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juniperpublishers-gjorm · 5 years

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Assessment of Magnitude of Hand Washing Practice and Its Determinant Factors among Mothers/Caretakers in Aman Sub-City, Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia, 2017

AbstractBack ground: Due to its tremendous contribution in preventing and controlling most infectious diseases, promotion of appropriate hand hygiene practice has been recognized as an important public health measure. However, globally infectious diseases remain the leading causes of child hood mortality and morbidity accounting for 65% of all deaths in under-five children which can be prevented if proper sanitation and hygiene measure undertaken. Despite the unquestionable evidence in favor of hand washing, it is observed that young children and their mothers in developing countries fail to practice this habit at critical times.Objectives: To assess magnitude of hand washing practice and its determinant factors among mothers/caretakers in Aman Sub-City, Bench Maji Zone, South -west Ethiopia.Methods and Materials: Descriptive community based cross sectional study was conducted among Mizan-Aman, Aman sub-city mothers/ caretakers from May to August, 2017. A questionnaire was used to assess the practice of hand washing. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted in-order to check the presence of associations between dependent and independent variables.Result and discussion: A total of 422 mothers/care takers were participated in this study. According to the finding of this study majority, 408 (96.7%), of mothers/care takers heard about hand washing practice at least once in their life time. Only 164 (38.9%) of interviewed mothers/ caregivers agreed that they should wash their hand after any contact with other things while the rest. Half 218 (51.7%) of the respondents believe that they should not wash their hands always using soap. Majority, 374 (88.6%), of respondents used soap frequently while washing their hands. About 125 (29.6%) does not care whether they wash their inter digital area and fingernails. According to the multivariate logistic regression result only educational status of mothers/caretakers showed a significant association with hand washing practice.Conclusion and recommendation: The overall score revealed that significant proportion of mothers had a good knowledge of proper hand washing. However; the translation of knowledge into sustainable behavior needs to be reinforced because only one third of mothers/ caretakers practiced proper hand washing properly. Thus behavioral intervention programs aimed to improve hand hygiene practices should be undertaken intensively by various stakeholders including health care facilities.Keywords: Hand washing practice; Mothers/caretakers; Mizan Aman; EthiopiaAbbreviations: CDC: Centre of Disease Control; ARIs: Acute Respiratory Infections; SNNPR: South Nations Nationalities and People Region; SRS: Simple Random Sampling; WHO: World Health OrganizationGo toIntroductionDue to its tremendous contribution in preventing and controlling most infectious diseases, promotion of appropriate hand hygiene practice has been recognized as an important public health measure. It is also acknowledged to be the most appropriate, effective and cost effective way of preventive different types of communicable diseases. And hence the main purpose of proper hand washing is preventing infectious diseases including food borne, water born and feco-orally transmitted diseases which are more of attributed to improper hand washing practice [1]. Hand washing is defined as the vigorous, brief rubbing together of all surfaces of lathered hands, followed by rinsing under a stream of water. Hand washing suspends microorganisms and mechanically removes them by rinsing with water. The fundamental principle of hand washing is removal, not killing. It is also a general term applied to either hand washing, antiseptic hand wash, alcohol-based hand rub, or surgical hand hygiene/antisepsis. Until now, hand washing with soap and water remains a sensible strategy for hand hygiene in non-healthcare settings and is recommended by Centre of Disease Control (CDC) and other experts to minimize the burden of infectious diseases [2].The contribution of proper hand washing practice at critical events is responsible for reduction of infectious disease. However, globally infectious diseases remain the leading causes of child hood mortality and morbidity accounting for 65% of all deaths in under-five children which can be prevented if proper sanitation and hygiene measure undertaken. Pneumonia and diarrhoea accounts for a 3rd rank of all deaths. In 2012 alone, 502 000 diarrhea deaths were estimated to be caused by inadequate drinking water and 280 000 deaths by inadequate sanitation. The most likely estimate of disease burden from inadequate hand hygiene amounts to 297 000 deaths. Also various studies confirmed that washing of hands with soap at critical events which includes after using toilet, before handling food and others have reduced infections like diarrhoea, ARI, as well as skin, eyes and helminthes infestations in children [3].It is confirmed that washing hands with soap after using the toilet or cleaning a child and before handling food can reduce rates of diarrheal disease, including some of its more severe manifestations, such as cholera and dysentery, by 4859 percent. In addition to its tremendous effect to protect health hand-washing with soap is a life-saving intervention within the technological and financial reach of all countries and communities. Research shows that a $3.35 investment in handwashing brings the same health benefits as an $11.00 investment in latrine construction, a $200.00 investment in household water supply and an investment of thousands of dollars in immunization. Nonetheless, regardless of its lifesaving potential, hand-washing with soap during the critical time is practiced rarely. Around the world, the observed rates of hand-washing with soap at critical moments range from zero percent to 34 percent [4].Despite the unquestionable evidence in favour of hand washing, it is observed that young children and their mothers in developing countries fail to practice this habit at critical times [5]. For instance a study conducted in Tanzania found that hands and water are important sources of both viral and bacterial pathogens that cause diarrhea. This finding underscores the importance of efforts to promote hand washing [6]. In Nigeria, the commonest causes of morbidity among children under five years of age are malaria, measles, malnutrition, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) and diarrheal disease. Diarrheal disease and ARIs are strongly linked with poor hand washing practices among other factors [7].In Ethiopia Diarrhoea is one of the major contributors to deaths for under age 5 children. Based on the WHO/CHERG estimates, diarrhoea contributes to more than one in every ten (13%) child deaths in Ethiopia. According to EDHS 2016 Mothers reported that 12% of children under age 5 had a diarrheal episode in the 2 weeks before the survey. It has reported that the prevalence of diarrhoea is slightly higher for children in households with unimproved sanitation than for children in households with improved sanitation including hand washing practice. Additionally, mother's/caretakers educational level was identified as a determinant factor for the prevalence of diarrhea. Also interviewers were able to see a place for hand washing in 60% of households. Soap and water, the essential hand washing agents, were observed in only 28% of urban households and 7% of rural households. Water, soap, and other cleaning agents were absent in 43% of urban households and 68% of rural households [8].Proper hand washing is an easy, less coasty and none time consuming, effective way of preventing many infectious disease and thus it is one way of decreasing infant mortality and morbidity. Data related with magnitude of hand-washing practice and its determinants is very crucial to design appropriate strategy However, here in the study area there was scarcity of data reviling the sanitation condition of household's especially hand-washing practice of mothers/caretakers and its determining factors. Thus this study was intended to assess Magnitude of hand washing practice and its determinant factors among mothers/caretakers in Aman Sub-City. The findings would be used as a base line data for the next researches. Also the findings could be helpful to implement problem solving strategies towards hand washing related problems.Go toObjectivesGeneral objectiveo To assess the magnitude of hand washing practice and its determinant factors among mothers/caretakers in Mizan- Aman, Aman Sub-city, SWE.Specific objectiveso To determine the level of practice of hand washing among mothers/caretakers in Aman sub city, Bench Maji zone, SWEo To assess factors affecting hand washing practice of mothers/caretakers in Aman sub city, Bench Maji zone, SWEGo toMethods and MaterialsStudy area and periodThe study was conducted in Mizan Aman city administration from May to August, 2017. Mizan-Aman town is the capital city of Bench Maji zone, South Nations Nationalities and People Region (SNNPR), and it is located 561km far away from Addis Ababa. Aman Sub-city has 5 Kebeles (smallest administrative units) and 10 sub Kebeles. According to the statistics from town administration the total population is 34,080 which comprises18138 men and 15,942 women.Study designThe study design was community based cross sectional studyPopulationSource population: Source population was all mothers who live in, Aman Sub-city administrationStudy population: Study population was a sample of all mothers/caretakers who live in the randomly selected Kebele.Sample size determination and sampling techniqueSample size determination: Sample size for the population - based survey was determined using single populationProportion formula:

Where,d= Degree of precision or margin of error (0.05)α= the risk of rejecting the null hypothesis (0.05)P=Performance of hand washing (50%)Z= the standard score corresponding to 95% confidence interval.

The sample was 384. After, considering 10 % non-response rate, the final sample was settled at 422Sampling procedureFrom list of three Kebeles one Kebele was randomly selected. The total sample was allocated for selected Kebele. A list of households was obtained from selected Kebele through oncho village registration books and a sample of households was selected from the list of households from selected Kebeles using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) technique. Then after, a list of mothers was obtained from each selected households through oncho village registration books. And one mother/caretaker was selected from the list of mother from each selected households using Systematic Random Sampling technique such that samples of selected 422 mothers/caretakers comprised study subjects.Inclusion and exclusion criteriaInclusion criteriao A mother/caretakers who had at list one child alive.o A mother/caretaker who had raising a child/children as adoption.Exclusion criteriao A mother who did not give care for their child/childreno A mother who was unable to participateData collection tools and proceduresStandard questionnaire was adopted from world health organization (WHO). Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection among selected persons through survey. The main themes of the questionnaire were demographic data; knowledge and practice of mothers. Data collection was conducted by graduate class students of collage of health sciences in Mizan Tepi University.Study variablesDependent variable: Hand washing practiceIndependent variableso Knowledge and Practice of hand washingo Socioeconomic statuso Educational statuso OccupationData quality managementThe collected questionnaires were submitted and edited on daily bases; immediate feedback was given for the problems. The interviewer administered structured questionnaire was translated into Amharic and was pre-tested before data collection. The logical sequence of the questionnaire and the appropriateness of questions, the wording and clarity of language were checked after pre-test. And data collection tools were modified according to the pre-test findings.Data analysisAll questionnaires were first checked for accuracy, cleaned manually, coded and then data were entered, edited and analyzed using Epi-Data and SPSS software. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted in-order to check the presence of associations between dependent and independent variables. Finally data was presented using appropriate methods.Operational definitionsProper hand washing: Removing dirties from the nails, between fingers and the visible surface of the hand by using water, soap or any other solutions before and after the recommended activities for the recommended length of time.Good knowledge: if respondents scores 3 out of 5 knowledge related questions and above.Good practice: respondents scores 3 out of 5 practice related questions and above Mother/caretakers: woman who have given birth or give care for child.Ethical issues:Ethical clearance for the research was obtained from Mizan-Tepi University, College Of Health Science. Permission letter was sought from Mizan-Aman, Aman sub-city administration office. An informed verbal consent was obtained from every study subject before interview.Dissemination planThe final research report was presented to department of public health, collage of health sciences, Mizan Tepi University. Hard and electronic copies of the final report were disseminated to stakeholders and Mizan Tepi University.Go toResultsA total of 422 mothers/care takers were participated in this study. Fortunately, due to commitment of data collectors as well availability of study participants during data collection time the non response rate was 0%. Majority, 202 (47.9%) of mothers were aged above 30 years old. Married mothers account the largest proportion from the total participants which were 319 (75.6%). Near to half, 186 (44.1%) of them were housewife and 204 (48.3%), 170 (40.3%) of them were followers of protestant and Orthodox religion respectively. Most 159 (37.7%) of interviewed mothers were illiterate and about 185 (43.8%) of them had average monthly income of 1001 to 2000 Ethiopian birr (Table 1). Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers/care takers towards hand washing .Knowledge of respondents about hand washingAccording to the finding of this study majority, 408 (96.7%), of mothers/care takers heard about hand washing practice at least once in their life time. Role of hand wash was familiar with most interviewed women's which accounted about 375 (88.9%). Also small number of respondents replied as they consider their hands clean if any visible dirt was absent while the rest majority, 340 (80.6%) of them replied as might not be clean even in the absence of visible dirt. Majority, 416 (98.6%) of respondents replied as they wash hands frequently. Regarding to alternative detergents significant number, 100 (23.7%), of mothers replied as they did not know any other alternative detergents except soap (Table 2). Moreover interviewed mothers in this study in Am area are aware that they should always wash their hand where 100%, 98%, 93.6%, 95.5% of them in different conditions which includes before and after cooking, after using bath and toilet, before eating, after handling garbage respectively. And only 69.9% of them knew that they should wash their hand before breast feeding (Figure 1).Attitude of respondents towards hand washingOnly 164 (38.9%) of interviewed mothers/caregivers agreed that they should wash their hand after any contact with other things while the rest 258 (61.1%) of them did not. Moreover 218 (51.7%) of the respondents believe that they should not wash their hands always using soap. Furthermore, majority 374 (88.6%) of them had an attitude of hand washing can prevent from diarrhea and other related communicable diseases. About 382 (90.5%) of mothers/care takers also believe that child feces can be cause of different communicable diseases (Table 3). Majority, 374 (88.6%), of respondents used soap frequently while washing their hands. But only 62 (14.7%) of respondents used ash or mud to replace soap. Meanwhile 125 (29.6%) does not care whether they wash their inter digital area and fingernails. Also only 144 (34.1%) of mothers/caregivers dry their hand with towel or waggling their hand after washing their hands (Table 4).Factors associated with hand washing practiceAccording to the multivariate logistic regression result only one variable showed a significant association with hand washing , practice of mothers/caretakers. This variable was educational status of mothers/caretakers. Those mothers/caretakers with good educational status were more involved in practicing good , hand washing practice (Table 5).Go toDiscussionThe main purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens and chemicals which can cause personal harm or disease. Hand washing with soap removes transient potentially pathogenic organisms from hands and it is not sufficient to wash hands with only water after critical events like defecation. If individuals wash their hands, they are less likely to transmit pathogens from their hands to their mouths. This mechanism benefits the person washing his/her hands and is not available to children. In this study, 375 (88.9%) of the mothers stated that hand washing is important in prevention of communicable diseases. This result is coherent with a study conducted among mothers of under five children in rural coastal South India, that is 83.41% mothers stated that hand washing was important in prevention of some or the other communicable diseases [9].According to the finding of this study majority, 408 (96.7%), of mothers/care takers heard about hand washing practice at least once in their life time. Also small number of respondents replied as they consider their hands clean if any visible dirt was absent while the rest majority, 340(80.6%) of them replied as might not be clean even in the absence of visible dirt. Majority, 416 (98.6%) of respondents replied as they wash hands frequently. Regarding to alternative detergents significant number, 100 (23.7%), of mothers replied as they did not know any other alternative detergents except soap. This finding take us to conclude as the current awareness of mothers with regard to essence and way of using hand washing practices to control various communicable diseases is magnificent. This finding was higher than a result obtained in Oshogbo, Onus State, Nigeria, which posted that 71% of the mothers rinse their hands with water only and 27.3% use soap and water [10]. This finding may be associated with the recent government massive involvement in creating awareness as a tool to control sanitation related diseases. Similarly current accessibility of different Medias could be other significant contributor.It is found that the less knowledge of mothers/caretakers regarding the crucial moments to wash hand has a negative impact on their practice. Interviewed mothers such as 422 (100%), 413 (98%), 392 (93.6%), 403 (95.5%) of them in know the crucial times to wash their hand which includes before and after cooking, after using bath and toilet, before eating, after handling garbage respectively. This finding was found to be in a better condition than a result obtained in South India 56.9% of respondents washed their hands after defecation, and only 21.9% of them after using toilet for urination [9]. This might be attributed to the current information access of mothers/ caretakers in different settings including mass medias and different health care facilities.The CDC recommends rubbing hands should at list take 20 seconds. Wetting, applying soap and rinsing, in general with rubbing should take at least 1 minute. This practice is enough to remove dirty as well as microorganisms, thus preventing infectious diseases. In this study majority, 374(88.6%), of respondents used soap frequently while washing their hands. But only 62 (14.7%) of respondents used ash or mud to replace soap. Meanwhile 125 (29.6%) does not care whether they wash their inter digital area and fingernails. Also only 144 (34.1%) of mothers/caregivers dry their hand with towel or waggling their hand after washing their hands. This finding is coherent with a result obtained in others areas [11].Only 164(38.9%) of interviewed mothers/caregivers agreed that they should wash their hand after any contact with other things while the rest 258 (61.1%) of them did not. Moreover 218(51.7%) of the respondents believe that they should not wash their hands always using soap. This figures revealed that their attitude towards giving attention for hand washing was very minimal. It was coherent with a finding obtained in Ghana [12]. Knowledge and practice questions were summarized together to see the overall finding. Accordingly, majority, 320 (75.8%) of respondents had good knowledge about hand washing and its importance. However, based on the summation of individual scores only 146 (34.6%) interviewed mothers/caretakers had a good hand washing practice. This may be attributed their negative attitude towards the tangible effect of proper hand washing practice to control and prevent various communicable diseases. Various researches conducted in different settings identified that there a different types of variables affecting hand washing practice. Accordingly, this study found that only mothers/caretakers education level had a significant association with hand washing practice. This finding was coherent with a similar study conducted in India where mothers/caretakers education level had shown a significant association with hand washing practice [13].Go toConclusion and recommendationConclusionThe overall score revealed that significant proportion of mothers had a good knowledge of proper hand washing 320 (75.8%). However; the translation of knowledge into sustainable behavior needs to be reinforced because only 146 (34.6%) of the mothers practiced proper hand washing properly. The finding also identified that respondent's attitude to give more attention towards hand washing practice was not sufficient that much.RecommendationSince sanitation is the pillar in controlling different communicable diseases specially hand washing, it is imperative to made broad intervention in this area. Based on the finding of this study it was recommended for various concerned stakeholders as follows.o The major problems regarding hand washing practice in most groups whether they are literate or illiterates are changing their knowledge to practice. Thus behavioral intervention programs aimed to improve hand hygiene practices should be undertaken intensively by various stakeholders including health care facilities.o Researchers should be involved in conducting further researches on the barriers between proper hand washing knowledge and practice.o Also it could be better to strengthen enabling factors of the community on hand washing facilities (soap, safe water supply)Go toAcknowledgementFirst of all, we would like to thank Department of public health, collage of health sciences, Mizan Tepi University for allowing us to conduct this research. Also we are grateful to all study participants for their sincere support during data collection.Authored by: Asrat Meleko*

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shannrussell-blog1 · 5 years

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For many four-wheel drivers, crossing the Simpson Desert is one of the great ‘must dos’. On the other hand, some find the very thought so daunting that it is never contemplated. The Simpson Desert is one of Australia’s great wilderness areas.

It’s a place of stark beauty and, for the most part, wonderful serenity. It is a place that is quite accessible with the right vehicle, the right preparation and the right attitude.

Not a bad part of the world, aye?

My experiences crossing the Simpson

With so many people having 4WDs, but not leaving the bitumen, the potential for many more people to experience this amazing area is enormous. This is the first of 3 articles which will cover the essentials for planning a successful crossing that will provide great stories and significant “bragging rights” for years to come. There are significant challenges, but meeting these is not only rewarding but a whole lot of fun.

Having made two previous crossings and with number three about to happen, it’s certainly not a trip I take lightly, and preparation is the key to success.

The 3 articles will cover the following: Vehicle preparation and how to get there, Meeting the challenges of remote area travel, and A retrospective: what happened on our most recent trip

Safety in numbers.

The Vehicle

A high clearance 4WD with low range capability is a must and it must be in tip-top condition. This is not a place for all wheel drives and “soft-roaders”.

Have your mechanic give the vehicle a thorough check and service and ensure they know you are about to do a Simpson crossing so they appreciate the importance of the job they are doing.

It’s also important to note, even though they are not currently banned in the Simpson, that I am strongly of the opinion that this is not a place for trailers, no matter how strongly.

The desert contains the rusting remains of many that didn’t make it, picked over for any useable parts and left as a constant reminder of the folly of this action.

Another constant reminder of the inadvisability of trailers is found at the top of most dunes.

The large pot holes found as you near many crests are the result of wheel-spin as vehicles try to crest the dunes. The most common reasons – trying to haul a tonne or more of trailer over the top, or tyre pressures too high causing a lack of traction.

Having a broken down vehicle recovered from the desert could cost you thousands, so place as little stress on it as possible. I have little doubt that it will only be a matter of time before trailers are banned.

Now let’s look at some specifics.

Fuel

One of the biggest challenges of all – how do you carry enough fuel and water and not exceed your Gross Vehicle Mass?

Shade is handy in the fierce desert sun.

Depending on where your last fuel stop is and which route you intend to take, you will need enough fuel to travel from 600 – 800km. Not nice smooth hig h range bitumen driving, but power sucking sandy tracks, dune climbs and probably some low range work for good measure.

Obviously there will be many factors that will contribute to your fuel consumption so a very handy reference is the ExploreOz.

Keep in mind that a good margin for error is required. Bad weather can require much harder going than usual, sucking even more fuel out of the tank.

A long range fuel tank is a great asset here, but not essential. If this is not going to be the type of trip you do often, the expense of a long range tank is probably not justified.

The other option is to use fuel safe jerry cans. These come in 10 and 20 litre sizes and, especially if carrying petrol, should be carried on roof racks.

Diesel, being far less volatile, can be carried inside the vehicle. Make sure you have a funnel with a fine mesh filter to ensure no dirt gets into the tank.

Also keep in mind that roof racks and the roof itself will have a weight limit – check your manufacturer’s recommendations. Never exceed this as broken racks from over-loading are quite common – they form another part of the litter found in the desert.

Every litre of fuel is just under a kilogram in weight.

You will only need to fill the jerry cans at Oodnadatta, Mt. Dare or Birdsville. I know, it’s a lot cheaper to fill up in the city or large towns and save “massive” amounts with shopper dockets, but this is false economy. The wear and tear carrying all that extra weight for great distances is not a risk you need to take. Fill these at the last possible opportunity and empty them into the tank at the earliest opportunity. This is simply good risk management.

Tyres

A good set of tyres is essential, including a second spare. This is not an area requiring highly aggressive treads, with an all-terrain pattern usually providing better traction with less “digging in” in sandy terrain.

A good compressor is an essential piece of kit as having the correct pressures for the terrain is one of the best actions to ensure a safe and trouble-free crossing.

Don’t be afraid to get out and adjust pressures as often as required as laziness in this area considerably increases the risk of punctures.

The South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage in their Desert Parks Information Pack suggest 18-20 psi (120-140 Kpa) when crossing the sandy dunes.

A puncture repair kit is also useful for temporary repairs of small punctures. Know how to use this and perhaps even practice on an old tyre but keep in mind that these repairs are only temporary.

Be sure to have the tyre checked out by an authorised tyre dealer as soon as possible and don’t take the risk of using a tyre you have repaired in high speed situations.

Another great reference is the Cooper Tires “4WD Driver’s Guide” available from Cooper Tires dealersEssential Tyre Pressure Tips for 4WDs for some extra handy hints.

Spare Parts

The spares you carry will depend on the age of vehicle, but the most common items carried are belts, hoses, fuses and a fuel filter.

If any of these are close to replacement, then have them replaced before leaving and keep the ones removed as spares.

Essential fluids such as engine oil, gear oil, brake fluid and coolant should also be carried in remote areas, and some epoxy ribbon or paste can be very handy to repair small leaks in fuel tanks and radiators.

If travelling in a convoy, share the load around – your luck has turned really bad if everyone needs the same spare!

Come prepared.

Getting There

For most people, just getting to the Simpson is a fairly major undertaking, so a couple of weeks, at least, are needed to provide an un-rushed, enjoyable experience.

The most common, and easier way to cross the Simpson is from west to east, leaving from either Oodnadatta and along the Pedirka Track to Dalhousie Springs, or from Mt. Dare and then on to Dalhousie.

This is the direction of the prevailing winds which has the effect of making the climb up the western side of dunes gentler than the steep eastern side. This factor takes on an increased importance when you realise there are about 1100 dunes to cross!!

Some do make an east-west crossing leaving from Birdsville. This adds an extra challenge as you meet on-coming vehicles along one lane tracks and climbing steep dunes with a blind crest. The UHF will get a work out.

It is possible to cross the Simpson following only the French Line. The shortest route and pretty much dead straight.

Take a variety of tracks

To fully enjoy the beauty of the area, I prefer to take a variety of tracks that allow you to see more of the desert and provide a more varied driving experience – not just relentless dune climbing. Sure, it takes longer, but you’ve come this far, take the time to enjoy it. Our group’s trip starts from Adelaide and takes 2 weeks. I try not to rush the days and generally plan on leaving camp by 9am and arriving by 4pm, at the latest. I’ve included a general Simpson Desert itinerary at the bottom of this article.

Don’t be put off- start planning now. If you have a reliable vehicle, there is no reason why you shouldn’t experience this magnificent area. Better still, get a group together and travel in a convoy for a lot of fun and an extra level of safety.

Check out Part 2 of this series for information that will cover more aspects of that all important planning. In the meantime, check out David Leslie’s articles, 8 4WD Tips That Could Save Your Life and 5 ‘Must Haves’ for your 4WD Recovery Kit for more information on 4WD safety. Catch you soon.

Day 1

Adelaide – Roxby Downs 561km

Staying in cabins at a Myall Grove Caravan Park.

Takeaway for dinner.

Day 2

Roxby Downs – Algebuckina 406km

Camping at the Algebuckina railway bridge.

Day 3

Algebuckina – Mt Dare 337km

Camping at the Mt. Dare pub dinner at the pub.

Day 4

Mt. Dare – Dalhousie Springs 81km

Camping at Dalhousie Springs.

Spend the day soaking in the springs.

Day 5

Dalhousie – Simpson camp approx 130km

Taking the track from Dalhousie to Purnie Bore.

Turn on to WAA line at Wonga Corner.

Look for campsite after crossing Mokari Airstrip.

Day 6

Rest day – no travel

Day 7

Travel through desert approx 156km

Turn north on Colson Track and travel to French Line.

Along French Line until Erabena Track.

Follow Erabena Track to WAA Line and then to Rig Road junction.

Find campsite along Rig Road.

Day 8

Rest Day – no travel

Day 9

Travel through desert to Eyre Creek 197km

Follow Rig Road to Knolls Track.

Then follow Knolls Track to French Line.

Follow French Line to Poeppel Corner.

Turn east on to QAA Line and travel to Eyre Creek.

Day 10

Eyre Creek – Birdsville 56km

Camp at Birdsville Caravan Park.

Day 11

Rest day in Birdsville

Day 12

Birdsville – Mungerannie 286km

Via Inside Track

Camp at Mungerannie.

Dinner at Mungerannie Pub

Day 13

Mungerannie – Copley 321km

Cabins at Copley Caravan Park.

Dinner at Leigh Creek Pub at Copley.

Day 14

Copley – Adelaide 569km

Next: Crossing the Simpson Desert for Beginners (Part 2)

The post Crossing The Simpson Desert For Beginners (Part 1) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

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