Every Kokoda trek is an adventure, a journey of discovery that many people want to do but aren’t quite game to take on the challenge. Regardless of whether the trek is done with family, friends, or alone, each adventure brings people together in differing ways that sees friendship come from the most unique experiences. Teams unite and respect grows as we help each other tackle our demons and achieve our goals, all united by the desire to complete the Kokoda Track.
The thirteenth, as we were aptly known, began as a group of six, with the larger Benalla P-12 school group walking simultaneously over the track. We all set off from Port Moresby for Popondetta where the myriad of challenges of Kokoda commenced.
Missing bags, missing food, a flat tyre, and petrol refuels all brought unexpected time delays that slowed our adventure and saw us reach our first camp at Hoi, in a true PNG downpour. The rain came down heavy as the first of the 13th went down, with Michelle C overcome with illness after the first few hours of the walk.
As the troops united for the second day walking the challenges grew with Rose coming off the Deniki hill to join Michelle in the sick bay and seek a chopper ride to Alola. While resting, word came through track radio of a third man down as Pete was also overcome with the heat and challenge of the walk to Isurava. With Guides caring for the fallen, Michelle K joined the Benalla group who marched on to Isurava where they shared the stories and honoured those brave men who had fought for our freedom 76 years before.
With every challenge of this trek came an amazing highlight. Pete’s generous donation of shoes added a lift to the combined group as we walked on across the Owen Stanley, visiting famous sites and hearing more stories from the Kokoda campaign. A simple gesture that will have a lasting impact on the journey of another.
After a great hike to visit Myola, and both groups all reunited with their teams, we walked into Kagi, where, after listening the the children sing, the challenges were thrown at our depleted group again. Another of the troops went down, and saw many baby wipes disappear which would have been befitting of the turtle award if the groups were still together. While Daniel rested to regain his strength, Rose and Michelle K attended church, shared their Italian and Maltese traditions with the porters, and helped to deliver Michelle Cs generous gifts to the local Kagi community.
The thirteenth, as we were aptly known, began as a group of six, with the larger Benalla P-12 school group walking simultaneously over the track. We all set off from Port Moresby for Popondetta where the myriad of challenges of Kokoda commenced.
Missing bags, missing food, a flat tyre, and petrol refuels all brought unexpected time delays that slowed our adventure and saw us reach our first camp at Hoi, in a true PNG downpour. The rain came down heavy as the first of the 13th went down, with Michelle C overcome with illness after the first few hours of the walk.
As the troops united for the second day walking the challenges grew with Rose coming off the Deniki hill to join Michelle in the sick bay and seek a chopper ride to Alola. While resting, word came through track radio of a third man down as Pete was also overcome with the heat and challenge of the walk to Isurava. With Guides caring for the fallen, Michelle K joined the Benalla group who marched on to Isurava where they shared the stories and honoured those brave men who had fought for our freedom 76 years before.
With every challenge of this trek came an amazing highlight. Pete’s generous donation of shoes added a lift to the combined group as we walked on across the Owen Stanley, visiting famous sites and hearing more stories from the Kokoda campaign. A simple gesture that will have a lasting impact on the journey of another.
After a great hike to visit Myola, and both groups all reunited with their teams, we walked into Kagi, where, after listening the the children sing, the challenges were thrown at our depleted group again. Another of the troops went down, and saw many baby wipes disappear which would have been befitting of the turtle award if the groups were still together. While Daniel rested to regain his strength, Rose and Michelle K attended church, shared their Italian and Maltese traditions with the porters, and helped to deliver Michelle Cs generous gifts to the local Kagi community.
Dans persisting illness banded the troops even closer as his angels mothered him and gave as much support as they could to help him through each day, with just a touch of humour and sarcasm to lift his spirits even more.
After an amazing service at Brigade Hill, with three No Roads groups joining together, we pressed on to Menari for more rest for Dan. Fatigue had set in, but we still found time to ramp up the conversation and have many laughs over the local rooster activity. Active little critters who really need to reschedule their body clocks to an appropriate time of the day.
This became the pattern for the next few days as the thirteenth, down to three continued over the Kokoda Track. What we knew was that we couldn’t lose another man and combined with the support of the porter team, we all worked together to help Dan through each day.
Despite the challenges, there were still many highlights which included Archie in the church frock teasing the other porters and Michelle’s special 40th celebrations which will never be forgotten. The frock and balloons were another big hit, and laughter came at every opportunity.
The final day was an emotional one for our group, as we banded together tightly to reach Owers Corner. The emotions of the trek got to each of us as Pete arrived to embrace his unwell son, Daniel. While we can look back now and laugh at all that occurred, the thirteenth will be forever bonded by the way that mates stuck together. Everyone rose to the occasion to help each other achieve a dream. Pete’s verse, penned during his recovery, summed up the journey that was endured.
13. I’m still not superstitious, regardless of the challenges this trek brought. It was amazing to be part of the thirteenth who banded together and accepted the challenges they faced each day. Kokoda brings out the very best in everyone. The interaction, support and mateship demonstrated by the team from Benalla P-12 was inspirational and gave us all confidence in knowing that the youth of today will help to shape our nation in the future.
Everyone takes a positive away from Kokoda. Challenge yourself and push your limits. There’s no better place to do it.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
After an amazing service at Brigade Hill, with three No Roads groups joining together, we pressed on to Menari for more rest for Dan. Fatigue had set in, but we still found time to ramp up the conversation and have many laughs over the local rooster activity. Active little critters who really need to reschedule their body clocks to an appropriate time of the day.
This became the pattern for the next few days as the thirteenth, down to three continued over the Kokoda Track. What we knew was that we couldn’t lose another man and combined with the support of the porter team, we all worked together to help Dan through each day.
Despite the challenges, there were still many highlights which included Archie in the church frock teasing the other porters and Michelle’s special 40th celebrations which will never be forgotten. The frock and balloons were another big hit, and laughter came at every opportunity.
The final day was an emotional one for our group, as we banded together tightly to reach Owers Corner. The emotions of the trek got to each of us as Pete arrived to embrace his unwell son, Daniel. While we can look back now and laugh at all that occurred, the thirteenth will be forever bonded by the way that mates stuck together. Everyone rose to the occasion to help each other achieve a dream. Pete’s verse, penned during his recovery, summed up the journey that was endured.
13. I’m still not superstitious, regardless of the challenges this trek brought. It was amazing to be part of the thirteenth who banded together and accepted the challenges they faced each day. Kokoda brings out the very best in everyone. The interaction, support and mateship demonstrated by the team from Benalla P-12 was inspirational and gave us all confidence in knowing that the youth of today will help to shape our nation in the future.
Everyone takes a positive away from Kokoda. Challenge yourself and push your limits. There’s no better place to do it.
Robyn Marklew
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]