What do you get when you take 8 very well prepared and enthusiastic trekkers, near perfect track conditions and amazing weather??????
A bloody fast and enjoyable trek!
And that’s what this trek was super fast which meant lots of time to relax in camp each night and great fun!
This trek started out different from most when we had to make an alteration to our normal schedule to drop in at the village of Awala on our way to Kokoda. One of the trekkers Allan had a family contact in Awala so we stopped to say “Hello”. What a welcome we got as we were welcomed by a village elder in full traditional dress under a sign which read “Welcome our Australian friends” truly amazing!
A bloody fast and enjoyable trek!
And that’s what this trek was super fast which meant lots of time to relax in camp each night and great fun!
This trek started out different from most when we had to make an alteration to our normal schedule to drop in at the village of Awala on our way to Kokoda. One of the trekkers Allan had a family contact in Awala so we stopped to say “Hello”. What a welcome we got as we were welcomed by a village elder in full traditional dress under a sign which read “Welcome our Australian friends” truly amazing!
What a welcome we got as we were welcomed by a village elder in full traditional dress under a sign which read “Welcome our Australian friends” truly amazing!
Once we got off our PMV in Kokoda time was ticking away but this group showed me their awesome preparation by pushing up to Deniki in record time, this solid pace was to continue for the entire trek!
Day 2 was an early start especially with the need to pack our packs and then unpack them and re pack a few times, but we were off and once again making amazing time. Some intrepid trekkers took a detour up to the Japanese plane while the others relaxed under the trees and enjoyed the views of the Isurava memorial, followed by some poems to tell the story of “the Track”
Day 3 we got to do some Indiana Jones stuff as we crossed the rope bridge and a few brave souls tested out the water at Templeton’s 1, a few others tested out the hot showers provide by our local team!!
Day 4 up over the top, was just a walk in the park for this group. Down to Myola for a look, then a special lunch and into Kagi where we would spend the night. As the sun lowered over the ranges we went into Kagi Village centre to join in some festivities to welcome us around the bonfire in the centre of the village there was singing and dancing and lots of big smiles to make us feel welcome.
Day 5 stayed overcast to provide us some relief from the sun as we did the open climbs and before we knew it we were at Brigade hill for lunch, a poem and reflection on what our soldiers went through all those years ago. A nice leisurely walk and we were in Menari once again nice and early with a good portion of the afternoon to relax around camp!
Day 6 with a dry swamp to cross, WOW that went fast another relaxing afternoon and a chance to wash some clothes. Now where is that deck of cards!
Day 7 the long haul up the Maguli range and down the other side into Ofi Creek for lunch where we had a lesson in Tok Pisin (Pidgin) and learnt “Boss mary”!!! Over Ioribaiwa and down to Ua Ule Creek where it was time for a well earned swim!
Day 8 through the creeks and over Imita, nearly our last climb for the trek! Then another fast pace set to the Goldie, I think they could smell the sausages in bread! Then our final climb up to Owers' and for the first time on the entire trek RAIN just to ensure the group gets a taste of mud!
Josh Redfern
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
josh@noroads.com.au
Day 2 was an early start especially with the need to pack our packs and then unpack them and re pack a few times, but we were off and once again making amazing time. Some intrepid trekkers took a detour up to the Japanese plane while the others relaxed under the trees and enjoyed the views of the Isurava memorial, followed by some poems to tell the story of “the Track”
Day 3 we got to do some Indiana Jones stuff as we crossed the rope bridge and a few brave souls tested out the water at Templeton’s 1, a few others tested out the hot showers provide by our local team!!
Day 4 up over the top, was just a walk in the park for this group. Down to Myola for a look, then a special lunch and into Kagi where we would spend the night. As the sun lowered over the ranges we went into Kagi Village centre to join in some festivities to welcome us around the bonfire in the centre of the village there was singing and dancing and lots of big smiles to make us feel welcome.
Day 5 stayed overcast to provide us some relief from the sun as we did the open climbs and before we knew it we were at Brigade hill for lunch, a poem and reflection on what our soldiers went through all those years ago. A nice leisurely walk and we were in Menari once again nice and early with a good portion of the afternoon to relax around camp!
Day 6 with a dry swamp to cross, WOW that went fast another relaxing afternoon and a chance to wash some clothes. Now where is that deck of cards!
Day 7 the long haul up the Maguli range and down the other side into Ofi Creek for lunch where we had a lesson in Tok Pisin (Pidgin) and learnt “Boss mary”!!! Over Ioribaiwa and down to Ua Ule Creek where it was time for a well earned swim!
Day 8 through the creeks and over Imita, nearly our last climb for the trek! Then another fast pace set to the Goldie, I think they could smell the sausages in bread! Then our final climb up to Owers' and for the first time on the entire trek RAIN just to ensure the group gets a taste of mud!
Josh Redfern
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
josh@noroads.com.au