All of the top teams at XPD have had an unwanted close encounter with one of Australia's most notorious nasties - the so-called 'stinging tree'.
Annie reports "Four teams just arrived together (7pm local time) ... Orion, Merrell, Blackheart, McCain. All had people stung by stinging tree. The treatment consists of applying a waxed strip, then pouring hydrochloric acid on to carefully laid toilet paper (you can see in the photo of Marcel below) to maintain maximum contact with the skin . The acid is supposed to dissolve the poison-laden silicone tubes that the tree implants into the skin. When the acid is poured on, it's unbelievably painful. People are screaming in agony. The theory is that this treatment means that the pain of the sting will be much reduced after 12 hours. Otherwise it's likely to last for weeks, and be aggravated any time the areas get wet or rubbed.
To give an idea of the level of pain being encountered, Geoff Hunt the ARWC series director commented "Some of the toughest men in adventure racing are being reduced to tears by the pain from the stinging tree."
Carl said there were no tracks through that forest, they bashed their way through and made a track for everyone else. The others slowly caught them up, and they came in together. He said ... 'that was bulls**t'.."
At least it will take thier minds off the leaches, of which apparently there are also plenty!
Marcel receiving the 'Acid Treatment'
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