On Monday the lads turned up just like every other group, ready and raring to go with plenty of questions and full of excitement.
We had the ring leader, Boss Man Brett and his soon to be Tennis opponent Rod, their Cricket Mate Prospector Nick. Brett also had Sammy from indoor soccer and long time schoolmates Ducket and Chalks the Dog Whisperer. Ducket knew Adrian who was 1 half of the Read Father and Son Duo. The other half was a legend of a bloke who made this trek look easy, the great Theo. The last fella on the list was Marathon Man Billy, who after telling me what he had done with running in the last year or so made me wonder whether I was the one who hadnt done enough training.
The 4:30am start on Tuesday morning was to be the beginning of an epic 9 days, unfortunately low cloud to Popendetta didn't allow for the group to see much of what they were going to walk over, and landing in the rain made everyone even more nervous.
On to the Chiropractic Express into KOKODA to meet our Track Guide team who would now be their personal saviours for 8 Days when it came to keeping us upright and on 2 feet. We were warned the track was going to be muddy- and it was.
Over the next few days, we had a service amongst the Great Pillars of Isurava bathed in sunlight, Alola Museum and Trading Centre, big day toTempletons 1 but everyone took it in their stride, showing that their preparation was paying off, and all enjoyed a swim in the ice cold water at the end.
Our mornings were spot on, most waking before 5, “Couldn't Sleep” for some reason was what I kept getting told…. so our starts were happening pretty much right on 6:30 after the War cry from our Lead Guide Gai - AKA “ THE TERMINATOR”.
Into Kagi via Myola on Friday. The Group experiencing more ammunition dumps, B-25 Crash Site and KOKODA donuts at Diggers Camp- with the comments of “Could this FOOD get any better”- I think they were impressed!!!
Kagi singers, Sabbath and a visit to the Church, more singing and handing out presents to the kids made for a great rest day.
Sunday into the Efogi Villages with Rod “ Mr Chadstone” just about clearing out the stalls of bags.
Brigade Hill for another service with everyone taking part, a beautiful Sunset after rain, next day swamp and mozzy day, crossing of Brown River, over the Maguli Range with hope for some phone signal, but it wasn't good, only Nick was the lucky one.
Tuesday night, our last night on the track. It didn't feel like it had been 8 nights already and tomorrow would be our last day.
From Ua-Ule down to Goldie River for another great swim, and then our final uphill to the Arches at Owers Corner- We had just completed the KOKODA Track, the OWEN STANLEY RANGES were behind us!!!
Quick lunch of Hot Dogs and a Cold SP, and we were on the bus to Bomana War Cemetery.
Seeing all the tombstones sitting perfectly amongst the beautiful green grass touched everyone and brought us back down to earth, realising the sacrifices made over the years in New Guinea and abroad.
With what we had just traversed over 96km and hearing stories of lives being lost, you look back at what you have walked over, and you think of the challenge you have put yourself through, you now get some feeling of what the brave soldiers who had fought and died on that track really went through. Exactly how each man felt will never be known, but they were Courageous, Fought for their Country and their Mates, and Sacrificed so much for us today.
Congratulations to Brett, Rod, Nick, Sam, Mick D, Billy, Adrian,Theo and Mick C, and thankyou for getting me back on the Track.
LEST WE FORGET
Patrick Glynn
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
We had the ring leader, Boss Man Brett and his soon to be Tennis opponent Rod, their Cricket Mate Prospector Nick. Brett also had Sammy from indoor soccer and long time schoolmates Ducket and Chalks the Dog Whisperer. Ducket knew Adrian who was 1 half of the Read Father and Son Duo. The other half was a legend of a bloke who made this trek look easy, the great Theo. The last fella on the list was Marathon Man Billy, who after telling me what he had done with running in the last year or so made me wonder whether I was the one who hadnt done enough training.
The 4:30am start on Tuesday morning was to be the beginning of an epic 9 days, unfortunately low cloud to Popendetta didn't allow for the group to see much of what they were going to walk over, and landing in the rain made everyone even more nervous.
On to the Chiropractic Express into KOKODA to meet our Track Guide team who would now be their personal saviours for 8 Days when it came to keeping us upright and on 2 feet. We were warned the track was going to be muddy- and it was.
Over the next few days, we had a service amongst the Great Pillars of Isurava bathed in sunlight, Alola Museum and Trading Centre, big day toTempletons 1 but everyone took it in their stride, showing that their preparation was paying off, and all enjoyed a swim in the ice cold water at the end.
Our mornings were spot on, most waking before 5, “Couldn't Sleep” for some reason was what I kept getting told…. so our starts were happening pretty much right on 6:30 after the War cry from our Lead Guide Gai - AKA “ THE TERMINATOR”.
Into Kagi via Myola on Friday. The Group experiencing more ammunition dumps, B-25 Crash Site and KOKODA donuts at Diggers Camp- with the comments of “Could this FOOD get any better”- I think they were impressed!!!
Kagi singers, Sabbath and a visit to the Church, more singing and handing out presents to the kids made for a great rest day.
Sunday into the Efogi Villages with Rod “ Mr Chadstone” just about clearing out the stalls of bags.
Brigade Hill for another service with everyone taking part, a beautiful Sunset after rain, next day swamp and mozzy day, crossing of Brown River, over the Maguli Range with hope for some phone signal, but it wasn't good, only Nick was the lucky one.
Tuesday night, our last night on the track. It didn't feel like it had been 8 nights already and tomorrow would be our last day.
From Ua-Ule down to Goldie River for another great swim, and then our final uphill to the Arches at Owers Corner- We had just completed the KOKODA Track, the OWEN STANLEY RANGES were behind us!!!
Quick lunch of Hot Dogs and a Cold SP, and we were on the bus to Bomana War Cemetery.
Seeing all the tombstones sitting perfectly amongst the beautiful green grass touched everyone and brought us back down to earth, realising the sacrifices made over the years in New Guinea and abroad.
With what we had just traversed over 96km and hearing stories of lives being lost, you look back at what you have walked over, and you think of the challenge you have put yourself through, you now get some feeling of what the brave soldiers who had fought and died on that track really went through. Exactly how each man felt will never be known, but they were Courageous, Fought for their Country and their Mates, and Sacrificed so much for us today.
Congratulations to Brett, Rod, Nick, Sam, Mick D, Billy, Adrian,Theo and Mick C, and thankyou for getting me back on the Track.
LEST WE FORGET
Patrick Glynn
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]