75th Kokoda Anniversary – Bomana Dawn Service
There are so many interesting and challenging things happening this year in support of the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. Our journey across the Owen Stanley Range to be present at the Dawn Service was just a small part, but so very special to all.
In all, 14 trekkers made the journey to Port Moresby, some only just as the airline handed out incorrect information about visa’s – the PNG tourism motto of ‘Expect the Unexpected’ kicked in early. A quick settle in at the Holiday Inn, introductions (easiest to call everyone Paul or Pauline as there were so many Pauls), a briefing, a substantial dinner and we were prepared to hit the track the next day.
From the outset, we could see life was going to be busy over this period. Some monster groups from other companies made our 14 seem very cosy. A change of camp ground to Kovelo on the first night, left a long day to Alola for Day Two and the crew got a real introduction to ‘the bloody track’. But as always, the dramatic qualities of Deniki, Isurava, Con’s Rock and all the track in between, raised our expectations of how good this journey would be.
There are so many interesting and challenging things happening this year in support of the 75th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. Our journey across the Owen Stanley Range to be present at the Dawn Service was just a small part, but so very special to all.
In all, 14 trekkers made the journey to Port Moresby, some only just as the airline handed out incorrect information about visa’s – the PNG tourism motto of ‘Expect the Unexpected’ kicked in early. A quick settle in at the Holiday Inn, introductions (easiest to call everyone Paul or Pauline as there were so many Pauls), a briefing, a substantial dinner and we were prepared to hit the track the next day.
From the outset, we could see life was going to be busy over this period. Some monster groups from other companies made our 14 seem very cosy. A change of camp ground to Kovelo on the first night, left a long day to Alola for Day Two and the crew got a real introduction to ‘the bloody track’. But as always, the dramatic qualities of Deniki, Isurava, Con’s Rock and all the track in between, raised our expectations of how good this journey would be.
Day Three saw Eora Creek and the first big river crossing. It was obvious things were going to get wet with the river really pumping. Up to the Ammo Dump and onto Templetons for lunch. Sadly one participant, Ronnie, had to leave us, it’s never an easy thing, but the crew rolled into Dump 1 for a well earned rest as the rain started to fall.
Day Four was led by compatriot guide, Flanno, up and over Mt Bellamy, out to Myola 1 then the big slide down into Kagi. Reality TV kicks in here, we all knew we were on something like Survivor but 'The Farmer Wants a Wife' reared its ugly head and the cow cocky, Dale, from got some major ribbing for the rest of the trek, especially from his little brother, Blair. What better way to end the day than to be reunited with AJ – oh yeh, the kids singing, doing the Hokey Pokey and of course, some gift giving – they are all MUCH better.
Day Five and Six, a bit more of the same, again saddened by the departure of Kathleen (believe she went to keep Ronnie company) but still copping it all as so special with the street stall at Efogi2, museum at Efogi, Brigade Hill in the rain, Steph twisting her ankle (which was finally diagnosed as broken fibula as well as torn ligaments – good strapping Jack to get her through and onto the dance floor at the Yacht Club!), Menari, the swamp (just knee deep getting through one section) and into New Nauro.
Day Four was led by compatriot guide, Flanno, up and over Mt Bellamy, out to Myola 1 then the big slide down into Kagi. Reality TV kicks in here, we all knew we were on something like Survivor but 'The Farmer Wants a Wife' reared its ugly head and the cow cocky, Dale, from got some major ribbing for the rest of the trek, especially from his little brother, Blair. What better way to end the day than to be reunited with AJ – oh yeh, the kids singing, doing the Hokey Pokey and of course, some gift giving – they are all MUCH better.
Day Five and Six, a bit more of the same, again saddened by the departure of Kathleen (believe she went to keep Ronnie company) but still copping it all as so special with the street stall at Efogi2, museum at Efogi, Brigade Hill in the rain, Steph twisting her ankle (which was finally diagnosed as broken fibula as well as torn ligaments – good strapping Jack to get her through and onto the dance floor at the Yacht Club!), Menari, the swamp (just knee deep getting through one section) and into New Nauro.
Day Seven – Sabbath observance at new Nauro, not a lot to do but church was great and washing, drying, playing cards and sleeping always work for me! Sam continued to work on the tan, we reckon he only ever had his shirt on whilst walking, and then under sufferance. More hassling for Kim re reality TV shows and the continuing horror of Mark in that hat, poor Margaret, what she has to put up with. Not one passing group or villager took us seriously after seeing Marks hat, even better than past ‘pink hats’.
Day Eight, into it again for the last full day, still pretty damp and the camp at Ua Ule packed to the eyeballs as people set up for a pre ANZAC day finish
Day Nine Through to Owers Corner to be greeted by the last Fuzzy Wuzzy, Havala Laula, and a magnificent feed. Its handy having the 2IC of NRE in charge of catering J. Photo opps and one special one of the wrist bands we all wore campaigning against the Cowards Punch.
On to Bomana and an opportunity to be de-loused as they spray ‘who knows what’ to kill all the insects before the Dawn Service
Day Ten Up early for the Dawn Service & we are escorting Havala. Into the VIP section with Havala, Jack & I, to then be totally blown away by the GG, Sir Peter Cosgrove, coming over to take Havala to the Cross and lay a wreath. Then a follow up with the presentation of a medal. Havala, a truly humble man, looking so proud and the rest of us blown away by the honor that was totally out of the blue.
Anzac day continues with most heading off to the yacht club to party away the afternoon and a few heading off for a chopper ride out over Imita Ridge & back. We’re all a little jealous of Kevin (2nd time trekker) as he heads off to Milne Bay and the Northern Beaches for a few days with Dave Howell.
All in all, a very special trip, long to be remembered by all, none the least me!
Andrew Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Day Eight, into it again for the last full day, still pretty damp and the camp at Ua Ule packed to the eyeballs as people set up for a pre ANZAC day finish
Day Nine Through to Owers Corner to be greeted by the last Fuzzy Wuzzy, Havala Laula, and a magnificent feed. Its handy having the 2IC of NRE in charge of catering J. Photo opps and one special one of the wrist bands we all wore campaigning against the Cowards Punch.
On to Bomana and an opportunity to be de-loused as they spray ‘who knows what’ to kill all the insects before the Dawn Service
Day Ten Up early for the Dawn Service & we are escorting Havala. Into the VIP section with Havala, Jack & I, to then be totally blown away by the GG, Sir Peter Cosgrove, coming over to take Havala to the Cross and lay a wreath. Then a follow up with the presentation of a medal. Havala, a truly humble man, looking so proud and the rest of us blown away by the honor that was totally out of the blue.
Anzac day continues with most heading off to the yacht club to party away the afternoon and a few heading off for a chopper ride out over Imita Ridge & back. We’re all a little jealous of Kevin (2nd time trekker) as he heads off to Milne Bay and the Northern Beaches for a few days with Dave Howell.
All in all, a very special trip, long to be remembered by all, none the least me!
Andrew Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
