Whether a bucket list item, or a pilgrimage to honour the soldiers who fought for our freedom, the decision to do Kokoda Track is never one made lightly. Each trek is carefully researched and advice from others, many who have never dared to do Kokoda themselves, is always received. In the months of pre-trek preparation and training, self doubt emerges from fear of the unknown that lays ahead. For many, the self doubt prevents attempting the track. But for those who take on the challenge, the decision to do Kokoda soon becomes one of the best decision ever made. Fear and self doubt are soon forgotten as the journey commences and you experience the beauty of PNG and discover the warmth of those who live in the remote region of the Kokoda Track.
As a Guide, it’s always great to watch friendships evolve, see a team strengthened as each member encourages and learns from each other during their time on the track. And so it was with this group who have just completed an amazing Kokoda adventure. David, a sole adventurer who’s trekked the world, and has a habit of getting lost; Nicole and Cheryl, a mother and daughter on an adventure together; Ebony, a colleague of Nicole who’d traveled across the globe; and Rhys and Rosie who had lived and worked in remote pacific islands and were keen to experience the different culture of the Koiari people.
Kokoda has a way of creeping into our hearts as stories about the soldiers who fought during the Kokoda campaign are learnt. Heroic acts of brave men who fought against the odds on Australian soil and won. This group were all unexpectedly touched by the stories of our brave soldiers, and many a tear was shed by us all as we learnt about the battles that occured in 1942 and of those infamous men who fought for the freedom we have today.
But Kokoda isn’t just about the war history. It’s also about the remote cultural experience that each of us gain during our time on the track. Those one off moments that we don’t have the opportunity to experience in our modern world. On this expedition, it started by meeting a large group of singers who were sharing their love of the world as they walked along the road singing on their way to Popondetta. Being welcomed to Kagi by the women and children and having the opportunity to join them for a sing-sing at night, with the experience heightened by singing with the children, surprising them with our fun filled version of Father Abraham and ramping up the night with some exceptional dance moves. Rosie in her amazing vanuatu dress that she wore to church will be the talk of Kagi for some time.
As a Guide, it’s always great to watch friendships evolve, see a team strengthened as each member encourages and learns from each other during their time on the track. And so it was with this group who have just completed an amazing Kokoda adventure. David, a sole adventurer who’s trekked the world, and has a habit of getting lost; Nicole and Cheryl, a mother and daughter on an adventure together; Ebony, a colleague of Nicole who’d traveled across the globe; and Rhys and Rosie who had lived and worked in remote pacific islands and were keen to experience the different culture of the Koiari people.
Kokoda has a way of creeping into our hearts as stories about the soldiers who fought during the Kokoda campaign are learnt. Heroic acts of brave men who fought against the odds on Australian soil and won. This group were all unexpectedly touched by the stories of our brave soldiers, and many a tear was shed by us all as we learnt about the battles that occured in 1942 and of those infamous men who fought for the freedom we have today.
But Kokoda isn’t just about the war history. It’s also about the remote cultural experience that each of us gain during our time on the track. Those one off moments that we don’t have the opportunity to experience in our modern world. On this expedition, it started by meeting a large group of singers who were sharing their love of the world as they walked along the road singing on their way to Popondetta. Being welcomed to Kagi by the women and children and having the opportunity to join them for a sing-sing at night, with the experience heightened by singing with the children, surprising them with our fun filled version of Father Abraham and ramping up the night with some exceptional dance moves. Rosie in her amazing vanuatu dress that she wore to church will be the talk of Kagi for some time.
Developing friendships with the porter team, and trusting them to help us during those difficult moments on the many up and down sections of the track. The evening culture talks were a highlight as we learnt about the customs and traditions of the Koiari people. The interactions between the porters and the trekkers gave great insight into the differences between our two countries. The benefit of Rhys and Rosie speaking a similar version of tok pisin added to the ease with translation to the porters, ensuring that we could all learn so much more from each other.
The resilience of people who are thrown together, and are way outside their comfort zone always amazes me. The humour that arises from the many memorable moments that only we will understand. Showtown’s on road expeditions, David teaching the children to play uno, Eb feeding the dog and Nicole experiencing camping for the very first time. Seeing pippi and the professor and wondering how they would ever survive the Owen Stanley that lay ahead. As we completed the track each of us had a new appreciation for the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice that Kokoda legends are made of. Each had become a legend in their own right and should be proud of their achievement.
Strength comes from challenging yourself to achieve your dream. As we were greeted by our fabulous porter team when we reached Owers Corner, the dreams of each of the group were achieved. What we all realised is that all the planning and preparation is worth the effort.
To all those who doubt themselves and their ability, believe in yourself, chase your dreams, challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone and don’t let your fears prevent you from doing Kokoda. As this group learnt, the decision to walk the Kokoda Track will be one of the best you have ever made.
No me hamamas lon walkabout one time you.
Tenkyu tumas
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
The resilience of people who are thrown together, and are way outside their comfort zone always amazes me. The humour that arises from the many memorable moments that only we will understand. Showtown’s on road expeditions, David teaching the children to play uno, Eb feeding the dog and Nicole experiencing camping for the very first time. Seeing pippi and the professor and wondering how they would ever survive the Owen Stanley that lay ahead. As we completed the track each of us had a new appreciation for the courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice that Kokoda legends are made of. Each had become a legend in their own right and should be proud of their achievement.
Strength comes from challenging yourself to achieve your dream. As we were greeted by our fabulous porter team when we reached Owers Corner, the dreams of each of the group were achieved. What we all realised is that all the planning and preparation is worth the effort.
To all those who doubt themselves and their ability, believe in yourself, chase your dreams, challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone and don’t let your fears prevent you from doing Kokoda. As this group learnt, the decision to walk the Kokoda Track will be one of the best you have ever made.
No me hamamas lon walkabout one time you.
Tenkyu tumas
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
