25 trekkers - 34 porters - one guide. Large groups are like large families and take some managing however if the group clicks - they almost “self-manage” and this amazing group of trekkers clicked from day #1.
On this trek we had trekkers from 16 to 60, people of different fitness levels, backgrounds, States (including expats from Australia, Russia and USA), fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives and all came together because they had something in common - a passion to experience the challenges and adventures that The Track has to offer.
Having a large porter group meant that we also had an amazing choir who Frank our "MasterChef and Choirmaster" organised to sing to us each night and the State of origin rivalry that was fostered between our group and that of Dan's Hogarth's Benalla College group was a constant source of friendly banter and flag stealing.
The weather was amazing to us and the group had the driest weather I have experienced although this meant that it was extremely hot on the southern side of the Owens Stanley’s and across the Maguli Ranges.
On this trek we had trekkers from 16 to 60, people of different fitness levels, backgrounds, States (including expats from Australia, Russia and USA), fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives and all came together because they had something in common - a passion to experience the challenges and adventures that The Track has to offer.
Having a large porter group meant that we also had an amazing choir who Frank our "MasterChef and Choirmaster" organised to sing to us each night and the State of origin rivalry that was fostered between our group and that of Dan's Hogarth's Benalla College group was a constant source of friendly banter and flag stealing.
The weather was amazing to us and the group had the driest weather I have experienced although this meant that it was extremely hot on the southern side of the Owens Stanley’s and across the Maguli Ranges.
As always, the services at Isurava and Brigade Hill were special moments and the stories of Kingsbury, the Bissett Boys and Charlie McCullum brought home the true spirit of the young Australians who fought for our freedom in 1942.
Each of us took something away from this experience or left something of ourselves on The Track as we slogged our way up and down each false peak and were humbled by the care, compassion and strength of the porters who helped us when we were tired, clumsy or ready to give up.
This will probably be my final trek across the whole Kokoda Track after having the privilege of trekking with my four children and wife over the last 8 years. I intend to concentrate on the No Roads – Health project and repay the porters and their families for the lessons they have taught me over time and the friendships that have been created. To the diggers who fought and died along The Kokoda Track, I am totally indebted to you and it has been an honour to walk in your footsteps.
Stewart “Sooty” Kreltszheim
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
sooty@noroads.com.au
Each of us took something away from this experience or left something of ourselves on The Track as we slogged our way up and down each false peak and were humbled by the care, compassion and strength of the porters who helped us when we were tired, clumsy or ready to give up.
This will probably be my final trek across the whole Kokoda Track after having the privilege of trekking with my four children and wife over the last 8 years. I intend to concentrate on the No Roads – Health project and repay the porters and their families for the lessons they have taught me over time and the friendships that have been created. To the diggers who fought and died along The Kokoda Track, I am totally indebted to you and it has been an honour to walk in your footsteps.
Stewart “Sooty” Kreltszheim
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
sooty@noroads.com.au