An ANZAC Day trek can be hectic, frustrating, mean queueing for toilets, using different campgrounds, etc etc, but when you are standing there for the Dawn Service and the few individual grave sites are highlighted, the bugler weaves his magic with the Last Post, the choppers roar low and fast overhead and the traditional instrument of the islands, the bagpipes!, are played - it all peaks to another amazing time!!
We are so blessed to work and walk with No Roads. Could have easily had one massive group of 19, but Mr Miller stands by his small group philosophy and sends Flanagan and myself out with our own small groups. No excessive river crossing times, campground constrictions, dining table fights, just 10 people really savouring the moment(s).
Family - Alan, Sue & Bec, besties - Theresa & Jo and Morgan & Kathleen, mother & son - Kaaren & Aiden and the ‘nobody loves me bloke - they just give me a birthday surprise of Kokoda ten days before departure’, the spartan known as Darryn ‘the full Monty’, all bonded so very quickly with each other, the porter team and of course their ‘beloved leader - moi’!! Makes an old bloke so proud of our porter team, our methods and our whole philosophy of ‘putting back’ into our community, small groups, etc etc.
We are so blessed to work and walk with No Roads. Could have easily had one massive group of 19, but Mr Miller stands by his small group philosophy and sends Flanagan and myself out with our own small groups. No excessive river crossing times, campground constrictions, dining table fights, just 10 people really savouring the moment(s).
Family - Alan, Sue & Bec, besties - Theresa & Jo and Morgan & Kathleen, mother & son - Kaaren & Aiden and the ‘nobody loves me bloke - they just give me a birthday surprise of Kokoda ten days before departure’, the spartan known as Darryn ‘the full Monty’, all bonded so very quickly with each other, the porter team and of course their ‘beloved leader - moi’!! Makes an old bloke so proud of our porter team, our methods and our whole philosophy of ‘putting back’ into our community, small groups, etc etc.
We covered all the usual sites with plenty of time to reflect, tear up, laugh, swim, play, eat (far too well) and listen to AJ snore the night away - fair cop though, the disclaimers were made and ear plugs were offered!! But a couple of different campsites, things to see and do (including the bracelet manufacturer at Menari on the Sabbath with Marnie), the visit to the Nature Park in Moresby and of course that amazing Dawn Service, all add together to make for a MOST memorable trek.
Full points must go to:
Cheers
Andrew Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Full points must go to:
- Alan ‘Dickie Knees’ etc for cracking on after his 60th birthday celebrations, when really he was in a world of pain
- Aiden for coming of age at 17, on the track too - well, any lad who does Kokoda ‘comes of age’ for the experience
- Manic Morgan & cackling Kath keeping us ALL entertained, and a little scared, the entire trek. Robin is re-thinking his Personal Porter role I believe
- Bec finding out what her parents really get up to at night, whilst swimming, whilst cuddling, whilst passing wind (Sue mainly, and we have video evidence!), whilst……. and still loving them!! So good. But I believe there may have been some distance once in Bali for the recovery session.
- Dazzler coz he is such a nice bloke!! Even though no one loves him enough to join him on the track - we loves ya Daz!!
- And all the other girls, Theresa (the soldier on girl), Jo (the cuddles girl) and Kaaren (I’ve been everywhere - but REALLY good stuff, better than listening to AJ go on)
Cheers
Andrew Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
