Portable ablution facilities
1. Swamp Donkey
I used to complain about the pain in my middle-aged legs and hips that resulted from answering the call of nature when in the bush, so my brother-in-law built this contraption. Our “Swamp Donkey” has come on many journeys with us. The normal wooden seat is mounted on folding legs and neatly folds flat when we need to pack up. This contraption is steady, a comfortable height and hygienic. Emergency visits to the bushes are now a pleasure!
2. Long Tom, Donkey’s partner
This spade gets carried along with “Swamp Donkey” into the wilderness. The toilet roll slips easily over the modified handle to keep the paper clean and dry. Once the required hole has been dug, the spade is left standing until matters are concluded. Remember to carry the matches to burn the paper, and don’t set the countryside on fire!
3. Bucket wash
Fill a large, sturdy bucket with cold water and a couple of scoops of cold water soap and fit it with a tight-fitting lid. Dump dirty clothes in and attach it securely to the car or trailer.
Now drive deeply rutted roads and over potholes secure in the knowledge that even if the car is being damages, at least the clothes are being washed. When arriving at the next campsite, the washing just needs a thorough rinse and then put them out to dry. (Leave the iron at home!)
4. Shower without a hastle
This is again my brother-in-law Bert Neethling’s patent. The sturdy folding frame clamps onto the trailer and then a curtain is hooked on. A standard waterbag hangs overhead, filled with hot or cold water, depending on the weather. There’s even a soap dish and a rack for shampoos built in.
5. Mother’s duster
A normal feather duster is hidden under the passenger seat and is brought out as soon as we stop. That thick layer of African dust is quickly whisked off so that we can set up camp.
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