Hanging and camping in the jungles of Vanuatu and Samoa

[Bradley]

:::Question at the end:::

I have been invited to the jungles of Vanuatu and Samoa,
by a couple of Missionary Friends of mine.

They just got back before Christmas, and were gone for a month or so.

I guess this next part really belongs in the:
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, "
Category . . .

But it has been on my heart to give Hammocks to Missionaries who spend time in jungles.

My friends have photos that they are suppose to email to me, of:
1. a hand sized poisonous spider on him
2. his back with 200 fire ant/flee/something bits
So this last fall I equipped them with a Tropical 2 and an NX-200
Which they loved and used Nov.-Dec. 2010

This last Sunday we went for brunch
and they told me of many things and about
a missionary and how he lives and works in the jungle,
and how he just sleeps on the dirt at night most times.
Now on these two islands they don't have bears, or cougars,
but poisonous snakes, spiders, and centipedes that are vey large and poisonous.

I said we need to get him a hammock
to which they replied "yes and you should be there to give it to him".

I was dumb founded . . . to say the least.
My wife would really like me to go . . .
and is insisting . . . OK Honey, I'll go on a trip of a life time if you insist . . .
I love flying . . . but in the last 20 years hate the idea of flying,
what with . . . well you know . . .

But some say that "until He is done with you, He protects you"

We talked about time frame, and that they normally go Nov.-Dec.
but that is my crazy busy time and they said that they would change it to Jan-Feb.
So "I have a year 2 gear up”

So Sunday night I placed my order for a Clark Tropical for myself as the NX150 would be to hot in the jungle.

In the year ahead I will purchase a number of CJH to take for to give
and
my question is
Is there much gear that I need, That I don’t already have.

I will Pyrethrin my cloths and . . . but

I figure high top boots and gaters/leggings
But what is the best foot wear ? ? ?
Clothing and clothing material ?
I will take all of my water making kit for sure . . .

Any suggestions for gear ? ? ?

[mbiraman]

Bradley ; i would google "hiking in Samoa and Vanatu" see what comes up. Obviously some general tropical ideas would apply but a places needs can be specific as well. I have no experience at hiking in tropical places and in fact don't do well in the heat but everything i've ever read talks about cloths that dry quick and footwear that breathes well and dry's quick. Maybe there's even a ,,,,ah heck

http://www.jasons.com/samoa/samoa-hiking

http://www.samoa.islands-travel.com/hiking.html

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntre...readID=1729095

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/samoa

Lonely planet usually has pretty good info on places.

cheers
bill

Ps ,,you might also check with Randall adventure's and ask them for info or where to get the info for that area,
http://www.jungletraining.com/index2.htm

[Bradley]

Thanks Bill

I will go over your links tonight and in the morn over my coffee and a yawn.

[Fronkey]

Hey Bradley, I spent some time in Papeete last year and got a little familiar with the critters lurking around.

I went on plenty of day hikes there and one thing that made me feel more comfortable was having boots the went up mid calf. You probably already own a pair of these already.

I think you probably have all the gear you are going to need. After all the locals get by with far less.

Also, You say you are going for missions work. I'm not sure if this is appropriate or not. But, have you thought about asking for donations of things to bring with you. With a community of DIY hammock makers, I figure you may be able to get a few of them that you could bring along with you. I personally wouldn't mind sending you one before you head out to bring with you.

Regardless, good luck with this adventure and keep us up to date on your journey there.

-Fronkey

[gRaFFiX]

WOW! What an amazing opportunity for you! I am so envious! I work with Tongans and they tell many stories of the islands that make me want to go there one day. If you take things from home that are useful, like ballpoint pens, you can use them to trade for anything you need. Everything overthere is extremely expensive, especially the alcohol. I've only heard all this second hand, but the people in the South Pacific are very friendly. Oh and don't turn down an invite to drink Kava.