No trip over to Kokoda is ever the same, nor should it be. The climate, the conditions, the porters, the track – so many elements to Kokoda are ever changing. That’s part of the reason, so many people return – and we are always happy they do.
The trip this year was full of surprises. Even though it is well planned, and well prepared for. There is always room for the unknown.
We opted to do a fast track. Completing the track in five days. This is a big ask, some believe it is too fast. Personally, I have walked the track in numerous paces, and I really enjoy the pace of five days. It is a challenge; and the days are very rewarding. It stretches you through the tough terrain, gives you a small glimpse in the struggle of those that have gone before us – and allows the trekkers to overcome adversity and lean upon the group in ways they may never have thought needed. I enjoy this pace. I like to observe peoples’ personal relationship with themselves and the group – some finding the courage and endurance they may have underestimated. Not on the Kokoda track.
Two of the trekkers had done this trip with me before. My good mate Lance, and my partner April. Both trekked the fast track in 2017. I found the support from these two invaluable.
The track was muddy. The rain started for us Day 1 at Isurava Battlefield. I always feel that the service here is one of the most symbolic. It was during this service that the skies opened. What we didn’t realise is that this down pour would continue well into day 3 – saturating an already muddy track. As the terrain changed and the conditions were somewhat against us. It was nice to have Lance and April (who had walked five days before). To bounce the day and pace off. We reached Alola, packs off.
The second day we did well. Krystel had some tweaking in those ITB’s, something that she would be encountering each day. There is no exaggeration of the truth here. She finished in a load of ITB pain. Thank you to the amazing porters who did not leave her side. Krystel knew there was no other way out than sheer determination. The group was formed, and she was just getting a snippet of what the four pillars meant. We finished the day at 1900. Not something we had planned. But with the pace slowing, and the rain continuing - 1900 was beautiful, and much needed. Somewhere I had never stayed, so that was a first for me. To look over at the group washing off in the river was cool. Although it was a tough day, to see the smiles of the group, made it all worth it. Paul convinced everyone, that although you couldn’t feel your feet in the freezing cold river, it was worth the wash off. While I’ve mentioned Paul. What a cool guy to take on the track. Positive but real. Supportive but funny. The animal names he gave us all (accumulated over the track) were a laugh. Thanks for the adventure mate.
The trip this year was full of surprises. Even though it is well planned, and well prepared for. There is always room for the unknown.
We opted to do a fast track. Completing the track in five days. This is a big ask, some believe it is too fast. Personally, I have walked the track in numerous paces, and I really enjoy the pace of five days. It is a challenge; and the days are very rewarding. It stretches you through the tough terrain, gives you a small glimpse in the struggle of those that have gone before us – and allows the trekkers to overcome adversity and lean upon the group in ways they may never have thought needed. I enjoy this pace. I like to observe peoples’ personal relationship with themselves and the group – some finding the courage and endurance they may have underestimated. Not on the Kokoda track.
Two of the trekkers had done this trip with me before. My good mate Lance, and my partner April. Both trekked the fast track in 2017. I found the support from these two invaluable.
The track was muddy. The rain started for us Day 1 at Isurava Battlefield. I always feel that the service here is one of the most symbolic. It was during this service that the skies opened. What we didn’t realise is that this down pour would continue well into day 3 – saturating an already muddy track. As the terrain changed and the conditions were somewhat against us. It was nice to have Lance and April (who had walked five days before). To bounce the day and pace off. We reached Alola, packs off.
The second day we did well. Krystel had some tweaking in those ITB’s, something that she would be encountering each day. There is no exaggeration of the truth here. She finished in a load of ITB pain. Thank you to the amazing porters who did not leave her side. Krystel knew there was no other way out than sheer determination. The group was formed, and she was just getting a snippet of what the four pillars meant. We finished the day at 1900. Not something we had planned. But with the pace slowing, and the rain continuing - 1900 was beautiful, and much needed. Somewhere I had never stayed, so that was a first for me. To look over at the group washing off in the river was cool. Although it was a tough day, to see the smiles of the group, made it all worth it. Paul convinced everyone, that although you couldn’t feel your feet in the freezing cold river, it was worth the wash off. While I’ve mentioned Paul. What a cool guy to take on the track. Positive but real. Supportive but funny. The animal names he gave us all (accumulated over the track) were a laugh. Thanks for the adventure mate.
Every day that I had planned for the group, really didn’t go to plan. We didn’t know, that we would be forced to finish the third day at Brigade Hill. Another first for me. A stand out reading was from Scout. We were left speechless as the words she read were heartfelt and full of emotion. Scout, you did yourself and the track proud. You trained well, and in turn you were able to help others. Thank you.
Brigade Hill sleep over. Yvette had ticked off so many firsts. Downhills, river crossings, drop toilets, camping – who takes on the Kokoda track having never done any of this? Yvette! It was a centipede looking insect that would bring her undone. Or was it the raw emotion the track? I think the later. Well done Yvette. So proud of you.
Brigade Hill to Ofi creek. The aches and pains were setting in. Jorgia was starting to feel the ITB aches. But this girl masked it well. Jorgia, took Kokoda in her stride. She did this track with one thing in mind. Herself. In the most positive way. A moment away from work and study – to make a difference in her every day. And boy, did she.
Our last day, does it end easily? No, we still have Imita Ridge. We have a photo that sums our trip up perfectly. Everyone laying at the top – exhausted. Shout out to Carly who overcame adversity. She had a few rough moments along the track. Toes, a tumble – but her never give up attitude. Imita Ridge – she decided to conquer.
We all know the track isn’t finished until you cross Owers Corner. The good news, we finished as a team. Well done team. A successful 2018 track.
The biggest shout out goes to our team of porters. I am confident in saying our success was because of all of you. You brightened our days, you made us smile, and gave your all. Thank you Simon and boys.
Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice.
Ryan O'Neal
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ryan@noroads.com.au
Brigade Hill sleep over. Yvette had ticked off so many firsts. Downhills, river crossings, drop toilets, camping – who takes on the Kokoda track having never done any of this? Yvette! It was a centipede looking insect that would bring her undone. Or was it the raw emotion the track? I think the later. Well done Yvette. So proud of you.
Brigade Hill to Ofi creek. The aches and pains were setting in. Jorgia was starting to feel the ITB aches. But this girl masked it well. Jorgia, took Kokoda in her stride. She did this track with one thing in mind. Herself. In the most positive way. A moment away from work and study – to make a difference in her every day. And boy, did she.
Our last day, does it end easily? No, we still have Imita Ridge. We have a photo that sums our trip up perfectly. Everyone laying at the top – exhausted. Shout out to Carly who overcame adversity. She had a few rough moments along the track. Toes, a tumble – but her never give up attitude. Imita Ridge – she decided to conquer.
We all know the track isn’t finished until you cross Owers Corner. The good news, we finished as a team. Well done team. A successful 2018 track.
The biggest shout out goes to our team of porters. I am confident in saying our success was because of all of you. You brightened our days, you made us smile, and gave your all. Thank you Simon and boys.
Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice.
Ryan O'Neal
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ryan@noroads.com.au