Hi. We’re just back from a fantastic fun filled 9 day trek. It was a “Private Group” of friends and I was the lucky guide because I happen to have known one of them since our High School days. His name is Barry too although he spells it Barrie. So for this trek I had to forgo the title of Baz and answer to Barry. I happily deferred to Barrie to carry the mantle of Baz.
Accompanying Baz were Simon from Melbourne, Glenn from Albury, Kevin and his son Logan from Ballarat and Peter from Mackay. At age 14, Logan was my youngest ever trekker, a couple of months younger than a girl who came along on a trek 5 years back. I’d had the pleasure of doing a training walk with most of the group however we didn’t make it up to Mackay for training with Pete. Unfortunately, three others including Ian pulled out of the trek due to injury only a couple weeks before departure date. It was a real shame because Ian was once of the driving forces behind this trek. I noticed Ian was getting photo shopped into photos so from the get go so it was obvious there was going to be a bit of banter on this trek.
Pete flew in from Cairns a bit earlier than the rest of the group. I met him at the airport and couldn’t help but notice he had all the very best gear and lots of it including an air mattress which looked big enough to double up as jumping castle at a kids birthday party.
Once Pete was settled at the hotel I rounded up the rest of our group from the airport and delivered them to the Holiday Inn. That was when I was confronted with one of the more unusual situations I’ve had in a while. Kev informed me that he didn’t have cash or a card and would need to use Apple Pay. I think from memory Glenn was in a similar predicament. Apologies if it wasn’t you mate. Anyway, I couldn’t help but feel I’d let Kev down. Had I neglected to tell him PNG hasn’t quite reached the cosmopolitan levels of Ballarat or had the brochure provided a false impression that Moresby is more advanced than it actually is. In any event we managed to stay calm and ensure Kev got cashed up. I’m glad he did get cashed up because he was to be very generous to our PNG Guides.
We got together for dinner and I delivered the pre trek briefing and answered questions. I clearly need to work on my briefing because somehow I managed to create an expectation there would be Wifi internet access and a bottle shop along the track. I remember mentioning that there is mobile phone reception in a couple of locations but obviously my delivery of that message was very unclear or confusing.
Day 1 of Trekking
Kokoda to Deniki. We were blessed with good flying conditions for our flight from Moresby to Popendetta. The flight even left a little early but despite us being ahead of schedule Leah was waiting at the other end with our truck. We had great conditions for the truck ride and managed to get into Kokoda by 11.30 despite having well over the average number of comfort stops.
After a visit to the Kokoda Battlefield and some lunch we met our General Guides who were led by Clement. Lester was our Lead Man, Frank our chef and Wesley the Medic. None of the trekkers had a personal Guide so it was heavy packs all round. Possibly too heavy but that didn’t seem to worry anyone.
We headed off towards Deniki and had a break at Hoi. The locals were out selling soft drink, twisties and fruit so we got stuck into that. It was obvious from that first stop that this group were going to be very generous to our guides. Drink, twisties and bananas were already being shared around. We began the climb up to Deniki in humid conditions and a couple of the group felt the pinch but pressed on. We were all into camp by 3.30. The clouds were high and we had great views of the Yodda Valley and Kokoda. Simon hadn’t stopped laughing since arriving in PNG. He has a great laugh and I knew I wasn’t going to lose him because when he laughs you can hear him from miles away. Frank dished up curried sausages for dinner and they made Glenn very thirsty. It dawned on him that he didn’t have any alcohol but he was comforted in the knowledge he’d be able to buy some at one of the big villages along the way. I had to burst that bubble and Glenn became desperate. He was prepared to pay a lot of money (cash not Apple Pay) to any guide who was prepared to run back to Kokoda to buy grog. Baz was the voice of reason and was able to convince Glenn that he may be able to survive a few days without alcohol. It was a near thing though. Glenn was desperate and prepared to pay a premium. Crisis averted.
Day 2 - Deniki to Alola
By morning Glenn had moved on from his alcohol issues and turned his attention to coffee. He may have mentioned once or twice, “no coffee, no trekking”. Kev and Simon supported that sentiment and fortunately we were able to accommodate them with some of PNG’s finest plunger coffee. We left Deniki just after 7.00 and headed up to Isurava Village for morning tea. It was already very evident that Logan was not going to miss a beat. He was up and about and showing a sense of humour and maturity well beyond his years.all over the place. He fitted in very well with the old blokes. At Isurava there was coke for sale but no alcohol. Then it was on to the Isurava Battlefield and Memorial Site where we stayed for about an hour and a half. We had a good look around and talked about the battle of Isurava. Then Pete read the Ode and Logan laid a poppy on the memorial on behalf of our group. I’d given everyone poppies but most left them back in Moresby. I really do need to give that pre trek briefing a good overhaul. Frank cooked up a storm and we enjoyed a good long lunch before heading off to camp at Alola.
It starting raining as we reached Con’s Rock but didn’t amount to much. Pete, Baz, Kev and Logan liked the look of the hut and decided to give the tents a miss for the night. Pete set up “that mattress” and his mozzie net. It took up so much space only he and Baz could fit in the room that usually holds five. Pete’s set up resembled a Hilton Hotel Suite. Glenn, Simon, Kev and Logan headed to the swimming hole. Simon reckons Kev and Logan got carried away taking selfies while not wearing much at all. Logan was happy that he got a great “profile shot.” Speaking of selfies, I walked out of the hut to find five of these blokes crowded around giggling like teenagers and taking selfies with Eora Valley and Abuari Village as a backdrop. Fortunately I had my camera at hand to capture the moment. Card playing kicked off at Alola and was very civilised. That would change.
Accompanying Baz were Simon from Melbourne, Glenn from Albury, Kevin and his son Logan from Ballarat and Peter from Mackay. At age 14, Logan was my youngest ever trekker, a couple of months younger than a girl who came along on a trek 5 years back. I’d had the pleasure of doing a training walk with most of the group however we didn’t make it up to Mackay for training with Pete. Unfortunately, three others including Ian pulled out of the trek due to injury only a couple weeks before departure date. It was a real shame because Ian was once of the driving forces behind this trek. I noticed Ian was getting photo shopped into photos so from the get go so it was obvious there was going to be a bit of banter on this trek.
Pete flew in from Cairns a bit earlier than the rest of the group. I met him at the airport and couldn’t help but notice he had all the very best gear and lots of it including an air mattress which looked big enough to double up as jumping castle at a kids birthday party.
Once Pete was settled at the hotel I rounded up the rest of our group from the airport and delivered them to the Holiday Inn. That was when I was confronted with one of the more unusual situations I’ve had in a while. Kev informed me that he didn’t have cash or a card and would need to use Apple Pay. I think from memory Glenn was in a similar predicament. Apologies if it wasn’t you mate. Anyway, I couldn’t help but feel I’d let Kev down. Had I neglected to tell him PNG hasn’t quite reached the cosmopolitan levels of Ballarat or had the brochure provided a false impression that Moresby is more advanced than it actually is. In any event we managed to stay calm and ensure Kev got cashed up. I’m glad he did get cashed up because he was to be very generous to our PNG Guides.
We got together for dinner and I delivered the pre trek briefing and answered questions. I clearly need to work on my briefing because somehow I managed to create an expectation there would be Wifi internet access and a bottle shop along the track. I remember mentioning that there is mobile phone reception in a couple of locations but obviously my delivery of that message was very unclear or confusing.
Day 1 of Trekking
Kokoda to Deniki. We were blessed with good flying conditions for our flight from Moresby to Popendetta. The flight even left a little early but despite us being ahead of schedule Leah was waiting at the other end with our truck. We had great conditions for the truck ride and managed to get into Kokoda by 11.30 despite having well over the average number of comfort stops.
After a visit to the Kokoda Battlefield and some lunch we met our General Guides who were led by Clement. Lester was our Lead Man, Frank our chef and Wesley the Medic. None of the trekkers had a personal Guide so it was heavy packs all round. Possibly too heavy but that didn’t seem to worry anyone.
We headed off towards Deniki and had a break at Hoi. The locals were out selling soft drink, twisties and fruit so we got stuck into that. It was obvious from that first stop that this group were going to be very generous to our guides. Drink, twisties and bananas were already being shared around. We began the climb up to Deniki in humid conditions and a couple of the group felt the pinch but pressed on. We were all into camp by 3.30. The clouds were high and we had great views of the Yodda Valley and Kokoda. Simon hadn’t stopped laughing since arriving in PNG. He has a great laugh and I knew I wasn’t going to lose him because when he laughs you can hear him from miles away. Frank dished up curried sausages for dinner and they made Glenn very thirsty. It dawned on him that he didn’t have any alcohol but he was comforted in the knowledge he’d be able to buy some at one of the big villages along the way. I had to burst that bubble and Glenn became desperate. He was prepared to pay a lot of money (cash not Apple Pay) to any guide who was prepared to run back to Kokoda to buy grog. Baz was the voice of reason and was able to convince Glenn that he may be able to survive a few days without alcohol. It was a near thing though. Glenn was desperate and prepared to pay a premium. Crisis averted.
Day 2 - Deniki to Alola
By morning Glenn had moved on from his alcohol issues and turned his attention to coffee. He may have mentioned once or twice, “no coffee, no trekking”. Kev and Simon supported that sentiment and fortunately we were able to accommodate them with some of PNG’s finest plunger coffee. We left Deniki just after 7.00 and headed up to Isurava Village for morning tea. It was already very evident that Logan was not going to miss a beat. He was up and about and showing a sense of humour and maturity well beyond his years.all over the place. He fitted in very well with the old blokes. At Isurava there was coke for sale but no alcohol. Then it was on to the Isurava Battlefield and Memorial Site where we stayed for about an hour and a half. We had a good look around and talked about the battle of Isurava. Then Pete read the Ode and Logan laid a poppy on the memorial on behalf of our group. I’d given everyone poppies but most left them back in Moresby. I really do need to give that pre trek briefing a good overhaul. Frank cooked up a storm and we enjoyed a good long lunch before heading off to camp at Alola.
It starting raining as we reached Con’s Rock but didn’t amount to much. Pete, Baz, Kev and Logan liked the look of the hut and decided to give the tents a miss for the night. Pete set up “that mattress” and his mozzie net. It took up so much space only he and Baz could fit in the room that usually holds five. Pete’s set up resembled a Hilton Hotel Suite. Glenn, Simon, Kev and Logan headed to the swimming hole. Simon reckons Kev and Logan got carried away taking selfies while not wearing much at all. Logan was happy that he got a great “profile shot.” Speaking of selfies, I walked out of the hut to find five of these blokes crowded around giggling like teenagers and taking selfies with Eora Valley and Abuari Village as a backdrop. Fortunately I had my camera at hand to capture the moment. Card playing kicked off at Alola and was very civilised. That would change.
Day 3 - Alola to Templeton’s Crossing
We were all awake very early. The Alola Roosters began doing their thing at 3.30 am. Great!!! Nonetheless, we didn’t manage to get moving until after 7.00 but who cares. On the way down to Eora Creek we checked out the Japanese Ammo Dump which was discovered earlier this year. The Landowner Sam from Alola was present and said his grandmother discovered the dump when she was looking for a new veggie garden site. The ammo is mainly Japanese grenades and mountain gun shells but very interesting. Sam hit us up for 5 Kina per person. We had morning tea at Eora Creek and were able to buy scones, coke and twisties. Once again the guides got their fill of coke and twisties and were very grateful. Lunch was at Templeton’s 2 and cut a bit short in an attempt to beat the rain. As it turned out we made it into camp just before the rain came. It had been a big day so everyone hit the sack early. Pete had decided to return to tent life and I shared the hut with Baz, Kev and Logan. I was still getting the occasional question about which village has Wifi and it was proving difficult to get these people to believe there is no internet on the track.
Day 4 - Saturday - The Sabbath at Templeton’s Crossing
A cold and wet day greeted us for the Sabbath. After breakfast a few of the group headed down to the river for a wash. Baz decided to make a sacrifice for the Sabbath and sent his freshly washed hiking shirt down the Eora Creek rapids. Some locals had a look for it but it was long gone. It was a Collingwood Polo shirt so no loss really and the rest of were happy to see the end of it. Of course this would be the topic of jokes for the rest of the trek. We had to assure Baz that even the locals who love hand me downs have standards and wouldn’t want to be seen wearing a Collingwood shirt. It meant I had to lend Baz one of my Noroads Shirts and promote him to Honorary Australian Guide (HAG).
During mid morning Frank conducted a Sabbath Service attended by most all trekkers and some of our guides. Frank enlIghtened us about Love and told of a Missionary (Wesley Lock) from Queensland who came along the track in 1928 and taught tribes to get along rather than constantly fighting and killing each other. We have to wonder whether our own Barrie Lock (HAG) is a descendent of Wesley. Baz has some of the attributes. He can certainly talk and spin a yarn.
After mass it was a case sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep until the Sabbath passed and the next day of trekking dawned. We did have a little joke session during the course of the day where everyone got to tell a joke. We should have called it bad joke day. Honourable mentions have to go to Baz for his chicken joke and Loges for his in character joke complete with his Italian accent.
Day 5 - Templeton’s to Kagi
The boys set a very fast pace out of Templeton’s and most were up at Kokoda Gap very quickly. Kev and Loges were spending the most time right behind Lester and Simon was right there with them. Glenn was incredibly strong and could walk where ever he felt like. He would often drop back for a chat and then storm back up to the front. He is pretty good at chatting. But in all seriousness I don’t think I’ve ever met a more upbeat and positive person. Baz and Pete preferred it at the back. Pete usually occupied the rear position with head phones plugged in, listening to his music and sometimes blissfully unaware we could hear him singing along. He may have been the consistent backmarker but he was by no means slow. We were treated to great views of Kagi and surrounding villages from Kagi Gap where we had lunch. From there it was a slippery slope down to Kagi. it claimed a few victims including Baz and Glenn. Of course the unstable track was to blame and certainly not our trekkers. It was nice to arrive at Gerry’s camp at around 2.00 pm. I think the boys were still expecting Wifi, Chivas Regal and Coronas at Kagi but that wasn’t to be. Kev pulled off the prank of the year. Before sitting down or even taking off his boots, he changed the Wifi ID of his phone to “Kagi Wifi”. Sure as eggs Simon checked his phone and found Kagi Wifi. Glenn got very excited and found it too. Very funny watching them trying to link to Kagi Wifi. Once we’d all had our laugh I told them that Kagi has mobile phone reception. Baz got a call through to Jodi but Glenn thought he was being stooged again. He eventually managed to talk to Rachel albeit with 6 other blokes stalking him and contributing to the conversation.
That night after the local kids had visited us had been showered with gifts, Thecards were on in earnest. I would have preferred 500 or Euca but the game favoured by this mob was Ass Whole. (Intentionally spelt wrong). Kev and Logan were the experts and the others seemed to have some experience. Having said that, Simon has his own very unique style of playing. The Australian Guide was their bunny and lost 4 of the first five games, cracked it, went to bed and refused to play again for the next few days. A least that meant he didn’t lose the last game of the night and go to bed as the ass whole. That dubious distinction went to Simon.
Day 6 - Kagi - Menari
We had nice weather for the climb up to the Efogi’s. Both villages were in mourning so there was hardly any locals to be seen. People were gathering at the airfield waiting for a plane which was bringing in the coffin and the deceased. Among the mourners was Noroads Lead Guide Steve Euki. We passed on our condolences and pressed on. There was some talk about hanging around to watch the plane land but there was just no telling what time it would arrive. After all this is PNG. As it turned out we were high up on Mission Ridge when we heard the plane. We could actually see it as it circled and approached Efogi. It went out of view just as it touched down on the airfield. We heard the sound of the reverse thrust of the engine and propeller but it was only brief before there was a loud thud and then silence. I was standing with Glenn at the time and we both knew it didn’t sound right. Thankfully their was no smoke but I got one of the General Guides to head back and check things out. He came back very excited and we were to learn the plane had crashed on landing but fortunately all living people on board were okay and the coffin was undamaged. The plane didn’t fare so well and I reckon the pilot (an old local guy) may be retiring prematurely.
Torrential rain accompanied us on the descent from Brigade Hill to Menari. Kev and Logan showed they were human after all and walked towards the back of the line. Mr consistent (Simon) however, was still right behind Lester and Glenn was doing his usual thing and walking wherever he felt like. Kev took some great footage of it. As we climbed out of the river and up to Menari around 3.15 pm we passed a group from the Kokoda Track Foundation which included some members of the board members. They had flown into Menari and were hopeful of making it to Efogi. I reckon It would have been optimistic to think they could reach Brigade Hill before dark. Hopefully it went well for them. At our Menari camp site Glenn with some financial backing from Simon decided all of our General Guides deserved twisties and soft drink. Very much appreciated fellas. A very willing card game followed dinner with a shock result. Arguably the world’s best Ass Whole play Kev, went to bed as the reigning Ass Whole. The Australian Guide decided to watch rather than play but his skills were on the improve.
We were all awake very early. The Alola Roosters began doing their thing at 3.30 am. Great!!! Nonetheless, we didn’t manage to get moving until after 7.00 but who cares. On the way down to Eora Creek we checked out the Japanese Ammo Dump which was discovered earlier this year. The Landowner Sam from Alola was present and said his grandmother discovered the dump when she was looking for a new veggie garden site. The ammo is mainly Japanese grenades and mountain gun shells but very interesting. Sam hit us up for 5 Kina per person. We had morning tea at Eora Creek and were able to buy scones, coke and twisties. Once again the guides got their fill of coke and twisties and were very grateful. Lunch was at Templeton’s 2 and cut a bit short in an attempt to beat the rain. As it turned out we made it into camp just before the rain came. It had been a big day so everyone hit the sack early. Pete had decided to return to tent life and I shared the hut with Baz, Kev and Logan. I was still getting the occasional question about which village has Wifi and it was proving difficult to get these people to believe there is no internet on the track.
Day 4 - Saturday - The Sabbath at Templeton’s Crossing
A cold and wet day greeted us for the Sabbath. After breakfast a few of the group headed down to the river for a wash. Baz decided to make a sacrifice for the Sabbath and sent his freshly washed hiking shirt down the Eora Creek rapids. Some locals had a look for it but it was long gone. It was a Collingwood Polo shirt so no loss really and the rest of were happy to see the end of it. Of course this would be the topic of jokes for the rest of the trek. We had to assure Baz that even the locals who love hand me downs have standards and wouldn’t want to be seen wearing a Collingwood shirt. It meant I had to lend Baz one of my Noroads Shirts and promote him to Honorary Australian Guide (HAG).
During mid morning Frank conducted a Sabbath Service attended by most all trekkers and some of our guides. Frank enlIghtened us about Love and told of a Missionary (Wesley Lock) from Queensland who came along the track in 1928 and taught tribes to get along rather than constantly fighting and killing each other. We have to wonder whether our own Barrie Lock (HAG) is a descendent of Wesley. Baz has some of the attributes. He can certainly talk and spin a yarn.
After mass it was a case sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep, eat, sleep until the Sabbath passed and the next day of trekking dawned. We did have a little joke session during the course of the day where everyone got to tell a joke. We should have called it bad joke day. Honourable mentions have to go to Baz for his chicken joke and Loges for his in character joke complete with his Italian accent.
Day 5 - Templeton’s to Kagi
The boys set a very fast pace out of Templeton’s and most were up at Kokoda Gap very quickly. Kev and Loges were spending the most time right behind Lester and Simon was right there with them. Glenn was incredibly strong and could walk where ever he felt like. He would often drop back for a chat and then storm back up to the front. He is pretty good at chatting. But in all seriousness I don’t think I’ve ever met a more upbeat and positive person. Baz and Pete preferred it at the back. Pete usually occupied the rear position with head phones plugged in, listening to his music and sometimes blissfully unaware we could hear him singing along. He may have been the consistent backmarker but he was by no means slow. We were treated to great views of Kagi and surrounding villages from Kagi Gap where we had lunch. From there it was a slippery slope down to Kagi. it claimed a few victims including Baz and Glenn. Of course the unstable track was to blame and certainly not our trekkers. It was nice to arrive at Gerry’s camp at around 2.00 pm. I think the boys were still expecting Wifi, Chivas Regal and Coronas at Kagi but that wasn’t to be. Kev pulled off the prank of the year. Before sitting down or even taking off his boots, he changed the Wifi ID of his phone to “Kagi Wifi”. Sure as eggs Simon checked his phone and found Kagi Wifi. Glenn got very excited and found it too. Very funny watching them trying to link to Kagi Wifi. Once we’d all had our laugh I told them that Kagi has mobile phone reception. Baz got a call through to Jodi but Glenn thought he was being stooged again. He eventually managed to talk to Rachel albeit with 6 other blokes stalking him and contributing to the conversation.
That night after the local kids had visited us had been showered with gifts, Thecards were on in earnest. I would have preferred 500 or Euca but the game favoured by this mob was Ass Whole. (Intentionally spelt wrong). Kev and Logan were the experts and the others seemed to have some experience. Having said that, Simon has his own very unique style of playing. The Australian Guide was their bunny and lost 4 of the first five games, cracked it, went to bed and refused to play again for the next few days. A least that meant he didn’t lose the last game of the night and go to bed as the ass whole. That dubious distinction went to Simon.
Day 6 - Kagi - Menari
We had nice weather for the climb up to the Efogi’s. Both villages were in mourning so there was hardly any locals to be seen. People were gathering at the airfield waiting for a plane which was bringing in the coffin and the deceased. Among the mourners was Noroads Lead Guide Steve Euki. We passed on our condolences and pressed on. There was some talk about hanging around to watch the plane land but there was just no telling what time it would arrive. After all this is PNG. As it turned out we were high up on Mission Ridge when we heard the plane. We could actually see it as it circled and approached Efogi. It went out of view just as it touched down on the airfield. We heard the sound of the reverse thrust of the engine and propeller but it was only brief before there was a loud thud and then silence. I was standing with Glenn at the time and we both knew it didn’t sound right. Thankfully their was no smoke but I got one of the General Guides to head back and check things out. He came back very excited and we were to learn the plane had crashed on landing but fortunately all living people on board were okay and the coffin was undamaged. The plane didn’t fare so well and I reckon the pilot (an old local guy) may be retiring prematurely.
Torrential rain accompanied us on the descent from Brigade Hill to Menari. Kev and Logan showed they were human after all and walked towards the back of the line. Mr consistent (Simon) however, was still right behind Lester and Glenn was doing his usual thing and walking wherever he felt like. Kev took some great footage of it. As we climbed out of the river and up to Menari around 3.15 pm we passed a group from the Kokoda Track Foundation which included some members of the board members. They had flown into Menari and were hopeful of making it to Efogi. I reckon It would have been optimistic to think they could reach Brigade Hill before dark. Hopefully it went well for them. At our Menari camp site Glenn with some financial backing from Simon decided all of our General Guides deserved twisties and soft drink. Very much appreciated fellas. A very willing card game followed dinner with a shock result. Arguably the world’s best Ass Whole play Kev, went to bed as the reigning Ass Whole. The Australian Guide decided to watch rather than play but his skills were on the improve.
Day 7 - Menari - New Nauro
A short day today. We had no trouble with the climb out of Menari or negotiating the descent and “The Wall.” The swamp however was very boggy and slowed us down. A few of the group enjoyed a swim at Brown River before it was time to head up to camp after a bit more boggy swamp. Glenn, Simon and Lester decided to do a time trial all the way up to New Nauro while the rest of us kept it sensible. Everyone was into camp before 1.00 and the front runners were probably there and 20 minutes before that. The extra effort took a bit out of Glenn and Simon so we had an afternoon of them being less energetic than usual. Everyone had a nana nap in preparation for the evening card game. Tents had once again become the preferred accommodation for everyone except Pete and myself who shared a large hut. Pete announced that the”mattress” had sprung a slow leak but he was okay because even when it was flat it was still thicker than a normal camp mattress. After watching the cards for a few days I very apprehensively resumed my place at the table. It actually went well for me and I got away relatively unscathed. From memory Simon had a bit of a rough night at the card table.
Day 8 - New Nauro - Uale Creek
As we knocked over the remaining 5 false peaks to reach the top of the Maguli Range Kev and Logan we’re back at the top of their game and right up the front with Lester. Glenn and Simon weren’t showing any ill effects from the previous day’s effort and were up the front too. Baz and Pete were digging in at their own usual pace which is above average. Both had very heavy packs but were coping extremely well. At the Maguli Peak we had mobile reception and most of us called home. Kev and Loges got to chat with Cindy back home in Ballarat and were we envious when Glenn told us Rachel was sitting in a coffee shop in Holbrook with her cousins. We didn’t need to know that. Glenn was having issues with his phone. He had tried charging it in one of the villages and we thought it must have shorted out because the phone wouldn’t turn on. This was of great concern to us all because Glenn had been chief photographer and so many good photos were on that phone. Well, I was concerned, Glenn didn’t seem at all worried. We had a wonderful swim at Ofi Creek followed by an enjoyable final lunch bathed in sunshine. Despite the heat and humidity everyone handled the climb to Ioribowa Ridge very well. We got into camp at Uale Creek with a couple of hours of daylight left so there was plenty of time for a swim. This time is was Kev who went crazy buying Coke and Twisties for our guides. They must have Apple Pay at Uale Creek. As we sat down for dinner Glenn discovered that after 3 days of refusing to work his phone had decided to play ball and was fully operational. What a relief. It was a pretty quiet night on the card front as everyone headed off to bed early contemplating the final day ahead of us.
Day 9 - Uale Creek to Owers Corner
The weather was good for our final day and it’s numerous river crossings and last two climbs. We kept everyone together to the foot of Imita. Then the usual four took of to the top with Lester. Forgive me if I get this wrong boys because I wasn’t there to see it but I think Kev got to the top first just ahead of Simon and Glenn. Logan wasn’t far behind. We sane folk arrived at the top a fair bit later. Anxious to get to the finish line we kept it moving and after a brief stop at Goodwater we reached the Goldie River in good time and of course stopped for a swim. The final part of the climb up to the arches at Owers Corner was the most slippery I have ever experienced but no-one cared that close to the end. It was all over around 1.15 pm and we settled into lunch and a drink. I think everyone enjoyed the bus ride back to Moresby and the visit to Bomana Cemetery.
Following an enjoyable dinner and little ceremony with our Guides there had to be a final game of Ass Whole in the Gekko Bar. Thankfully I was in a bit of form. Pete showed his usually prowess. Glenn always seemed to have a good hand and Kev and Loges were always going to be hard to beat. Simon had a horror run and was left stranded with the Ass Whole mantle. Although Baz who was in the land of the missing for a while made a late challenge. He only sat down for three games and lost two of them. But sorry Simon, the mantle is yours to lose.
Thanks Baz, Simon, Pete, Glenn, Kev and Loges for allowing me to be a part of your trek and for your friendship. I know I had a lot of fun and enjoyed your company. I hope you enjoyed the trek as much as I did. Your generosity to the guides was beyond belief and I know they are grateful. Well done, you all completed the Kokoda Track in style.
Cheers
Barry Jenks
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
A short day today. We had no trouble with the climb out of Menari or negotiating the descent and “The Wall.” The swamp however was very boggy and slowed us down. A few of the group enjoyed a swim at Brown River before it was time to head up to camp after a bit more boggy swamp. Glenn, Simon and Lester decided to do a time trial all the way up to New Nauro while the rest of us kept it sensible. Everyone was into camp before 1.00 and the front runners were probably there and 20 minutes before that. The extra effort took a bit out of Glenn and Simon so we had an afternoon of them being less energetic than usual. Everyone had a nana nap in preparation for the evening card game. Tents had once again become the preferred accommodation for everyone except Pete and myself who shared a large hut. Pete announced that the”mattress” had sprung a slow leak but he was okay because even when it was flat it was still thicker than a normal camp mattress. After watching the cards for a few days I very apprehensively resumed my place at the table. It actually went well for me and I got away relatively unscathed. From memory Simon had a bit of a rough night at the card table.
Day 8 - New Nauro - Uale Creek
As we knocked over the remaining 5 false peaks to reach the top of the Maguli Range Kev and Logan we’re back at the top of their game and right up the front with Lester. Glenn and Simon weren’t showing any ill effects from the previous day’s effort and were up the front too. Baz and Pete were digging in at their own usual pace which is above average. Both had very heavy packs but were coping extremely well. At the Maguli Peak we had mobile reception and most of us called home. Kev and Loges got to chat with Cindy back home in Ballarat and were we envious when Glenn told us Rachel was sitting in a coffee shop in Holbrook with her cousins. We didn’t need to know that. Glenn was having issues with his phone. He had tried charging it in one of the villages and we thought it must have shorted out because the phone wouldn’t turn on. This was of great concern to us all because Glenn had been chief photographer and so many good photos were on that phone. Well, I was concerned, Glenn didn’t seem at all worried. We had a wonderful swim at Ofi Creek followed by an enjoyable final lunch bathed in sunshine. Despite the heat and humidity everyone handled the climb to Ioribowa Ridge very well. We got into camp at Uale Creek with a couple of hours of daylight left so there was plenty of time for a swim. This time is was Kev who went crazy buying Coke and Twisties for our guides. They must have Apple Pay at Uale Creek. As we sat down for dinner Glenn discovered that after 3 days of refusing to work his phone had decided to play ball and was fully operational. What a relief. It was a pretty quiet night on the card front as everyone headed off to bed early contemplating the final day ahead of us.
Day 9 - Uale Creek to Owers Corner
The weather was good for our final day and it’s numerous river crossings and last two climbs. We kept everyone together to the foot of Imita. Then the usual four took of to the top with Lester. Forgive me if I get this wrong boys because I wasn’t there to see it but I think Kev got to the top first just ahead of Simon and Glenn. Logan wasn’t far behind. We sane folk arrived at the top a fair bit later. Anxious to get to the finish line we kept it moving and after a brief stop at Goodwater we reached the Goldie River in good time and of course stopped for a swim. The final part of the climb up to the arches at Owers Corner was the most slippery I have ever experienced but no-one cared that close to the end. It was all over around 1.15 pm and we settled into lunch and a drink. I think everyone enjoyed the bus ride back to Moresby and the visit to Bomana Cemetery.
Following an enjoyable dinner and little ceremony with our Guides there had to be a final game of Ass Whole in the Gekko Bar. Thankfully I was in a bit of form. Pete showed his usually prowess. Glenn always seemed to have a good hand and Kev and Loges were always going to be hard to beat. Simon had a horror run and was left stranded with the Ass Whole mantle. Although Baz who was in the land of the missing for a while made a late challenge. He only sat down for three games and lost two of them. But sorry Simon, the mantle is yours to lose.
Thanks Baz, Simon, Pete, Glenn, Kev and Loges for allowing me to be a part of your trek and for your friendship. I know I had a lot of fun and enjoyed your company. I hope you enjoyed the trek as much as I did. Your generosity to the guides was beyond belief and I know they are grateful. Well done, you all completed the Kokoda Track in style.
Cheers
Barry Jenks
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
[email protected]
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