Tuesday the 17th of April saw 5 very keen trekkers depart their respective states and arrive in PNG, physically & mentally ready for the massive task of completing the Kokoda Trek (96k). Some had never met each other before so this was a first for ProSport. Nerves, anticipation & excitement were at an all-time high!
Being my first trip as a leader, I was looking forward to how the trip brought us all closer together and work towards that one common goal of successfully completing Kokoda.The guys trained hard for 5 months leading into the trip and I had nothing but confidence that they were all going to do a great job in PNG.
During the first night at the Holiday Inn it suddenly dawned on the group that their journey was about to begin, with a bus ride to the airport before a flight to Popendetta. It was D-day for all of us. 12 months of talking, training & preparing – it was about to begin & everyone suddenly felt really excited but really nervous at the same time, including myself. With a re-scheduled flight, the trip was made even tougher when we lost 3 hours walking on the first day.
I am extremely proud of ALL of you! Overcoming feelings of hopelessness, weakness, vulnerability - the feeling of wanting to give up, thinking I can’t get to the top of the hill, but I can proudly sit here today & say we ALL overcame those feelings & thoughts and made it. It makes our achievement as individuals & as a group something very, very special.
Being my first trip as a leader, I was looking forward to how the trip brought us all closer together and work towards that one common goal of successfully completing Kokoda.The guys trained hard for 5 months leading into the trip and I had nothing but confidence that they were all going to do a great job in PNG.
During the first night at the Holiday Inn it suddenly dawned on the group that their journey was about to begin, with a bus ride to the airport before a flight to Popendetta. It was D-day for all of us. 12 months of talking, training & preparing – it was about to begin & everyone suddenly felt really excited but really nervous at the same time, including myself. With a re-scheduled flight, the trip was made even tougher when we lost 3 hours walking on the first day.
I am extremely proud of ALL of you! Overcoming feelings of hopelessness, weakness, vulnerability - the feeling of wanting to give up, thinking I can’t get to the top of the hill, but I can proudly sit here today & say we ALL overcame those feelings & thoughts and made it. It makes our achievement as individuals & as a group something very, very special.
Here is a quick wrap up of the ProSport Alfred, 2018 Anzac day trekkers:
Please don’t ever forget the 4 pillars & what they represent. Mateship | Endurance | Courage | Sacrifice
No one can ever take away the experiences we ALL shared over the last week together.
So, to wrap this up, I am very proud to have lead you guys through the Kokoda Track – my first one as a trek leader. I will always refer back to this trip, and as it was such an amazing experience, I cannot thank you all enough.
Once again, thank you – I honestly loved the challenge, the friendships & all the moments we all shared along the Kokoda trail...
One last time...Where’s the road? – NO ROAD!
Thank you, congratulations.
Todd Beames
Expedition Guide
No Roads and ProSport
[email protected]
- Dan ‘Cold Drip’ Thompson: DT, you were ultra-consistent out there mate. I loved how you just got on with the job each and every day, hence why you were awarded the ENDURANCE pillar. You brought humour when needed and just became the ultimate trooper on the track. Your bond with Jerome was special to watch and I’ll do everything I can to get you in contact with him.
- Linda ‘Legs Up’ Bradford: Absolute star Lindz. I loved how you were willing to help anyone out, off-load your snacks and hydrolyte to the boys and just SACRIFICE your own self for the better of the group. You should be extremely proud of your efforts out on the track.
- Kerrie ‘Never Say Die’ Allen: Massive effort. Having a few very ordinary days to start the trek, your COURAGE was enormous to get on with the job at hand, each and every day. You were an inspiration to us all out there. I was also pumped with how you integrated yourself into the group, meeting everyone for the first time in Brisbane.
- Isobelle ‘Just give me 2 mins’ Smith: Izzy, you were a blast out on the track. You had heaps of enthusiasm and became everyone’s best friend. Your energy was infectious, and the boys loved how you genuinely got to know them hence why you were awarded the MATESHIP honour.
- Emma ‘Mum’ Bailey: As I said on the last night, your help out on the track was enormous. You were strong each and every day (endurance), you were willing to help the boys and other trekkers with anything they needed (mateship and sacrifice) and with the nickname of mum, it was pretty apparent to me that you were the clear standout for the ALL-ROUNDER award for 2018.
Please don’t ever forget the 4 pillars & what they represent. Mateship | Endurance | Courage | Sacrifice
No one can ever take away the experiences we ALL shared over the last week together.
So, to wrap this up, I am very proud to have lead you guys through the Kokoda Track – my first one as a trek leader. I will always refer back to this trip, and as it was such an amazing experience, I cannot thank you all enough.
Once again, thank you – I honestly loved the challenge, the friendships & all the moments we all shared along the Kokoda trail...
One last time...Where’s the road? – NO ROAD!
Thank you, congratulations.
Todd Beames
Expedition Guide
No Roads and ProSport
[email protected]