies.
But the porters did say when the rain stops the mossies come out, we had rain on 7 of the 9 days.
I see more mossies and leeches walking around here than I saw trekking Kokoda.
Neither generally worry me and take little notice of them.
I do though at times use Bushmans Plus repellent which also is sunburn prevention cream, all in one. Contains 80% deet as such would suggest you try it out first specially if you have sensitive skin even if you do not keep it away from sensitive areas like around your eyes and face etc.
Rub on your legs each morning it will keep those leeches away and every where else for mossies if they are about.
Bushmans is available from most good camping shops.
I also wore those short gaiters the type that come half way up your legs, the full length ones did not suit my shorter legs and would have rubbed on my knees.
By the way take that Vaseline with you use it on your feet every morning specially between your toes and after using tinea powder on your feet the night before. Go to bed with 100% dry feet start each day with Vaseline on them and you will should not have any problems.
Brian
Brian
Fluppy,
Be aware leaches will attach to your body not only from ground level, but also from vegetation you may brush into along the track.
Geoff Hardie
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