The MSHF Training group set foot on the trail on Thursday August 6th. A total of 14 trekkers and 22 local team porters met at the Kokoda village on day 1. Given we had a total team of 36 everyone was happy to hear the news that at the completion of each day we would be doing 36 push ups all together. A choice I made to signify each day that we were stronger that the trail, but most importantly have some fun with the local boys and laugh at each other.
After lunch and the tour of the Kokoda village we headed off. An easy couple of hours out of Kokoda was soon met with the challenging climb up to Deniki and our first nights camp. The 45 minute climb was the first taste of what was ahead over the next seven days for all trekkers. That evening was spent at camp with the beautiful view back over the Kokoda airfield. Plus our 26 push-ups! This was to be the only night we experienced some light rain. For the remaining seven days not one drop of rain would fall.
The next three days were fairly fast for the group. With no rain, it meant we would make lunch and head into camp earlier each day. Given the conditions of the track the group spent a little more time at villages interacting with some of the locals, especially the always happy kids. Isurava memorial was a special place for the group over the first few days. As we reflected and spoke about the significance of this site the clouds had rolled in through the mountains creating a very sobering and respectful feeling between the group. Amazingly as we played ‘the last post’ and it concluded, the clouds disappeared and the absolute beauty of the Own Stanley ranges appeared in the valley in front of us. It couldn’t have been written any more perfectly.
After lunch and the tour of the Kokoda village we headed off. An easy couple of hours out of Kokoda was soon met with the challenging climb up to Deniki and our first nights camp. The 45 minute climb was the first taste of what was ahead over the next seven days for all trekkers. That evening was spent at camp with the beautiful view back over the Kokoda airfield. Plus our 26 push-ups! This was to be the only night we experienced some light rain. For the remaining seven days not one drop of rain would fall.
The next three days were fairly fast for the group. With no rain, it meant we would make lunch and head into camp earlier each day. Given the conditions of the track the group spent a little more time at villages interacting with some of the locals, especially the always happy kids. Isurava memorial was a special place for the group over the first few days. As we reflected and spoke about the significance of this site the clouds had rolled in through the mountains creating a very sobering and respectful feeling between the group. Amazingly as we played ‘the last post’ and it concluded, the clouds disappeared and the absolute beauty of the Own Stanley ranges appeared in the valley in front of us. It couldn’t have been written any more perfectly.
Night 4 at Kagi village was an amazing experience for our trekkers. They were welcomed by the local villages with flower necklaces and the beautifully picturesque Kagi camp site. We were treated to the local children and families singing for us that evening. A once in a lifetime experience in the middle of the jungle.
Following our night in Kagi the second half of our expedition was met with hot dry weather…and 36 push ups every evening still! With more ascents and descents through this section of the trail the No Roads local team were amazing with helping all trekkers. The chance to have a swim on day 5, 6 & 7 was greatly welcomed by all trekkers.
Our final day and the final climb up to Owers Corner once again delivered the amazingly challenging final send off. The team powered together up to the Kokoda arches in the sweltering heat. Travelling north to south there is no better sense of achievement than completing the final climb and walking under the arches together ‘arm in arm’.
Congratulations to all trekkers and local team who made our expedition a once in a lifetime experience.
Marc Stafford
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Following our night in Kagi the second half of our expedition was met with hot dry weather…and 36 push ups every evening still! With more ascents and descents through this section of the trail the No Roads local team were amazing with helping all trekkers. The chance to have a swim on day 5, 6 & 7 was greatly welcomed by all trekkers.
Our final day and the final climb up to Owers Corner once again delivered the amazingly challenging final send off. The team powered together up to the Kokoda arches in the sweltering heat. Travelling north to south there is no better sense of achievement than completing the final climb and walking under the arches together ‘arm in arm’.
Congratulations to all trekkers and local team who made our expedition a once in a lifetime experience.
Marc Stafford
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]