Task list:
…. Ok, everything is going smoothly, no glitches, no delays, and no problems. What gives? Something is bound to go wrong…
But it never did! What a great trek! 4 mates from a small town, 4 mates from the Army Reserve, 2 long time friends, and a lone traveller, all came together to take on this great Australian pilgrimage.
- Arrive in PNG – Check
- Prepare for expedition – Check
- Collect team from airport – Check
- Briefing at Hotel – Check
- Fly to Popondetta – Check
- Begin Kokoda Track – Check
…. Ok, everything is going smoothly, no glitches, no delays, and no problems. What gives? Something is bound to go wrong…
But it never did! What a great trek! 4 mates from a small town, 4 mates from the Army Reserve, 2 long time friends, and a lone traveller, all came together to take on this great Australian pilgrimage.
We pushed through each day, comfortably exhausted, resting just enough to continue on the following morning. Day after day, the weather turned it on for us, only getting rained on while trekking twice, and in a light refreshing way, not the usual boot filling jungle downpour!
An evening concert at Alola brought us a trio of young village girls singing, which quickly turned into a roaring a cappella when joined with what seemed like every kid in the village. Unsupervised by their elders, their enthusiasm was uncurbed and had we not thanked them, they would have continued well into the next morning!
Kagi brought us a warm welcome, and a game of cricket with a timber plank. The timber plank didn’t last long, when Greg, one of our porters declared he had a real cricket bat! He promptly ran down the hill to Kagi and was back in a flash with it! After a great game, Greg thought it would be a great idea to carry the cricket bat all the way to the end, playing several more games along the way!
An evening concert at Alola brought us a trio of young village girls singing, which quickly turned into a roaring a cappella when joined with what seemed like every kid in the village. Unsupervised by their elders, their enthusiasm was uncurbed and had we not thanked them, they would have continued well into the next morning!
Kagi brought us a warm welcome, and a game of cricket with a timber plank. The timber plank didn’t last long, when Greg, one of our porters declared he had a real cricket bat! He promptly ran down the hill to Kagi and was back in a flash with it! After a great game, Greg thought it would be a great idea to carry the cricket bat all the way to the end, playing several more games along the way!
Between Kagi and Menari there are several schools that have been listed by No Roads to Education as in need of aid and supplies, so it is along this area one of our trekkers John distributed the 12 lightweight, compact solar lights he had donated. Teachers were very thankful and appreciative of the gifts as it enabled them to read and plan their lessons after dark. I’m sure the lights will be put to good use! Thanks John.
The last 2 days of the trek saw some knees and feet deteriorating, but a little tape (or a lot of tape) and some anti-inflammatories, and the pace didn’t slow. Determined to the end, the team pushed up the final pitch to Ower’s Corner and revealed in their success.
A job well done gentlemen, thanks for a great trip!
Adrian Manikas
Expedition Leader
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
The last 2 days of the trek saw some knees and feet deteriorating, but a little tape (or a lot of tape) and some anti-inflammatories, and the pace didn’t slow. Determined to the end, the team pushed up the final pitch to Ower’s Corner and revealed in their success.
A job well done gentlemen, thanks for a great trip!
Adrian Manikas
Expedition Leader
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]