Gungahlin Jets Kokoda Trek
Taking a football club over to Kokoda certainly has its benefits. I love football and once I found out that they were bringing along a few football’s, I was pretty stoked. One thing I know is that our PNG boys love having a kick & generally mucking around in their spare time despite them being 100% NRL crazy!! I’ve been for years introducing them to the greatest AFL team of all……the mighty Geelong Football Club despite them still clinging onto that NRL game.
Being first cab off the rank in the trekking season is very exciting but at the same time, my brain was thinking about what the track would be like over the wet season! How overgrown would the track be? Trees blocking the track? River crossings/bridges washed away? Watching the weather forecast prior to the trek, I was seeing rainfall of things like 150mm over 5 days….wow…in the late Steve Irwin’s words ‘Crikey Mate’…batten down the hatches and prepare for mud…mud and more mud!
Our trekkers are from the Mighty Gungahlin Jet AFL Football Club located in Canberra with the group consisting of current male & female players, netballers and club officials. The youngest being 17 years old and well the oldest being a spritely 57.
All trekkers arrived safely on the day before starting our trek and after congregating at Jackson’s Airport, we departed for the Holiday Inn where everyone checked in and went down to the bar for a quiet SP (just to calm the nerves of course)! After a briefing and dinner, we all retired to our rooms to pack our gear in readiness for our 0400hr wake up….smash down some breakfast then move back to Jackson’s Airport for our 0630hr flight to Popondetta. The flight from Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Ranges was a tad bumpy! 35 minutes later, we landed at Girua Airport and all got onto the back of a PMV for a quick trip into Popondetta followed by a lovely scenic (but dusty at times) ride to Kokoda.
Upon arrival at Kokoda, we were greeted with a local welcoming party and after some lunch, we set off for our first days objective being Deniki. The pace was good with everyone excited yet nervous at what lay ahead. We quickly reached the village of Hoi and after a small break started the 45 minute ascent up to the village site. We had a small amount of rain on this leg together with rumbles of thunder and we finally completed Day 1, reaching camp but not before Jesse emulating Billy Brownless kicking a footy over a wheat silo….well in this case, kicking a footy across the ravene from one camp to the other suffices! Great kick for sure and the boys loved every minute of the moment…. contesting the mark with great vigor and then chasing the spilt footy downhill through the jungle. After a wonderful dinner, we all retired for the night very tired. Sleep briefly interrupted by the boys re-locating a ‘very bad snake’ making its way between Matt’s tent and mine!
Being first cab off the rank in the trekking season is very exciting but at the same time, my brain was thinking about what the track would be like over the wet season! How overgrown would the track be? Trees blocking the track? River crossings/bridges washed away? Watching the weather forecast prior to the trek, I was seeing rainfall of things like 150mm over 5 days….wow…in the late Steve Irwin’s words ‘Crikey Mate’…batten down the hatches and prepare for mud…mud and more mud!
Our trekkers are from the Mighty Gungahlin Jet AFL Football Club located in Canberra with the group consisting of current male & female players, netballers and club officials. The youngest being 17 years old and well the oldest being a spritely 57.
All trekkers arrived safely on the day before starting our trek and after congregating at Jackson’s Airport, we departed for the Holiday Inn where everyone checked in and went down to the bar for a quiet SP (just to calm the nerves of course)! After a briefing and dinner, we all retired to our rooms to pack our gear in readiness for our 0400hr wake up….smash down some breakfast then move back to Jackson’s Airport for our 0630hr flight to Popondetta. The flight from Port Moresby over the Owen Stanley Ranges was a tad bumpy! 35 minutes later, we landed at Girua Airport and all got onto the back of a PMV for a quick trip into Popondetta followed by a lovely scenic (but dusty at times) ride to Kokoda.
Upon arrival at Kokoda, we were greeted with a local welcoming party and after some lunch, we set off for our first days objective being Deniki. The pace was good with everyone excited yet nervous at what lay ahead. We quickly reached the village of Hoi and after a small break started the 45 minute ascent up to the village site. We had a small amount of rain on this leg together with rumbles of thunder and we finally completed Day 1, reaching camp but not before Jesse emulating Billy Brownless kicking a footy over a wheat silo….well in this case, kicking a footy across the ravene from one camp to the other suffices! Great kick for sure and the boys loved every minute of the moment…. contesting the mark with great vigor and then chasing the spilt footy downhill through the jungle. After a wonderful dinner, we all retired for the night very tired. Sleep briefly interrupted by the boys re-locating a ‘very bad snake’ making its way between Matt’s tent and mine!
Day 2 broke with a beautiful sunrise and the low cloud working its way down the valley below. Everyone was keen to get going and after a filling breakfast, Hambo handed out some Gungahlin Jets Football jumpers to the porters. It couldn’t have made our PNG boys any happier and with big smiles on everyone’s faces, we set off for Alola via the Isurava Battlefield. Before arriving at Isurava, I was informed that one of our PNG boys was very sick and possibly had malaria… being located in current day New Isurava Village. Upon arrival, it was evident that two PNG boys were sick so we spent some time assessing them and giving them some much needed medical attention. After some morning tea, we moved out for Isurava Battlefield, taking with us the two sick PNG boys who were to make their way slowly, assisted by others to the village of Alola. We soon arrived at Isurava Battlefield and the group took in the surrounds where in late August 1942 was the scene of bitter fighting. We gazed upon the four granite pillars, standing silently on guard and inscribed with the words of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. For those who have been to Isurava, these words mean so much…our group now understand. We held a Memorial Service with Russell reading a poem together with Daniel, Matt and their dad Hambo, him having the honor of reading the Ode. Tears certainly flowed…that is the power of this place and it makes me so proud to be Australian. After the service, we moved on towards our day’s objective being Alola. The afternoon storm clouds were gathering and to the rumble of thunder, we made it to Alola and set up camp for the night having a well-earned rest and looking ahead to tomorrow’s big day to Templeton’s Crossing. We enjoyed dinner greatly and reminisced about Russell using a porter head to balance himself during a descent……try using your hands Russell!! As everyone was pretty tired (probably with the exception of Jesse & Matt who amazingly since Kokoda carried a footy!), we retired for the night to the sound of rain on roofs.
Day 3 : We woke at 0530hrs and set about our morning routine of breakfast, brushing teeth and preparing for the day’s walk. Certainly some snoring overnight which included yours truly and this morning we anticipated the arrival of some dignitaries on a chopper from Port Moresby. They were to open the new Alola Museum and I planned to put our two sick PNG boys on that chopper back to Port Moresby Hospital. The wind was hurtling down the valley and with time ticking, the scheduled time of arrival past well and truly, i decided to send off the group with young Matt whilst I waited for the possible late arrival of the chopper. After a considerable amount of time, it was evident that the weather wasn’t letting the chopper get over the Kokoda Gap so the decision was made to wait until tomorrow morning. Philip Aoda ran a message to Matt advising of the situation…all failing I would meet them in Kagi if necessary. Being left in Alola was an experience within itself, not only looking after the sick boys but I also managed to assist in making the foundations for the new Alola Church. It’s not every day you get to do that!
It’s here Matt tells his story of the group during my absence.
10 minutes after arriving at Eora Creek, I received a tap on the shoulder from Phillip who had powered from Alola and gave me a note from Shane which informed the group of the situation from his end and that we were to keep going along the track. Hambo immediately saw the learning opportunity in the situation and proceeded to inform the group of a form of communication during the campaign- runners! The group did an amazing job of overcoming this change of plans and continued through to camp for the night at Dump 1. The group appreciated a swim in the beautifully warm water of Eora Creek.
We woke up to a misty and cold morning and headed off for the day where the common questions kept being asked- “how long until we get to the top”, “what’s for lunch” etc. The group believed my responses early on until I told them we had cheesecake and chicken parma’s waiting for them and the time frame was “not too much longer”. We arrived at 1900 and saw Shane and Phillip having their joy ride in the Huey and was only fitting that Jesse gave them a quality mooning. Myola is always a refreshing location to reach with its wide-open spaces and I am sure Lovey would have been chomping at the bit to run some full ground drills with the space available. After the best lunch of the trip (donuts) we ventured into Kagi tired and weary. You could tell the trekkers were over the moon to see Shane looking relaxed and rested as he motivated us up the final climb into the village. A quick mention must go to Coral for persisting and doing an incredible job after badly twisting her ankle at Eora Creek but reaching Kagi two days later- she was an inspiration. And to Jesse for volunteering to take the weight off Coral’s back for the two days.
Day 4 – With our two PNG friends still being very ill overnight, I had my finger and toes crossed that the chopper would arrive this morning. The howling wind overnight wasn’t encouraging and at 0600hrs, the wind started to abate somewhat. At around 0730hrs, the sound of the chopper was heartening and before long, the dignitaries landed and made their way down to the Alola Museum for its grand opening…Robert Bamave and myself being involved in this special occasion. The Australian & PNG Governments were very accommodating, and not only did they take my sick PNG boys onboard the chopper, they must have taken pity on me and Philip and gave us a ride to Kagi. I briefly saw the group at 1900 campsite and some bright flash of light emanated from the camp….i later found out Jesse had dropped his strides and mooned the chopper!!. Poor Robert had to leg it from Alola to Kagi, a feat he did in 10 hours which everyone was in awe of…the trekkers had taken two days to cover the distance whereas Robert just did it in 10 hours……I reckons he could have done it quicker except he stopped to say hello to his family before coming to see me in Kagi!! What a great man.
Philip and I waited on a hill overlooking the Kovolo Junction and could see the group coming down from the lookout. I must say that I was extremely relieved to see the group again and counting the numbers saw all were accounted for and I eagerly awaited their approach. When the group arrived, they looked buggered as they had a pretty big day walking from Templeton’s Crossing to Kagi via Myola Lakes and they were in no mood for my positive fresh attitude!! I won’t repeat what some said as they walked past me!! “It’s not easy riding in a chopper” was not the correct response from me to them!
We all walked into the village of Kagi and were welcomed by the villagers. It was nice to see the smiles on peoples faces again and we moved on to our camp site, majority fatigued except the Matt’s, Jesse, Kieren & Joe who had a kick of the footy! Oh to be young again!! Everyone had a nice shower and freshened up, covered up blisters, re-taped ankles and generally relaxed for the evening. Dinner was a beautiful risotto followed by tea/biscuits. Tomorrow is Sabbath and off to bed watching the lightening show…..we will have a nice well-earned sleep in for everyone.
Day 3 : We woke at 0530hrs and set about our morning routine of breakfast, brushing teeth and preparing for the day’s walk. Certainly some snoring overnight which included yours truly and this morning we anticipated the arrival of some dignitaries on a chopper from Port Moresby. They were to open the new Alola Museum and I planned to put our two sick PNG boys on that chopper back to Port Moresby Hospital. The wind was hurtling down the valley and with time ticking, the scheduled time of arrival past well and truly, i decided to send off the group with young Matt whilst I waited for the possible late arrival of the chopper. After a considerable amount of time, it was evident that the weather wasn’t letting the chopper get over the Kokoda Gap so the decision was made to wait until tomorrow morning. Philip Aoda ran a message to Matt advising of the situation…all failing I would meet them in Kagi if necessary. Being left in Alola was an experience within itself, not only looking after the sick boys but I also managed to assist in making the foundations for the new Alola Church. It’s not every day you get to do that!
It’s here Matt tells his story of the group during my absence.
10 minutes after arriving at Eora Creek, I received a tap on the shoulder from Phillip who had powered from Alola and gave me a note from Shane which informed the group of the situation from his end and that we were to keep going along the track. Hambo immediately saw the learning opportunity in the situation and proceeded to inform the group of a form of communication during the campaign- runners! The group did an amazing job of overcoming this change of plans and continued through to camp for the night at Dump 1. The group appreciated a swim in the beautifully warm water of Eora Creek.
We woke up to a misty and cold morning and headed off for the day where the common questions kept being asked- “how long until we get to the top”, “what’s for lunch” etc. The group believed my responses early on until I told them we had cheesecake and chicken parma’s waiting for them and the time frame was “not too much longer”. We arrived at 1900 and saw Shane and Phillip having their joy ride in the Huey and was only fitting that Jesse gave them a quality mooning. Myola is always a refreshing location to reach with its wide-open spaces and I am sure Lovey would have been chomping at the bit to run some full ground drills with the space available. After the best lunch of the trip (donuts) we ventured into Kagi tired and weary. You could tell the trekkers were over the moon to see Shane looking relaxed and rested as he motivated us up the final climb into the village. A quick mention must go to Coral for persisting and doing an incredible job after badly twisting her ankle at Eora Creek but reaching Kagi two days later- she was an inspiration. And to Jesse for volunteering to take the weight off Coral’s back for the two days.
Day 4 – With our two PNG friends still being very ill overnight, I had my finger and toes crossed that the chopper would arrive this morning. The howling wind overnight wasn’t encouraging and at 0600hrs, the wind started to abate somewhat. At around 0730hrs, the sound of the chopper was heartening and before long, the dignitaries landed and made their way down to the Alola Museum for its grand opening…Robert Bamave and myself being involved in this special occasion. The Australian & PNG Governments were very accommodating, and not only did they take my sick PNG boys onboard the chopper, they must have taken pity on me and Philip and gave us a ride to Kagi. I briefly saw the group at 1900 campsite and some bright flash of light emanated from the camp….i later found out Jesse had dropped his strides and mooned the chopper!!. Poor Robert had to leg it from Alola to Kagi, a feat he did in 10 hours which everyone was in awe of…the trekkers had taken two days to cover the distance whereas Robert just did it in 10 hours……I reckons he could have done it quicker except he stopped to say hello to his family before coming to see me in Kagi!! What a great man.
Philip and I waited on a hill overlooking the Kovolo Junction and could see the group coming down from the lookout. I must say that I was extremely relieved to see the group again and counting the numbers saw all were accounted for and I eagerly awaited their approach. When the group arrived, they looked buggered as they had a pretty big day walking from Templeton’s Crossing to Kagi via Myola Lakes and they were in no mood for my positive fresh attitude!! I won’t repeat what some said as they walked past me!! “It’s not easy riding in a chopper” was not the correct response from me to them!
We all walked into the village of Kagi and were welcomed by the villagers. It was nice to see the smiles on peoples faces again and we moved on to our camp site, majority fatigued except the Matt’s, Jesse, Kieren & Joe who had a kick of the footy! Oh to be young again!! Everyone had a nice shower and freshened up, covered up blisters, re-taped ankles and generally relaxed for the evening. Dinner was a beautiful risotto followed by tea/biscuits. Tomorrow is Sabbath and off to bed watching the lightening show…..we will have a nice well-earned sleep in for everyone.
Day 5 being Sabbath started with most getting up at 0700hrs (yep…a nice 2 hour sleep in) and after breakfast, we walked back down the village for church at 0900hrs. Steve Euki and Robert Bamave accompanied us with all trekkers attending. I say it doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, just being part of this service is an amazing experience within itself. Four trekkers got the opportunity to stand up within the congregation and recite a passage of the bible. When Russell spoke in his big booming voice, small babies that were once crying suddenly became quiet…the whole congregation listening to his every word in awe. Russell the Religious Minister….perhaps….perhaps not!
After church, we wandered back to camp and concentrated in relaxing for the rest of the day…some played cards, others slept whilst others wrote in their diaries. Later in the evening, the school children came up to camp to sing for us which was awesome. Most of the trekkers had education packs to give the Elementary School kids which were handed over and the night concluded with a lovely dinner & sweet biscuits.
Day 6 is a massive day….Kagi to Menari Village via Brigade Hill. Everyone was up at 0500hrs again and went about the motions of getting the body moving again, scoffing breakfast and preparing to move out. We got away at 0630hrs and started the slippery descent down to the bottom creek then the big push back up to Lanamamu Village. It was here that we spoke about Kokochi Nishimura (Bone Man of Kokoda) and his involvement at Brigade Hill and his subsequent quest to fulfill his promise to his comrades.
After church, we wandered back to camp and concentrated in relaxing for the rest of the day…some played cards, others slept whilst others wrote in their diaries. Later in the evening, the school children came up to camp to sing for us which was awesome. Most of the trekkers had education packs to give the Elementary School kids which were handed over and the night concluded with a lovely dinner & sweet biscuits.
Day 6 is a massive day….Kagi to Menari Village via Brigade Hill. Everyone was up at 0500hrs again and went about the motions of getting the body moving again, scoffing breakfast and preparing to move out. We got away at 0630hrs and started the slippery descent down to the bottom creek then the big push back up to Lanamamu Village. It was here that we spoke about Kokochi Nishimura (Bone Man of Kokoda) and his involvement at Brigade Hill and his subsequent quest to fulfill his promise to his comrades.
After a brief rest, we walked down the hill to the current day village of Efogi, the war time village being located at the bottom of Mission Ridge. Upon walking through the village, we were greeted by the local Pastor who gave the whole group a blessing….some trekkers thinking what in god’s name is coming up which requires a blessing!! None the less, we pushed on past the Efogi Airfield and started the climb up to the Mission Ridge/Brigade Hill junction, stopping at this site to speak about the 2/27th Battalion action against the main Japanese thrust and their subsequent 2 week fight back through the jungle, all the while caring & carrying their wounded. After taking in this scene, we pushed on further past the 2/14th & 2/16th Battalions positions and arrived at the knoll. After a brief rest, we held a memorial service with father & son Greg & Joe reading poems and Nobbie reciting the ode. We played the Last Post - Reveille and finished off the service with a rendition of ‘Waltzing Matilda’. After some lunch, we started the long 2 ½ hr descent down to our day’s objective being Menari but before arriving, we decided to have a quick swim to sooth the aches & pains before completing the last click into the village itself. Instead of heading to camp, we diverted to the site of the ‘39th Battalions Parade’ when those ‘Ragged Bloody Heroes’ paraded in front of Lt Col Ralph Honnor. This was a very special moment for all as ‘Lovey’ read this immortal address…..
"Now I don’t know a lot of you by name, but I know you. We met at Isurava. We fought there together and every step of the way here. Now we are relieved, and we will leave the battle.
And every day the enemy supply line stretches further. He suffers now as you have suffered. The battle we fought for the track may have just saved your nation. At Imita we will stop him. Brigadier wants you to know…your gallantry, your courage, your fortitude are an inspiration. And I want you to know that you are some of the finest soldiers that I have ever seen. You have seen things in this place that no man should witness. Some of these things you must forget. But history will remember you, and in the years to come others will wish that they had your conviction. And remember…remember the glory is not the exhortation of war, but the exhortation of man. Man’s nobility made transcendent in the fiery crucible of war. Faithfulness and fortitude. Gentleness and compassion.
I am honored to be your brother.”
"Now I don’t know a lot of you by name, but I know you. We met at Isurava. We fought there together and every step of the way here. Now we are relieved, and we will leave the battle.
And every day the enemy supply line stretches further. He suffers now as you have suffered. The battle we fought for the track may have just saved your nation. At Imita we will stop him. Brigadier wants you to know…your gallantry, your courage, your fortitude are an inspiration. And I want you to know that you are some of the finest soldiers that I have ever seen. You have seen things in this place that no man should witness. Some of these things you must forget. But history will remember you, and in the years to come others will wish that they had your conviction. And remember…remember the glory is not the exhortation of war, but the exhortation of man. Man’s nobility made transcendent in the fiery crucible of war. Faithfulness and fortitude. Gentleness and compassion.
I am honored to be your brother.”
We made camp and went about our routine of setting up and attending to our sore knees, feet, cuts and abrasions. Tomorrow will be a relatively short day to New Nauro but via the ‘Swamp’. Some trekkers noticed the large number of Roosters within the village…. those who didn’t certainly will in the morning!
Day 7 started very…very early….in fact around 0330hrs to be exact with the Menari Roosters doing their thing! I must have drifted back to sleep as my ‘Duck’ Alarm woke us at 0500hrs…pretty sure no one saw the funny side of this! After breakfast and packing up our kit, we set off at 0630hrs with the track up to the Menari Gap being steep. After ascending the top of the ridge, we started the steep walk down to the swamp, the last section of this descent being called ‘The Wall’….very appropriate once you turn around when at the bottom and look back up! We started walking through the swamp which surprisingly was pretty good but when we reached the Brown River, it was evident to me that a huge amount of water had come through several weeks prior. The crossing as others would know it is now gone with a large island being where the opposite bank once was…..the bamboo now no longer! After a brief swim, we continued on through the rest of the swamp and was very happy that the locals had built a nice timber bridge across the main swamp….saving us from wading chest deep for sure in some pretty foul looking water! Upon clearing the swamp, we walked up the spur to camp, arriving at approx 1230hrs which meant we had some time to dry our boots & clothes and generally relax. We had a fantastic talk with Robert, Keito, Motax, Andrew and others that evening. Another excellent dinner was had and off to sleep early with tomorrow being a big day, firstly conquering the 9 False Peaks, Ofi-Creek, Ioribaiwa and finishing the day at Ua-Ule Creek – approx 15km in total.
Last night’s thunder, Lightning and rain cleared and Day 8 broke with some cloud moving through the valley below. Everyone appreciated the half day yesterday but today required maximum effort by all, especially the first up climb out of camp, up the 9 False Peaks and to the top of the Maguli Ranges. We smashed breakfast and got away at 0630hrs again with some trekkers starting to feel every step in the knees and ankles. Coral who twisted her ankle way back on day 3 between Alola & Templeton’s Crossing continued on, no doubt each step causing her pain but she did not complain! We reached the top of the Maguli Ranges and started the decent down to Ofi-Creek for morning tea. Hambo & Russell’s knees were buggered but like Coral, they pressed on knowing the end is so close and spurred on by Matt’s promise of Cheesecake for tonight’s sweets! We then climbed out of Ofi-Creek and made it to Ioribaiwa where we spoke about this location being the furthest point of the Japanese advance during the Kokoda Campaign. We continued on for another 45 minutes and reached the current day village of Ioribaiwa for lunch. Boy it was hot in the village and after some food and rest, we continued down the hill to the creek system, pushing through the many creek crossings until we reached our final nights camp at Ua-Ule Creek at 1600hrs. Everyone quickly jumped in for a swim at camp and reflected on what we had achieved so far….Jesse showing off his cliff diving skills! The evening rain, thunder & lightening show was on again and after dinner, we had the boys talk again…this time asking the trekkers questions of which Jesse seems to be the main target? Tomorrow is a short day again to Owers’ Corner however will be both mentally & physically challenging for everyone.
Day 9 everyone was up and eager to get cracking! Special mention to Tuksy for breakfast. We broke camp quickly and got on the track at 0600hrs but everyone was feeling the effects of the journey, maybe except for Matt Hambo who amazingly still continued to handball the footy to himself!
Everyone made it ok to the base of Imita Ridge and after a brief rest, we started the tough 45-50 minute climb to the top…..the last significant climb of our journey barring the last 300 meters to Owers’ Corner. It was a tough climb for all but none the less we reached the top and after a quick rest, we listened to Coral, Hanna & Alison read a poem surrounded by our very own descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. We then pushed down the southern side of Imita towards to Goodwater where we rested for 20 minutes before pushing further down to the Goldie River for a quick swim before the tough climb up to Owers’ Corner. Everyone was tired, sore and no doubt thinking about home but before completing the last 300m, we paused to reflect on what we have achieved and ensure everyone walked those last few steps together.
At 12.14pm, the mighty Gungahlin Jets AFL Football Club walked under the Kokoda arches at Owers’ Corner, completing a journey that for some pushed themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally. Walking in the footsteps of these diggers of 1942 is a privilege, an honor of which should not be forgotten.
We boarded our transport for Port Moresby, but our Kokoda journey is certainly not complete without paying our respects to those gallant men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We arrived at Bomana War Cemetery and the group gathered around LT COL William Owen final resting place where Matt & Andrew (Father & Son) read his eulogy. After spending several minutes this all in, we moved up towards the Cross of Sacrifice where CPL Charlie McCallum is buried and Kieran & Jesse read out his eulogy. It was a fitting end to our Kokoda journey where our group heard about these two men at Kokoda, Isurava and Brigade Hill. If we ever want a reminder of why we have the freedom that we do today, visit Boman a and you will see 3779 reasons why……
A huge thanks must certainly go to Hambo for his support & trust that he gave Matt, No Roads Expeditions and myself during this trek. He was ably supported by his comedy sidekick & mate Hodso whose daily digging at each other provided us with some great laughs. Every member of the trek contributed in some way, some carrying extra kit when others were struggling….providing words of encouragement or simple things like making a cuppa for your mate who is buggered….this is part of what walking the Kokoda Track is about! Thanks to Matt Gould and the group for personally giving me support during the trek.
I wish to dedicate this trek to my beautiful grandmother Joyce Witney who recently passed away aged 97. Although I couldn’t be there Nana, know that i was amongst friends thinking of you as you were laid to rest. Your now with your loving husband Dudley - Rest in Peace (7/10/1921 to 18/2/2019).
Good luck for season 2019 Gungahlin Jets…..when the going gets tough, remember your time on Kokoda. Lay that extra tackle, put on a Shepherd for your mate and do that 2nd or 3rd effort.
Shane Chisholm
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
Last night’s thunder, Lightning and rain cleared and Day 8 broke with some cloud moving through the valley below. Everyone appreciated the half day yesterday but today required maximum effort by all, especially the first up climb out of camp, up the 9 False Peaks and to the top of the Maguli Ranges. We smashed breakfast and got away at 0630hrs again with some trekkers starting to feel every step in the knees and ankles. Coral who twisted her ankle way back on day 3 between Alola & Templeton’s Crossing continued on, no doubt each step causing her pain but she did not complain! We reached the top of the Maguli Ranges and started the decent down to Ofi-Creek for morning tea. Hambo & Russell’s knees were buggered but like Coral, they pressed on knowing the end is so close and spurred on by Matt’s promise of Cheesecake for tonight’s sweets! We then climbed out of Ofi-Creek and made it to Ioribaiwa where we spoke about this location being the furthest point of the Japanese advance during the Kokoda Campaign. We continued on for another 45 minutes and reached the current day village of Ioribaiwa for lunch. Boy it was hot in the village and after some food and rest, we continued down the hill to the creek system, pushing through the many creek crossings until we reached our final nights camp at Ua-Ule Creek at 1600hrs. Everyone quickly jumped in for a swim at camp and reflected on what we had achieved so far….Jesse showing off his cliff diving skills! The evening rain, thunder & lightening show was on again and after dinner, we had the boys talk again…this time asking the trekkers questions of which Jesse seems to be the main target? Tomorrow is a short day again to Owers’ Corner however will be both mentally & physically challenging for everyone.
Day 9 everyone was up and eager to get cracking! Special mention to Tuksy for breakfast. We broke camp quickly and got on the track at 0600hrs but everyone was feeling the effects of the journey, maybe except for Matt Hambo who amazingly still continued to handball the footy to himself!
Everyone made it ok to the base of Imita Ridge and after a brief rest, we started the tough 45-50 minute climb to the top…..the last significant climb of our journey barring the last 300 meters to Owers’ Corner. It was a tough climb for all but none the less we reached the top and after a quick rest, we listened to Coral, Hanna & Alison read a poem surrounded by our very own descendants of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. We then pushed down the southern side of Imita towards to Goodwater where we rested for 20 minutes before pushing further down to the Goldie River for a quick swim before the tough climb up to Owers’ Corner. Everyone was tired, sore and no doubt thinking about home but before completing the last 300m, we paused to reflect on what we have achieved and ensure everyone walked those last few steps together.
At 12.14pm, the mighty Gungahlin Jets AFL Football Club walked under the Kokoda arches at Owers’ Corner, completing a journey that for some pushed themselves to their limits, both physically and mentally. Walking in the footsteps of these diggers of 1942 is a privilege, an honor of which should not be forgotten.
We boarded our transport for Port Moresby, but our Kokoda journey is certainly not complete without paying our respects to those gallant men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. We arrived at Bomana War Cemetery and the group gathered around LT COL William Owen final resting place where Matt & Andrew (Father & Son) read his eulogy. After spending several minutes this all in, we moved up towards the Cross of Sacrifice where CPL Charlie McCallum is buried and Kieran & Jesse read out his eulogy. It was a fitting end to our Kokoda journey where our group heard about these two men at Kokoda, Isurava and Brigade Hill. If we ever want a reminder of why we have the freedom that we do today, visit Boman a and you will see 3779 reasons why……
A huge thanks must certainly go to Hambo for his support & trust that he gave Matt, No Roads Expeditions and myself during this trek. He was ably supported by his comedy sidekick & mate Hodso whose daily digging at each other provided us with some great laughs. Every member of the trek contributed in some way, some carrying extra kit when others were struggling….providing words of encouragement or simple things like making a cuppa for your mate who is buggered….this is part of what walking the Kokoda Track is about! Thanks to Matt Gould and the group for personally giving me support during the trek.
I wish to dedicate this trek to my beautiful grandmother Joyce Witney who recently passed away aged 97. Although I couldn’t be there Nana, know that i was amongst friends thinking of you as you were laid to rest. Your now with your loving husband Dudley - Rest in Peace (7/10/1921 to 18/2/2019).
Good luck for season 2019 Gungahlin Jets…..when the going gets tough, remember your time on Kokoda. Lay that extra tackle, put on a Shepherd for your mate and do that 2nd or 3rd effort.
Shane Chisholm
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
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