Every Kokoda trek brings a different group of people from different backgrounds together. Throw in the uncertainty of what lies ahead, the physical challenges of walking, the loss of home comforts, and you have the makings for an awesome adventure. This special group included my brothers and old friends, a great PNG team, and contact with Dave and Ruth who were also taking groups across.
Following an interrupted night of fire alarms, we set off early to Popondetta, & boarded the PMV to Kokoda, meeting our great porter team lead by Clement and Lexn. Packs on, here we go…. A challenging few hours hiking to Deniki, testing the legs and minds of everyone.
The interaction between porters and Trekkers commenced early - Sorry John, thank you John, just leave me here to die John. Fortunately for Kylie & Gil, it takes too many porters to dig a hole to bury them and they continued on. The porters became teachers, sharing experiences as we walked. After a interesting and moving service at Isurava where wind was problematic, we headed to Cons Rock, taking photos with the landowner and receiving a gift of bananas. Fabulous to see the generosity of those you meet and their appreciation when you take time to spend with them.
Following an interrupted night of fire alarms, we set off early to Popondetta, & boarded the PMV to Kokoda, meeting our great porter team lead by Clement and Lexn. Packs on, here we go…. A challenging few hours hiking to Deniki, testing the legs and minds of everyone.
The interaction between porters and Trekkers commenced early - Sorry John, thank you John, just leave me here to die John. Fortunately for Kylie & Gil, it takes too many porters to dig a hole to bury them and they continued on. The porters became teachers, sharing experiences as we walked. After a interesting and moving service at Isurava where wind was problematic, we headed to Cons Rock, taking photos with the landowner and receiving a gift of bananas. Fabulous to see the generosity of those you meet and their appreciation when you take time to spend with them.
A new experience not walking on the Sabbath was a proud moment to share with our porters, attending church at Alola in the morning where our boys conducted the service. A lazy day around camp, where Wol shared his culinary skills with the boys helping with pizza bases.
Mother Nature brought rain and slippery, muddy conditions. Fortunately for Wol, Taxern had great cricket skills with impressive slips catches. Scott tried grenade juggling, walking away with body intact despite his fumbling fingers, the experience leading to the emergence of a shovel mid way through lunch.
A slippery walk over Mt Bellamy saw porters lose their footing, with Mortex and Clement finding an unexpected seat on the ground. John sprang from a fox hole on the way to Myola, much to the surprise of the group. Taxern’s only dropped catch saw Wol end on his butt in front of us all. Reaching Kagi was a highlight as we were welcomed by the Kagi singers, met the porters families, new school teachers and shared gifts with the children. Phil and Wol had a chance to sample some local produce, picked from a village plant and dried over the campfire.
The trip to Menari was challenging as the aches kicked in. At Efogi, Gus managed to snap a bench seat which raised quite a laugh. After a unique service at Brigade Hill we pressed on, had a river swim before racing through an afternoon downpour to reach Menari. The evening was spent eating popcorn, and watching movies. Comforts of home are easily created!
Mother Nature brought rain and slippery, muddy conditions. Fortunately for Wol, Taxern had great cricket skills with impressive slips catches. Scott tried grenade juggling, walking away with body intact despite his fumbling fingers, the experience leading to the emergence of a shovel mid way through lunch.
A slippery walk over Mt Bellamy saw porters lose their footing, with Mortex and Clement finding an unexpected seat on the ground. John sprang from a fox hole on the way to Myola, much to the surprise of the group. Taxern’s only dropped catch saw Wol end on his butt in front of us all. Reaching Kagi was a highlight as we were welcomed by the Kagi singers, met the porters families, new school teachers and shared gifts with the children. Phil and Wol had a chance to sample some local produce, picked from a village plant and dried over the campfire.
The trip to Menari was challenging as the aches kicked in. At Efogi, Gus managed to snap a bench seat which raised quite a laugh. After a unique service at Brigade Hill we pressed on, had a river swim before racing through an afternoon downpour to reach Menari. The evening was spent eating popcorn, and watching movies. Comforts of home are easily created!
The wall in the rain, a river crossing, a swamp, and we had a happy group who reached Nauro to enjoy a relaxing afternoon before the rain returned. Gus continued his weather report, Scott humoured us with his turtle definition and the boys enjoyed throwing stones at targets - well done Trevor on a direct hit. We finished the day with a group Q&A session between porters and Trekkers which was a great cultural exchange.
A challenging walk up the false peaks was made lighter by the sight of 4 new puppies walking down the track much to kylie’s delight. Wol said photo interruptions mucked up his rhythm of step step bum. The group spent their last night dreaming of the SP that will greet them as they finish the track.
There's nothing like the sounds of a rooster at 3am to leave a lasting memory of a wonderful experience on the Kokoda track, although I'm not sure what the rooster though when Wol told it to stop at 5am. No need to wake everyone, the excitement of reaching Owers for a sausage and SP was on everyone's mind. A fabulous adventure with an amazing group, overcoming challenges to complete their dream and join a unique group of those who have walked in the steps of our forefathers. The friendships created will leave a lasting memory of Kokoda for everyone involved.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
robyn@noroads.com.au
A challenging walk up the false peaks was made lighter by the sight of 4 new puppies walking down the track much to kylie’s delight. Wol said photo interruptions mucked up his rhythm of step step bum. The group spent their last night dreaming of the SP that will greet them as they finish the track.
There's nothing like the sounds of a rooster at 3am to leave a lasting memory of a wonderful experience on the Kokoda track, although I'm not sure what the rooster though when Wol told it to stop at 5am. No need to wake everyone, the excitement of reaching Owers for a sausage and SP was on everyone's mind. A fabulous adventure with an amazing group, overcoming challenges to complete their dream and join a unique group of those who have walked in the steps of our forefathers. The friendships created will leave a lasting memory of Kokoda for everyone involved.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
robyn@noroads.com.au