Rarely in our hectic lives do we get the opportunity to travel with family and friends to a remote land without modern conveniences. To challenge ourselves and push our limits way beyond any typical family holiday. To take time to reconnect and forever strengthen our family ties. Enter the Waterson group. Three generations, father, sisters, brothers, daughters, granddaughter and friends who selected the infamous Kokoda Track for their adventure together. What an amazing opportunity to spend quality time together without distractions. To enjoy each other's company and return to the joys of conversation that embellishes the true spirit of a family unit.
The challenge began with pre trek banter which carried forward throughout the trek. It didn’t start well for some, with Mel leaving the anti-malarial tablets at home, Janine needing excess baggage, Chris and Dale packing an ironing board, and an emptied pack as yet another pocket knife was extracted from Janine’s bag at the airport security. It set the humour for our adventure together for the next ten days.
The group were fast and the track was dry, which made for an enjoyable crossing, arriving in camp early each afternoon to enjoy a cultural exchange with the locals. Interrupted sleep came from strange jungle noises - puppies under huts, dog fights, bats and roosters…. going price has now increased from 50 to 200 Kina per rooster at Menari. All soon forgotten as we commenced the next amazing day's hike, where we would hear yet again from Chris and Dale that their mum was a florist.
We learnt that Kokoda is not a race, but rather a historic, cultural immersion that challenges your every step, learning the history of the Kokoda campaign, and stories of the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Competitive by nature, the knowledge of other groups following us did drive us to reach our site that little bit earlier each day. The extreme racers doing the track in 3 days also made us grateful that our pace was slower and gave us time to learn about this beautiful land, although I'm sure that Pete and Linda would have given them a run for their money.
Evening culture talks were a highlight for the group learning about the customs and traditions of the Koiari people, far different to that of ours. The interaction between the porters and Trekkers was great giving an insight to the many differences between each culture, although the boys were not convinced about Michelle’s heritage, believing she was from PNG.
The challenge began with pre trek banter which carried forward throughout the trek. It didn’t start well for some, with Mel leaving the anti-malarial tablets at home, Janine needing excess baggage, Chris and Dale packing an ironing board, and an emptied pack as yet another pocket knife was extracted from Janine’s bag at the airport security. It set the humour for our adventure together for the next ten days.
The group were fast and the track was dry, which made for an enjoyable crossing, arriving in camp early each afternoon to enjoy a cultural exchange with the locals. Interrupted sleep came from strange jungle noises - puppies under huts, dog fights, bats and roosters…. going price has now increased from 50 to 200 Kina per rooster at Menari. All soon forgotten as we commenced the next amazing day's hike, where we would hear yet again from Chris and Dale that their mum was a florist.
We learnt that Kokoda is not a race, but rather a historic, cultural immersion that challenges your every step, learning the history of the Kokoda campaign, and stories of the men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Competitive by nature, the knowledge of other groups following us did drive us to reach our site that little bit earlier each day. The extreme racers doing the track in 3 days also made us grateful that our pace was slower and gave us time to learn about this beautiful land, although I'm sure that Pete and Linda would have given them a run for their money.
Evening culture talks were a highlight for the group learning about the customs and traditions of the Koiari people, far different to that of ours. The interaction between the porters and Trekkers was great giving an insight to the many differences between each culture, although the boys were not convinced about Michelle’s heritage, believing she was from PNG.
There were many firsts along the way - meeting teachers and delivering 29 student packs to the school at Efogi, an experience with stinging nettle, an afternoon stroll to the top of Maguli, seeing some mighty fine eye candy and an encounter with human waste, leaving Allan to question his daughters path selection. Nothing was too much for this group as they experienced all the wonders of Kokoda.
The services at Isurava and Brigade Hill brought the reality of war to our hearts, where tears were shed as we remembered the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of our soldiers during the Kokoda campaign, more heartfelt as each of us considered the difficulties of war and the loss of a child. Each story of the battles encountered reiterating the importance of family when times get tough, a great lesson for Jaymee as she enters her adult life.
The power of the mind always plays a factor in any long journey, and while there are always fears to overcome on Kokoda, the group took every challenge on with gusto, supporting each other to rise to new heights and achieve their dream of crossing the track injury free. While many thought each day was a new wall to conquer, no challenge was too difficult, seeing the group all reach Owers' Corner together. It was an amazing journey with many highlights that will forever be etched in everyone's minds.
To the fabulous Jenny, who organised this group so well, thank you for the amazing work you did in preparing the team for this Kokoda adventure and welcoming me into your family. Each one of you will take something from this journey, and your extended family ties will see you all remember this Kokoda adventure together forever…. and no, there is not a road over the next ridge line, just more little bit ups and little bit downs!
It’s been another exceptional No Roads Adventure.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expedition
[email protected]
The services at Isurava and Brigade Hill brought the reality of war to our hearts, where tears were shed as we remembered the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice of our soldiers during the Kokoda campaign, more heartfelt as each of us considered the difficulties of war and the loss of a child. Each story of the battles encountered reiterating the importance of family when times get tough, a great lesson for Jaymee as she enters her adult life.
The power of the mind always plays a factor in any long journey, and while there are always fears to overcome on Kokoda, the group took every challenge on with gusto, supporting each other to rise to new heights and achieve their dream of crossing the track injury free. While many thought each day was a new wall to conquer, no challenge was too difficult, seeing the group all reach Owers' Corner together. It was an amazing journey with many highlights that will forever be etched in everyone's minds.
To the fabulous Jenny, who organised this group so well, thank you for the amazing work you did in preparing the team for this Kokoda adventure and welcoming me into your family. Each one of you will take something from this journey, and your extended family ties will see you all remember this Kokoda adventure together forever…. and no, there is not a road over the next ridge line, just more little bit ups and little bit downs!
It’s been another exceptional No Roads Adventure.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expedition
[email protected]