Sarah, Daniel, Wayne, Nigel and Michael at Owers' Corner
Al Grasby 26th June – 5th July 2014 - A Very Special Family Trek
Wayne is organising his immediate family to accompany him on his long held desire to walk the Kokoda Track. Suitable family members are excited and preparing.
Set Back! Wayne is diagnosed with a serious illness – dream on hold. Family rallies, Nigel (Wayne’s brother) champions the cause: Nigel completed Kokoda with No Roads in 2012 – 2nd crossing here we come!
Meetings, briefings, training overseen by enthusiastic Wayne. Wayne’s group finalised:
Set Back! 24th June: Michael suffers serious concussion – we leave in 2 days! Michael can’t do Kokoda (Shattered); Wayne and Michael console each other.
Nigel, Daniel, Sarah and Jayden (the fabulous four) arrive in Port Moresby (photos of Wayne and Michael on board).
Seamless flight to Popendetta and scenic drive to Kokoda.
At Kokoda the Porters are introduced. Museum visit, war summary, and lunch completed. Team Pearson is on The Track. Excitement, enjoyment, anxiety, apprehension and amazement – WOW!
Isurava Battlefield Memorial: Service to respect Aussie heroes. Poem read. Tears of course.
Hard trekking to Kagi – Village greeting, games and singing with children – Unforgettable.
At Brigade Hill – So sad. Further respects paid and poppies laid for the fallen, absent brothers in our prayers. Nigel lays a poppy on behalf of Wayne, Daniel on behalf of Michael. Powerful, moving – tears flow, speechless!
On we go – Menari, Naoro, Ioribaiwa and Imita Ridges - history, culture, scenery – both beautiful and brutal. The people, places and experiences are unique and unforgettable.
Day 8 – The “Last Hill” up to Owers Corner. Almost there. Tired but excited. Sore but Energetic.
“There’s the Arches” – Daniel leads representing and dedicating his success for Father and Brother.
It can’t be – it is: Wayne and Michael at Owers' corner – a No Roads surprise! Family reunited on the Kokoda Track. An unforgettable experience.
Emotional overload. Exhilaration, Joy, Uncontrollable Tears – Hugs for all.
So proud to be representing No Roads and to have helped to make it happen. Al.
Wayne is organising his immediate family to accompany him on his long held desire to walk the Kokoda Track. Suitable family members are excited and preparing.
Set Back! Wayne is diagnosed with a serious illness – dream on hold. Family rallies, Nigel (Wayne’s brother) champions the cause: Nigel completed Kokoda with No Roads in 2012 – 2nd crossing here we come!
Meetings, briefings, training overseen by enthusiastic Wayne. Wayne’s group finalised:
- Nigel – 49 Brother
- Daniel – 21 Son
- Michael – 17 Son
- Sarah – 21 Niece (Nigel’s daughter)
- Jayden (Sarah’s husband to be??)
Set Back! 24th June: Michael suffers serious concussion – we leave in 2 days! Michael can’t do Kokoda (Shattered); Wayne and Michael console each other.
Nigel, Daniel, Sarah and Jayden (the fabulous four) arrive in Port Moresby (photos of Wayne and Michael on board).
Seamless flight to Popendetta and scenic drive to Kokoda.
At Kokoda the Porters are introduced. Museum visit, war summary, and lunch completed. Team Pearson is on The Track. Excitement, enjoyment, anxiety, apprehension and amazement – WOW!
Isurava Battlefield Memorial: Service to respect Aussie heroes. Poem read. Tears of course.
Hard trekking to Kagi – Village greeting, games and singing with children – Unforgettable.
At Brigade Hill – So sad. Further respects paid and poppies laid for the fallen, absent brothers in our prayers. Nigel lays a poppy on behalf of Wayne, Daniel on behalf of Michael. Powerful, moving – tears flow, speechless!
On we go – Menari, Naoro, Ioribaiwa and Imita Ridges - history, culture, scenery – both beautiful and brutal. The people, places and experiences are unique and unforgettable.
Day 8 – The “Last Hill” up to Owers Corner. Almost there. Tired but excited. Sore but Energetic.
“There’s the Arches” – Daniel leads representing and dedicating his success for Father and Brother.
It can’t be – it is: Wayne and Michael at Owers' corner – a No Roads surprise! Family reunited on the Kokoda Track. An unforgettable experience.
Emotional overload. Exhilaration, Joy, Uncontrollable Tears – Hugs for all.
So proud to be representing No Roads and to have helped to make it happen. Al.
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Al Grasby
Expedition Guide No Roads Expeditions [email protected] |