The Kokoda Track: what an amazing life-changing adventure!
The airport was busier than usual due to it being National Remembrance Day. There were so many locals flying to destinations all over PNG, their outfits amazing: a handbag made of chicken feathers, brightly coloured local dress, and immaculately laundered choir outfits. Flying from Port Moresby to Popondetta we could see the endless jagged peaks of The Owen Stanleys as we tried to make out the track we’d be walking on: it was breathtakingly beautiful yet daunting as well. On the truck trip from Popondetta to Kokoda we came across numerous banners and gatherings where the locals were celebrating 23 July, the first day of clashes between Australian/PNG troops and the Japanese. We came across a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel truck with a replica statue of Oimbari escorting soldier George Whittington to medical help. It was so evident of their pride in the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ work in the war and they were so excited to see us and share in these celebrations.
The airport was busier than usual due to it being National Remembrance Day. There were so many locals flying to destinations all over PNG, their outfits amazing: a handbag made of chicken feathers, brightly coloured local dress, and immaculately laundered choir outfits. Flying from Port Moresby to Popondetta we could see the endless jagged peaks of The Owen Stanleys as we tried to make out the track we’d be walking on: it was breathtakingly beautiful yet daunting as well. On the truck trip from Popondetta to Kokoda we came across numerous banners and gatherings where the locals were celebrating 23 July, the first day of clashes between Australian/PNG troops and the Japanese. We came across a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel truck with a replica statue of Oimbari escorting soldier George Whittington to medical help. It was so evident of their pride in the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ work in the war and they were so excited to see us and share in these celebrations.
Our group arrived in Kokoda excited for the coming days: Peter was walking the track for his father’s cousins, one who died of wounds at Deniki and one who died of malaria at Moresby; Kevin celebrating his 70th birthday by walking the track with his two sons, David and Michael; Dave celebrating his 60th as well as retirement and his son, Clint’s 30th; Raj and Mark for their colleague who passed away before he was able to walk the track; Alisdair, a new Australian, who had migrated from Scotland to Australia seven years ago and loved learning about Australian history. Finally, there was our one female trekker, Hannah, who was here to take in the adventure of the track and learn the war history.
Trekkers embark on their amazing Kokoda journey for a variety of reasons, sometimes with friends and family and sometimes alone. Whether alone or with friends, they soon become a member of the team making their way over The Owen Stanleys, walking in the footsteps of our heroes and hearing the whispering of the voices of war. The bond of the group becomes strong as we motivate each other through challenging times. We shared in the solemnity of the history sometimes shedding a tear at the memorial services when we learn of the sadness and loss. And there is the companionship and laughter to get us through.
One of the things that made this trip memorable was running into the men undertaking the reenactment of A Company, 39th Battalion. It made the jungle come alive with the ghosts of war and we could further understand the hardships that our men endured. Trekking The Kokoda Track is a bucket list experience - the days on The Track will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Kate Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Trekkers embark on their amazing Kokoda journey for a variety of reasons, sometimes with friends and family and sometimes alone. Whether alone or with friends, they soon become a member of the team making their way over The Owen Stanleys, walking in the footsteps of our heroes and hearing the whispering of the voices of war. The bond of the group becomes strong as we motivate each other through challenging times. We shared in the solemnity of the history sometimes shedding a tear at the memorial services when we learn of the sadness and loss. And there is the companionship and laughter to get us through.
One of the things that made this trip memorable was running into the men undertaking the reenactment of A Company, 39th Battalion. It made the jungle come alive with the ghosts of war and we could further understand the hardships that our men endured. Trekking The Kokoda Track is a bucket list experience - the days on The Track will give you memories that will last a lifetime.
Kate Johnson
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]