Day3. It’s raining and we are standing on the bank of the Eora Creek at Templetons #2 crossing. The sound of raging water pounds against the rocky outcrops that are scattered through the waterway, beating like an ancient drum while the melodic voices of the porters carries across to us as they sing a song of “Coming Home.” We stand in the rain, savouring the bitterness of this moment. It’s hard to believe the hardships endured, the many lives lost and the ironic symbolism of life and death in what is now such a perfectly peaceful place. The flower wreaths that we have laid in the eddying waters circle around one last time and then march off in single file down the river like tired diggers heading down the track never to be seen again.
We have just held a memorial service to celebrate the life of the Grandmother of our 2 youngest trekkers at the same time she was being laid to rest in Australia. Once total strangers, now united, we all stand together in support. Mateship is about looking after the bloke beside you, offering a helping hand and them knowing you are there no matter what………. Nothing needs to be said. THIS IS KOKODA…….. And THE SPIRIT OF THE TRACK IS STILL ALIVE!
Just a few days before, the comforts of modern life and loved ones were bid farewell. Kingaroy locals Brad and Stephen, husband and wife Brett and Annette, and uni students Chris and Aidan were embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
The early morning flight from Port Moresby to Poppendetta was blessed with relatively clear skies. As we travelled towards the northern beachheads the anticipation of what lay ahead was fuelled by the sight of the rugged tops of the Maguli Range thrusting out of a sea of low lying clouds.
Finally on the track leaving Kokoda, we head off up the hill to Deniki, it all becomes real. The months of training, the preparation and research come together. The last hour to Deniki really tests a few and the feeling of achievement by the end of day 1 as we walk into camp is evident on the faces of the trekkers.
In the coming days as the Hills and creek crossings become more challenging, the group find their pace. Everyday sees someone struggling, everyday sees someone encouraged by newfound mates and the stories of the diggers resilience during the Kokoda Champaign helps everyone to dig deep and get through.
All the trekkers contributed to the memorial services at Isurava, Brigade Hill and Bomana. The respect for the diggers and their sacrifices in such conditions was evident by the passion the group showed along the way. As usual the porters were our modern day saviours, they would pick you up and dust you off, like the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels from the past. The bond between the trekkers and the porters grew quickly and as we trekked many stories were exchanged of family, work, community life and culture.
A special surprise for the whole group at New Nauro really put some things into perspective and the realisation of the things we take for granted at home were evident afterwards and discussed in length over the coming days.
By the end of the trip it was voiced by some that the most dreaded parts were “The Uphills, Downhills, Flat bits and the many Corners.” For most, the warm welcome to Kagi and dancing and singing with the kids in the evening, will be remembered forever. In the coming days these songs were sung many times by the porters and trekkers combined. A visit from the “Green Lantern” and the realisation to some that “the Easter Bunny wasn’t real” was also discussed at length. (Sorry Aidan/Chris, it hurts I know.)
Congratulations to those that have completed the trip. Next time you ever wonder if you can achieve something, think of Kokoda and the personal milestones along the way. You can do anything you allow yourself to do. You are now a part of a small group of people who can say they have done it!
Many songs, many laughs, many tears, many stories and life lessons revealed. Memories to last a lifetime.
Until next time you hear me say,
“2 MINUTES!!!!!”
We have just held a memorial service to celebrate the life of the Grandmother of our 2 youngest trekkers at the same time she was being laid to rest in Australia. Once total strangers, now united, we all stand together in support. Mateship is about looking after the bloke beside you, offering a helping hand and them knowing you are there no matter what………. Nothing needs to be said. THIS IS KOKODA…….. And THE SPIRIT OF THE TRACK IS STILL ALIVE!
Just a few days before, the comforts of modern life and loved ones were bid farewell. Kingaroy locals Brad and Stephen, husband and wife Brett and Annette, and uni students Chris and Aidan were embarking on an adventure of a lifetime.
The early morning flight from Port Moresby to Poppendetta was blessed with relatively clear skies. As we travelled towards the northern beachheads the anticipation of what lay ahead was fuelled by the sight of the rugged tops of the Maguli Range thrusting out of a sea of low lying clouds.
Finally on the track leaving Kokoda, we head off up the hill to Deniki, it all becomes real. The months of training, the preparation and research come together. The last hour to Deniki really tests a few and the feeling of achievement by the end of day 1 as we walk into camp is evident on the faces of the trekkers.
In the coming days as the Hills and creek crossings become more challenging, the group find their pace. Everyday sees someone struggling, everyday sees someone encouraged by newfound mates and the stories of the diggers resilience during the Kokoda Champaign helps everyone to dig deep and get through.
All the trekkers contributed to the memorial services at Isurava, Brigade Hill and Bomana. The respect for the diggers and their sacrifices in such conditions was evident by the passion the group showed along the way. As usual the porters were our modern day saviours, they would pick you up and dust you off, like the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels from the past. The bond between the trekkers and the porters grew quickly and as we trekked many stories were exchanged of family, work, community life and culture.
A special surprise for the whole group at New Nauro really put some things into perspective and the realisation of the things we take for granted at home were evident afterwards and discussed in length over the coming days.
By the end of the trip it was voiced by some that the most dreaded parts were “The Uphills, Downhills, Flat bits and the many Corners.” For most, the warm welcome to Kagi and dancing and singing with the kids in the evening, will be remembered forever. In the coming days these songs were sung many times by the porters and trekkers combined. A visit from the “Green Lantern” and the realisation to some that “the Easter Bunny wasn’t real” was also discussed at length. (Sorry Aidan/Chris, it hurts I know.)
Congratulations to those that have completed the trip. Next time you ever wonder if you can achieve something, think of Kokoda and the personal milestones along the way. You can do anything you allow yourself to do. You are now a part of a small group of people who can say they have done it!
Many songs, many laughs, many tears, many stories and life lessons revealed. Memories to last a lifetime.
Until next time you hear me say,
“2 MINUTES!!!!!”
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