We all arrived in Port Moresby excited to begin our adventure across the Kokoda Track. It was to be a small group of 3 this time, as we had 2 trekkers cancel due to ill health. We had Jacqui, Trace and their son Jesse - so an exciting family adventure.
The usual pre-trek nerves were evident, but all trekkers soon settled into a routine. We made good progress from Popendetta to Kokoda village and didn’t have any problems other than the bumpy trip that it is. After 3 hours, we were glad to get out of the transport vehicle and stretch our legs and backs.
After an explore around the Kokoda Plateau, we had lunch and headed off towards our first campsite, Deniki. It is always a test as we climb that first big hill up to Deniki. We get a good indication of how the trekkers are going to cope with the terrain. I was very happy to see that all of my trekkers made it up this hill with ease.
It was a wash, dinner and an early night as we had been up since 4am.
Our next few days were a steady pace as we made our way to Alola and then to Templeton’s Crossing. The weather was being very kind to us with no rain, so the track was pretty dry. Our service at the Isurava Memorial is a highlight of the trek.
The usual pre-trek nerves were evident, but all trekkers soon settled into a routine. We made good progress from Popendetta to Kokoda village and didn’t have any problems other than the bumpy trip that it is. After 3 hours, we were glad to get out of the transport vehicle and stretch our legs and backs.
After an explore around the Kokoda Plateau, we had lunch and headed off towards our first campsite, Deniki. It is always a test as we climb that first big hill up to Deniki. We get a good indication of how the trekkers are going to cope with the terrain. I was very happy to see that all of my trekkers made it up this hill with ease.
It was a wash, dinner and an early night as we had been up since 4am.
Our next few days were a steady pace as we made our way to Alola and then to Templeton’s Crossing. The weather was being very kind to us with no rain, so the track was pretty dry. Our service at the Isurava Memorial is a highlight of the trek.
We woke up at Templeton’s Crossing to find Jesse had been unwell all night. With some quick problem solving, we made the decision to stay at Templeton’s Crossing for another night to allow Jesse to recover. It was all smiles the next morning when we woke to find Jesse in excellent spirits and rearing to go.
A long day followed as we made our way to the village of Kagi. As we approach the village, we are greeted by the local villagers who sing for us and welcome us to their village. The trekkers always appreciate this beautiful welcome.
Later that evening, we were honoured to be part of the local church service. The whole congregation came to our campsite and conducted their evening church service with us. The Pastor gave us his blessing for our onward journey across the track. We heard some beautiful voices of the local villagers as they sang for us.
The heavens opened up overnight and we experienced a noisy thunderstorm. This was definitely going to make the track nice and wet for us tomorrow. We climb down a very steep hill this morning, so it was going to be a slippery morning.
The next day, we headed off early with our destination being the village of Menari. After climbing the hill, we stopped at Brigade Hill to learn the stories of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in such a ferocious battle. After lunch, we headed down the hill to the river for a quick swim, then up the hill to Menari.
Today we head to New Nauro. It is a shorter day today, which gives the trekkers time to have a rest. We still need to encounter the Swamp and the Brown River before we get to the village. Luck was on our side and the swamp was pretty dry, which is always a relief. The Brown River wasn’t too high, and we were able to walk across with the water up to our knees. The climb up to the village is always a tough one and the false peaks make you think that you are never going to get to the top of the hill.
The next morning we head straight up to the top of the Maguli Range, which is an amazing view. The track was starting to get quite muddy and slippery. There had been a bit of rain, so we were walking through some thick mud and slush.
With lots of slipping and sliding we make our way down to Ofi Creek. The Track was not getting any drier, so there were many shouts of “man down”, as trekkers and porters were losing their footing. It is always a time for lots of laughter and humour.
After a quick lunch and photos of our muddy boots, we head to towards Ua-Ule Creek campsite. We have to cross 11 creeks on our way to camp. A few trekkers tried hard to keep their boots dry, but most of us ended up in the water.
The last night is always a time for reflection on where we have been and how we have risen to the challenge of the Kokoda Track.
A long day followed as we made our way to the village of Kagi. As we approach the village, we are greeted by the local villagers who sing for us and welcome us to their village. The trekkers always appreciate this beautiful welcome.
Later that evening, we were honoured to be part of the local church service. The whole congregation came to our campsite and conducted their evening church service with us. The Pastor gave us his blessing for our onward journey across the track. We heard some beautiful voices of the local villagers as they sang for us.
The heavens opened up overnight and we experienced a noisy thunderstorm. This was definitely going to make the track nice and wet for us tomorrow. We climb down a very steep hill this morning, so it was going to be a slippery morning.
The next day, we headed off early with our destination being the village of Menari. After climbing the hill, we stopped at Brigade Hill to learn the stories of the brave soldiers who lost their lives in such a ferocious battle. After lunch, we headed down the hill to the river for a quick swim, then up the hill to Menari.
Today we head to New Nauro. It is a shorter day today, which gives the trekkers time to have a rest. We still need to encounter the Swamp and the Brown River before we get to the village. Luck was on our side and the swamp was pretty dry, which is always a relief. The Brown River wasn’t too high, and we were able to walk across with the water up to our knees. The climb up to the village is always a tough one and the false peaks make you think that you are never going to get to the top of the hill.
The next morning we head straight up to the top of the Maguli Range, which is an amazing view. The track was starting to get quite muddy and slippery. There had been a bit of rain, so we were walking through some thick mud and slush.
With lots of slipping and sliding we make our way down to Ofi Creek. The Track was not getting any drier, so there were many shouts of “man down”, as trekkers and porters were losing their footing. It is always a time for lots of laughter and humour.
After a quick lunch and photos of our muddy boots, we head to towards Ua-Ule Creek campsite. We have to cross 11 creeks on our way to camp. A few trekkers tried hard to keep their boots dry, but most of us ended up in the water.
The last night is always a time for reflection on where we have been and how we have risen to the challenge of the Kokoda Track.
Our last day is a short day of 5 hours trekking, but it isn’t an easy day. The mind starts to play games with you as you think you are nearly home, but still have some big hills to conquer. The main one is the hill up to Imita Ridge - 2 hours of a constant uphill climb is tough. We finally reach the Goldie River and there is a sense of achievement within the group.
The last big climb up to Owers' Corner is exciting and emotional. The trekkers realise that they have done it - they have walked the Kokoda Track! Tears, hugs and high fives are the order of the day.
We take some time here and look back across the Track and reflect on what has been achieved over the past 9 days. A short poem titled, “Crosses on the Track”, allows us to reflect on the sacrifice of our brave Soldiers.
Lest we forget.
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
The last big climb up to Owers' Corner is exciting and emotional. The trekkers realise that they have done it - they have walked the Kokoda Track! Tears, hugs and high fives are the order of the day.
We take some time here and look back across the Track and reflect on what has been achieved over the past 9 days. A short poem titled, “Crosses on the Track”, allows us to reflect on the sacrifice of our brave Soldiers.
Lest we forget.
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]