Sixteen fit & ready trekkers arrived into Port Moresby on October 15th full of anticipation and hoping that the many long hours of training and SACRIFICE was going to pay off for what going to be nine very memorable days ahead. After an evening briefing and short film on Kokoda, it was an early night for all as finally our Kokoda adventure was about to begin.
Day 1
An early rise at 4.30, our last piece of toast for some time then off to the airport for a 30 minute flight over the Owen Stanley Range before landing at Popondetta. Luck seemed to be heading Tony’s way as he was allocated seat 1A only to find out they start counting from the rear of the aircraft in PNG. They don’t call it the “Chiropractic Express” for nothing as we head overland on our PMV with quick stops at the Kumusi River, Ovi and Awala with one flat tyre; we finally reach Kokoda some 3 1/2 hours later. Surely the track couldn’t be any tougher than the truck ride?
We meet our Porters, head down to the Kokoda Plateau, a bite to eat and we are off. As if planned on que, the rain starts just as we set off. Is this a sign of things to come?. We reach Hoi and it seems like we are in for a long wet night.
Day 2
We get a taste of the hills to come as we climb into Deniki. The determination and toughness of the trekkers was kicking in. We make it to Isurava and we are all engulfed by reliving the heroic and selfless deeds that took place there some 76 years ago. Those Ragged Bloody Heros, and the bravest of the brave AIF warriors. We re trace the heroic steps of Private Len Murrell of the 39th battalion as we have on board his Son in law and Grandson in Tony & Nick. Our respects are paid and we move on to the village of Alola but not before Travis slips and twists a knee. Has he got what it takes to push through?. The bond between he & his son shaun is on show for all to see. Shaun doesn’t leave his side. We make it to the village of Alola for a well-earned rest and to launch into the dreaded 3rd day.
Day 3
Tony, Oaky and Killer head off early as these long time mates are sticking tight and are showing what MATESHIP is all about. Before long we cross Eora creek and stop off at an Australian ammunition dump. A steep up and down to Templeton’s 2 and we tuck into some pasta for lunch. After a long soaking day we make it to Templeton’s 1 for the night. Al’s feet are badly blistered, John is sweating buckets, Patto is turning into a Porter and Cory is looking as fresh as a daisy. Our porters sing us some fabulous songs before our heads hit the pillows at around 7.30pm. How good have we got it at home?
Day 4
Through the moss forest we head until we reach the top of Mt Belamy. Down to 1900 and off we go to check out Lake Myola. Robert find a mortar shell, Dennis has located more ammunition and Jeremy nearly walked without a pole. Boy did it start raining after lunch. It was tough going as we passed through Kagi gap but what a welcome we got as we came into Kagi. The village ladies and kids greet us with songs and flowers.
Day 1
An early rise at 4.30, our last piece of toast for some time then off to the airport for a 30 minute flight over the Owen Stanley Range before landing at Popondetta. Luck seemed to be heading Tony’s way as he was allocated seat 1A only to find out they start counting from the rear of the aircraft in PNG. They don’t call it the “Chiropractic Express” for nothing as we head overland on our PMV with quick stops at the Kumusi River, Ovi and Awala with one flat tyre; we finally reach Kokoda some 3 1/2 hours later. Surely the track couldn’t be any tougher than the truck ride?
We meet our Porters, head down to the Kokoda Plateau, a bite to eat and we are off. As if planned on que, the rain starts just as we set off. Is this a sign of things to come?. We reach Hoi and it seems like we are in for a long wet night.
Day 2
We get a taste of the hills to come as we climb into Deniki. The determination and toughness of the trekkers was kicking in. We make it to Isurava and we are all engulfed by reliving the heroic and selfless deeds that took place there some 76 years ago. Those Ragged Bloody Heros, and the bravest of the brave AIF warriors. We re trace the heroic steps of Private Len Murrell of the 39th battalion as we have on board his Son in law and Grandson in Tony & Nick. Our respects are paid and we move on to the village of Alola but not before Travis slips and twists a knee. Has he got what it takes to push through?. The bond between he & his son shaun is on show for all to see. Shaun doesn’t leave his side. We make it to the village of Alola for a well-earned rest and to launch into the dreaded 3rd day.
Day 3
Tony, Oaky and Killer head off early as these long time mates are sticking tight and are showing what MATESHIP is all about. Before long we cross Eora creek and stop off at an Australian ammunition dump. A steep up and down to Templeton’s 2 and we tuck into some pasta for lunch. After a long soaking day we make it to Templeton’s 1 for the night. Al’s feet are badly blistered, John is sweating buckets, Patto is turning into a Porter and Cory is looking as fresh as a daisy. Our porters sing us some fabulous songs before our heads hit the pillows at around 7.30pm. How good have we got it at home?
Day 4
Through the moss forest we head until we reach the top of Mt Belamy. Down to 1900 and off we go to check out Lake Myola. Robert find a mortar shell, Dennis has located more ammunition and Jeremy nearly walked without a pole. Boy did it start raining after lunch. It was tough going as we passed through Kagi gap but what a welcome we got as we came into Kagi. The village ladies and kids greet us with songs and flowers.
Day 5
Sabbath day, rest day and washing day. We are welcomed with open arms to the Church service. A very memorable and humbling experience. Some of us head off for a swim while others run a sweep on what time it will rain and learn the art of the slingshot and hunting from Dave G. Kim is showing all us guys what ENDURANCE is all about. What an asset she is to our group.
Day 6
We’re ready to get back into it. Straight down the steepest of hills then up to Efogi to pick up our supply of avocados. Still no rain in sight as we head up to Brigade Hill to pay our respects and poppys are laid. We are missing home but so too were those Heroes of 1942. A long down to Myola, in pelting rain. We are all doing it hard but not a complaint was heard as there is a bracelet awaiting the most minor of slip ups. Letters from our loved ones at home remind us of how important we are to them.
Day 7
We stop briefly on the spot of the last parade of the 39th battalion before a hard slog up to the top of the Wall. Down we come, across Brown River and then trudge through the swamp then up those dreaded false peaks. Trav is pushing through and Shaun is sticking by his beloved Father. Luckily Trav’s porter is “chained” to him. Boy this is tough going. Nick’s training is starting to kick in and when Crocky counts up 7 false peaks and we are there. An early day is our reward before a quick movie and it’s off to bed.
Day 8
Tony, Nick, Killer and Oaky head off at 5.30am. After 4 hours and a quick phone stop on the way, we arrive at Ofi creek for lunch. A quick bite to eat and then up we go to the top of Ioribaiwa. Was that tough or what? Eleven creek crossings, a swim at Wa Ule Creek and for the 2nd day in a row no rain. A slingshot competition from our porters makes the wildlife nervous as we spend our last night on the track.
Day 9
Where’s the road? No Roads. Where’s the road? No Roads. No Roads Spartans what is your profession? Whoo Whoo Whoo!. An extra early start from the Old boys of Sunbury sets the tone for the day. Off we go to the top of Imita Ridge. We have to earn every step of Kokoda as we are finding out today. The porters sing their National anthem at the final retreating spot of the Australians. Down the Golden stairs, across Goldie River and finally the end is in sight. Our Porters make the finishing line that more special by giving us a guard of honour.
We are there, we have made it. A feeling mixed with relief, joy, accomplishment and a great sense of pride. You have to earn it which we most certainly did.
We pay our respects at Bomana cemetery before we head back for our final dinner with all the Porters at the Holiday Inn.
Well done and congratulations to Tony, Nick, Brett, Cory, Trav, Shaun, John, Alistair, Dennis, Kim, Dave G, Dave C, Peter, Oaky, Robert and Jeremy. It took a lot of COURAGE to do what you have all done. You experienced everything that Kokoda could throw at you and you have come out memories and smiles that money just can’t buy.
It was a privilege trekking with you all.
Dean Opie
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Sabbath day, rest day and washing day. We are welcomed with open arms to the Church service. A very memorable and humbling experience. Some of us head off for a swim while others run a sweep on what time it will rain and learn the art of the slingshot and hunting from Dave G. Kim is showing all us guys what ENDURANCE is all about. What an asset she is to our group.
Day 6
We’re ready to get back into it. Straight down the steepest of hills then up to Efogi to pick up our supply of avocados. Still no rain in sight as we head up to Brigade Hill to pay our respects and poppys are laid. We are missing home but so too were those Heroes of 1942. A long down to Myola, in pelting rain. We are all doing it hard but not a complaint was heard as there is a bracelet awaiting the most minor of slip ups. Letters from our loved ones at home remind us of how important we are to them.
Day 7
We stop briefly on the spot of the last parade of the 39th battalion before a hard slog up to the top of the Wall. Down we come, across Brown River and then trudge through the swamp then up those dreaded false peaks. Trav is pushing through and Shaun is sticking by his beloved Father. Luckily Trav’s porter is “chained” to him. Boy this is tough going. Nick’s training is starting to kick in and when Crocky counts up 7 false peaks and we are there. An early day is our reward before a quick movie and it’s off to bed.
Day 8
Tony, Nick, Killer and Oaky head off at 5.30am. After 4 hours and a quick phone stop on the way, we arrive at Ofi creek for lunch. A quick bite to eat and then up we go to the top of Ioribaiwa. Was that tough or what? Eleven creek crossings, a swim at Wa Ule Creek and for the 2nd day in a row no rain. A slingshot competition from our porters makes the wildlife nervous as we spend our last night on the track.
Day 9
Where’s the road? No Roads. Where’s the road? No Roads. No Roads Spartans what is your profession? Whoo Whoo Whoo!. An extra early start from the Old boys of Sunbury sets the tone for the day. Off we go to the top of Imita Ridge. We have to earn every step of Kokoda as we are finding out today. The porters sing their National anthem at the final retreating spot of the Australians. Down the Golden stairs, across Goldie River and finally the end is in sight. Our Porters make the finishing line that more special by giving us a guard of honour.
We are there, we have made it. A feeling mixed with relief, joy, accomplishment and a great sense of pride. You have to earn it which we most certainly did.
We pay our respects at Bomana cemetery before we head back for our final dinner with all the Porters at the Holiday Inn.
Well done and congratulations to Tony, Nick, Brett, Cory, Trav, Shaun, John, Alistair, Dennis, Kim, Dave G, Dave C, Peter, Oaky, Robert and Jeremy. It took a lot of COURAGE to do what you have all done. You experienced everything that Kokoda could throw at you and you have come out memories and smiles that money just can’t buy.
It was a privilege trekking with you all.
Dean Opie
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]