I have just returned from a most amazing Kokoda trek that included everything that anyone could expect to experience in one of life’s great journeys.
This was almost a year in the making and all the planning and preparations definitely paid off.
Day 1
Arriving amongst a group of athletes ready to perform at the Pacific Games, you could have thought that these 12 trekkers were vying for the Gold Medal in the premier endurance event of the games.
A bit of a rest, a pre trek briefing, a bite to eat and it was an early night for all. Finally the start was in sight.
Day 2
An early rise and breakfast, we headed to the airport, our flight was on time and before we knew it all of our luggage (except for Tracey’s knife) and all us trekkers were in the air. Surely everything is running too smoothly!
The driver of the “Chiropractic Express” made sure that we wouldn't get ahead of ourselves by treating us to a 4 ½ drive to Popondetta at just a tad over snail’s pace. The old bladders took a hammering today and surely this wasn’t the start of any physical discomfort that Shane would endure???? We met our soon to be loved Porters after checking out the famous Kokoda Airport, then walked around the plateau and before we knew it we were on our way. Hoi was the first destination and without too much fuss we arrived at this beautiful village and had settled in for the night.
Day 3
Up to Deniki for a picture perfect view then onward to Isurava to take in the surrounds that was the making of the 39th battalion. Con’s Rock and Butch Bissetts final resting place was acknowledged before we settled into the village of Alola and a feed of pizza for the night. We are serenaded by our porters tonight for the first of many times. Two days of trekking down and six to go.
This was almost a year in the making and all the planning and preparations definitely paid off.
Day 1
Arriving amongst a group of athletes ready to perform at the Pacific Games, you could have thought that these 12 trekkers were vying for the Gold Medal in the premier endurance event of the games.
A bit of a rest, a pre trek briefing, a bite to eat and it was an early night for all. Finally the start was in sight.
Day 2
An early rise and breakfast, we headed to the airport, our flight was on time and before we knew it all of our luggage (except for Tracey’s knife) and all us trekkers were in the air. Surely everything is running too smoothly!
The driver of the “Chiropractic Express” made sure that we wouldn't get ahead of ourselves by treating us to a 4 ½ drive to Popondetta at just a tad over snail’s pace. The old bladders took a hammering today and surely this wasn’t the start of any physical discomfort that Shane would endure???? We met our soon to be loved Porters after checking out the famous Kokoda Airport, then walked around the plateau and before we knew it we were on our way. Hoi was the first destination and without too much fuss we arrived at this beautiful village and had settled in for the night.
Day 3
Up to Deniki for a picture perfect view then onward to Isurava to take in the surrounds that was the making of the 39th battalion. Con’s Rock and Butch Bissetts final resting place was acknowledged before we settled into the village of Alola and a feed of pizza for the night. We are serenaded by our porters tonight for the first of many times. Two days of trekking down and six to go.
Day 4
A tough day loomed and we were not to be disappointed. Ann pushed through like a champ, Lisa H dug deep but Michelle was yet to raise a sweat. A rickety bridge was crossed at Eora creek, an ammunition dump was explored, more hills were conquered and a pasta lunch was devoured at Templeton’s 2. Another 3 hours of ups and downs, through some Pandanus trees before we arrived to endure one of our coldest nights. CJ broke the ice for a pre dinner swim, soon to be followed by Shane, Lisa A, Tracey and Lisa H. Nat may have raised a sweat by carrying a 19 kg backpack but didn't feel the need for a well earned ice bath. Time for her to get the “Harden up bracelet”. We were sung to sleep yet again. How good is this!
Day 5
“Where’s the road? No Roads. Where’s the road? No Roads. No roads Spartans what is your profession? Whoo Whoo Whoo. We set off through the beautiful moss forest and summit Mt Ballamy before morning tea at 1900 campsite. Rob is flying at this stage and Wendy is loving every minute and immersing herself into whatever comes her way. This really is a great group of people. We visit Myola dry lake made famous by the troops much needed biscuit bombers. Rigga finds some fascinating supply dumps which has our minds wondering what it must have been like back in ‘42. Shanes knees are aching, Ann is pushed to her limits and Tracey is still chatting, laughing and “having a good time”. All this came to an end when we are ambushed coming into Kagi. Bayonets went flying, women screamed and we all had a good chuckle. Arriving into Kagi was something we will all remember. What a welcoming! A walk through the village exposed us all to what life is like for our porters and a walk to the showers for Michelle revealed another exposure compliments of Rigga! We were treated to a night that brought a lump to all our throats. Tears, laughs, gifts and a feeling of love made for a sleep full of pleasant dreams for us all.
Day 6
A steep downhill, a tough uphill then we stock up on avocado’s before we take on Brigade Hill. A service brings out Dean’s personality number 8 and a well deserved swim just prior to Menari freshens us all up. That night we get a visit from home via a video hook up and it’s just the boost we need.
A tough day loomed and we were not to be disappointed. Ann pushed through like a champ, Lisa H dug deep but Michelle was yet to raise a sweat. A rickety bridge was crossed at Eora creek, an ammunition dump was explored, more hills were conquered and a pasta lunch was devoured at Templeton’s 2. Another 3 hours of ups and downs, through some Pandanus trees before we arrived to endure one of our coldest nights. CJ broke the ice for a pre dinner swim, soon to be followed by Shane, Lisa A, Tracey and Lisa H. Nat may have raised a sweat by carrying a 19 kg backpack but didn't feel the need for a well earned ice bath. Time for her to get the “Harden up bracelet”. We were sung to sleep yet again. How good is this!
Day 5
“Where’s the road? No Roads. Where’s the road? No Roads. No roads Spartans what is your profession? Whoo Whoo Whoo. We set off through the beautiful moss forest and summit Mt Ballamy before morning tea at 1900 campsite. Rob is flying at this stage and Wendy is loving every minute and immersing herself into whatever comes her way. This really is a great group of people. We visit Myola dry lake made famous by the troops much needed biscuit bombers. Rigga finds some fascinating supply dumps which has our minds wondering what it must have been like back in ‘42. Shanes knees are aching, Ann is pushed to her limits and Tracey is still chatting, laughing and “having a good time”. All this came to an end when we are ambushed coming into Kagi. Bayonets went flying, women screamed and we all had a good chuckle. Arriving into Kagi was something we will all remember. What a welcoming! A walk through the village exposed us all to what life is like for our porters and a walk to the showers for Michelle revealed another exposure compliments of Rigga! We were treated to a night that brought a lump to all our throats. Tears, laughs, gifts and a feeling of love made for a sleep full of pleasant dreams for us all.
Day 6
A steep downhill, a tough uphill then we stock up on avocado’s before we take on Brigade Hill. A service brings out Dean’s personality number 8 and a well deserved swim just prior to Menari freshens us all up. That night we get a visit from home via a video hook up and it’s just the boost we need.
Day 7
Still no rain in sight. Could this be the perfect Kokoda? We walk through the swamp with no water, over the false peaks like they weren't there and before we know it we’re enjoying our well deserved “rest” day. We get immersed in culture that night and Clement keeps us informed of the many different facets of his life. More singing by our porters as we drift off to sleep.
Day 8
An hour’s walk up to the Maguli Range peak and a few of us phone home. Another good boost then it’s down to Ofi creek. Could this be rain? You betcha! Ioribaiwa ridge is done, a quick lunch, boots off for 11 creek crossings and we swim into Ua Ule Creek camp for our last night. We have a swim as there are no showers until the heavens open up. Boy oh boy do we have a shower! Wendy & Sue come a knocking into the hut looking like drowned rats. Lisa A has more bites than an Apple Mac computer and we hope that Rob and Nat can swim.
Day 9
The creeks seem to have filled since yesterday and it’s a long slog up to Imita Ridge. The porters sing their national anthem, we go down the Golden staircase and the end is in sight. Sue does her best impression of synchronised swimming at the Goldie river before we take our final walk through the columns at Owers' corner which brings our memorable trek to an end. A slippery drive to lunch, a few celebratory drinks then we pay our respects at Bomana cemetery. We are truly blessed to share our final dinner not only with our porters but also with one of the last surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in Havala Laula.
Still no rain in sight. Could this be the perfect Kokoda? We walk through the swamp with no water, over the false peaks like they weren't there and before we know it we’re enjoying our well deserved “rest” day. We get immersed in culture that night and Clement keeps us informed of the many different facets of his life. More singing by our porters as we drift off to sleep.
Day 8
An hour’s walk up to the Maguli Range peak and a few of us phone home. Another good boost then it’s down to Ofi creek. Could this be rain? You betcha! Ioribaiwa ridge is done, a quick lunch, boots off for 11 creek crossings and we swim into Ua Ule Creek camp for our last night. We have a swim as there are no showers until the heavens open up. Boy oh boy do we have a shower! Wendy & Sue come a knocking into the hut looking like drowned rats. Lisa A has more bites than an Apple Mac computer and we hope that Rob and Nat can swim.
Day 9
The creeks seem to have filled since yesterday and it’s a long slog up to Imita Ridge. The porters sing their national anthem, we go down the Golden staircase and the end is in sight. Sue does her best impression of synchronised swimming at the Goldie river before we take our final walk through the columns at Owers' corner which brings our memorable trek to an end. A slippery drive to lunch, a few celebratory drinks then we pay our respects at Bomana cemetery. We are truly blessed to share our final dinner not only with our porters but also with one of the last surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels in Havala Laula.
To Sue, Wendy, Michelle, Shane, CJ, Ann, Lisa H, Tracey, Lisa A, Rob, Nat and Rigga. It was truly a pleasure to have experienced your kokoda track journey with you all and one that I will never forget.
Dean Opie
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Dean Opie
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]