A fabulous group of trekkers came together to walk the Kokoda Track. Our group consisted of Chris and Dave, Peter, Jayden and Cath, Wayne and Cath and Andy. We also had Colleen, who was only going to be with us for 2 days. Colleen came to experience some aspect of Kokoda, and to understand what her Father had gone through when he fought in the Kokoda campaign.
Within 5 minutes of me ringing Melbourne office to tell them everything was under control – it wasn’t. We had 4 trekkers stuck in Sydney due to the severe fog – one of these trekkers was Colleen. A call to Fiona in the office and she kicked into gear, organising everything efficiently and effectively – thanks Fiona! The outcome was that we would set off as planned with 5 trekkers and the others would catch us up.
Having just left a cold, wet and dismal winter in Melbourne, our pale white skin soon became aware of the blistering heat of the PNG sun. We sweltered in the full sun as we trekked our way up that first big hill to Deniki. It is there that we begin to question whether we have done enough training.
Andy, who had lost his poles and snacks somewhere between Melbourne and Port Moresby arrived at Deniki only to find his sleeping mat missing. Taking it all in good stride, he begged and borrowed from anyone and everyone throughout the week, managing to survive without too much fuss and his excellent sense of humour. Chris, who thought he had brought 2 size large shirts for himself and his son David, found that one shirt was a size small. He bought himself a lovely pink floral shirt in the supermarket at Popendetta and continued to wear this for the entire trip. The shirt was the cause for many a joke at Chris’ expense and many concerned looks from trekkers in other groups.
Our missing trekkers caught up with us at Isurava village, where we stopped to have lunch and wait for them. It was great to have the group together and the group bonded quickly. It wasn’t long before Peter was cracking his jokes – usually at Chris’ expense, but always in good fun. We said hello and goodbye to Colleen, who had managed to catch us by the time we were leaving the Isurava Memorial. She would spend the night there and head back to Kokoda the next morning.
The heavens opened up on our 2nd night at Alola, with a brilliant thunder and lightning display. This meant a slippery and steep trek down from Alola to the creek and a muddy track for the remainder of the day. Our team of Personal Porters ensured the trekkers were safe and steady on their feet.
Rain and thunder again at Templeton’s Crossing and Nauro ensured that the trek did not dry out and kept that mud stuck to our boots.
Everyone continued to work hard to get up and down those hills. The beautiful steep climb up to Ioribaiwa Ridge was the one that sorted most of us out. We all made it to the top red faced and speechless through lack of breath.
Despite having a few sore knees and waking up like the Tin Man – all stiff and sore, the trekkers enjoyed the highlights of the trip that include listening to the children of Kagi sing, being humbled as they learnt the story of the soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track, and interacting with our local porter team who always have so much to offer.
It was a great pleasure to spend the week with this amazing group of trekkers.
Within 5 minutes of me ringing Melbourne office to tell them everything was under control – it wasn’t. We had 4 trekkers stuck in Sydney due to the severe fog – one of these trekkers was Colleen. A call to Fiona in the office and she kicked into gear, organising everything efficiently and effectively – thanks Fiona! The outcome was that we would set off as planned with 5 trekkers and the others would catch us up.
Having just left a cold, wet and dismal winter in Melbourne, our pale white skin soon became aware of the blistering heat of the PNG sun. We sweltered in the full sun as we trekked our way up that first big hill to Deniki. It is there that we begin to question whether we have done enough training.
Andy, who had lost his poles and snacks somewhere between Melbourne and Port Moresby arrived at Deniki only to find his sleeping mat missing. Taking it all in good stride, he begged and borrowed from anyone and everyone throughout the week, managing to survive without too much fuss and his excellent sense of humour. Chris, who thought he had brought 2 size large shirts for himself and his son David, found that one shirt was a size small. He bought himself a lovely pink floral shirt in the supermarket at Popendetta and continued to wear this for the entire trip. The shirt was the cause for many a joke at Chris’ expense and many concerned looks from trekkers in other groups.
Our missing trekkers caught up with us at Isurava village, where we stopped to have lunch and wait for them. It was great to have the group together and the group bonded quickly. It wasn’t long before Peter was cracking his jokes – usually at Chris’ expense, but always in good fun. We said hello and goodbye to Colleen, who had managed to catch us by the time we were leaving the Isurava Memorial. She would spend the night there and head back to Kokoda the next morning.
The heavens opened up on our 2nd night at Alola, with a brilliant thunder and lightning display. This meant a slippery and steep trek down from Alola to the creek and a muddy track for the remainder of the day. Our team of Personal Porters ensured the trekkers were safe and steady on their feet.
Rain and thunder again at Templeton’s Crossing and Nauro ensured that the trek did not dry out and kept that mud stuck to our boots.
Everyone continued to work hard to get up and down those hills. The beautiful steep climb up to Ioribaiwa Ridge was the one that sorted most of us out. We all made it to the top red faced and speechless through lack of breath.
Despite having a few sore knees and waking up like the Tin Man – all stiff and sore, the trekkers enjoyed the highlights of the trip that include listening to the children of Kagi sing, being humbled as they learnt the story of the soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Track, and interacting with our local porter team who always have so much to offer.
It was a great pleasure to spend the week with this amazing group of trekkers.
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