After some hectic time in Melbourne with cancelled flights and trying to get our group onto another flight, we finally made it to PNG and Port Moresby.
There were 12 trekkers in our group who all knew each other and were excited for the challenge that is the Kokoda Track.
We had heard that the Track was wet and muddy and of course it continued that way for the coming week.
As we arrived in the village of Kokoda, the rain was coming down heavily. Due to late flights, we arrived here around 8.30pm. Time to set up camp, eat dinner and go to bed. The morning was clear and after breakfast, we headed down to the Kokoda Plateau to explore and learn about the battles of Kokoda.
All of the trekkers were eager to get going, so after our meet and greet with our Porter Team, we headed off for our first big day. As always, that first hill up to the village of Deniki made everyone question whether they had done enough training. This is always the case as we adjust to the demands of the Kokoda Track.
There were 12 trekkers in our group who all knew each other and were excited for the challenge that is the Kokoda Track.
We had heard that the Track was wet and muddy and of course it continued that way for the coming week.
As we arrived in the village of Kokoda, the rain was coming down heavily. Due to late flights, we arrived here around 8.30pm. Time to set up camp, eat dinner and go to bed. The morning was clear and after breakfast, we headed down to the Kokoda Plateau to explore and learn about the battles of Kokoda.
All of the trekkers were eager to get going, so after our meet and greet with our Porter Team, we headed off for our first big day. As always, that first hill up to the village of Deniki made everyone question whether they had done enough training. This is always the case as we adjust to the demands of the Kokoda Track.
At Isurava, we were privileged to hear dedications to the Grandfathers, Uncles, Great Uncles and friends of the trekkers who fought in the Kokoda Campaign. One of our trekkers, Jules, dedicated a Rising Sun Badge belonging to a close friend who had fought alongside our Diggers.
The mud and slush continued to push both our physical and mental endurance. It was not uncommon for our feet to disappear in the mud with each and every step. Trekkers talked about and reflected on how difficult it would have been for our Diggers in worse conditions than we were experiencing.
At the Village of Kagi, we were greeted by the locals with some beautiful singing and received flowers especially made for us. We were also honoured to be greeted by the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, Havala Laula. Havala lives in Kagi and happily came out to talk with the trekkers.
It is always a big day trekking out of Kagi, as the terrain is extremely steep and slippery. We walked up the War Time track from Kagi to Mission Ridge, and it definitely tested everyone’s physical fitness.
The swamp lived up to it’s name with deep mud sometimes coming up to our shins and swallowing our legs with each step. It is always a tiring and relentless slog through this area and this week was no exception.
The mud and slush continued to push both our physical and mental endurance. It was not uncommon for our feet to disappear in the mud with each and every step. Trekkers talked about and reflected on how difficult it would have been for our Diggers in worse conditions than we were experiencing.
At the Village of Kagi, we were greeted by the locals with some beautiful singing and received flowers especially made for us. We were also honoured to be greeted by the last remaining Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel, Havala Laula. Havala lives in Kagi and happily came out to talk with the trekkers.
It is always a big day trekking out of Kagi, as the terrain is extremely steep and slippery. We walked up the War Time track from Kagi to Mission Ridge, and it definitely tested everyone’s physical fitness.
The swamp lived up to it’s name with deep mud sometimes coming up to our shins and swallowing our legs with each step. It is always a tiring and relentless slog through this area and this week was no exception.
The group continued to stay together and provide much needed support for each other. It was a true testament to their bond, which continued to grow as the trek went on.
Sabbath day was in the village of New Nauro and everyone was appreciative of a rest day. The track conditions were taking it’s toll on everyone. Trekkers visited the local church and enjoyed listening to the beautiful singing from the locals.
The track continued to provide us with mud and slush for the remaining two days and did not let up until we reached Ower’s Corner.
We were greeted at Ower’s Corner by Havala Laula, who had been flown in by Helicopter. The trekkers relieved that they had made it to the end and reflective of their own personal achievement.
Well done everyone!
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ruth@noroads.com.au
Sabbath day was in the village of New Nauro and everyone was appreciative of a rest day. The track conditions were taking it’s toll on everyone. Trekkers visited the local church and enjoyed listening to the beautiful singing from the locals.
The track continued to provide us with mud and slush for the remaining two days and did not let up until we reached Ower’s Corner.
We were greeted at Ower’s Corner by Havala Laula, who had been flown in by Helicopter. The trekkers relieved that they had made it to the end and reflective of their own personal achievement.
Well done everyone!
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ruth@noroads.com.au