In September 2019, Maffra Secondary College embarked on an Expedition across the Kokoda Track, marking their 3rd Kokoda experience with No Roads Expeditions.
After visiting the museum at Kokoda, the Maffra group stepped into the story of Kokoda right from the beginning, embracing the harsh conditions of the natural environment, the locals and the No Roads porter team.
Well prepared by their leader Sue Clancy, Maffra set a cracking pace from the beginning, especially after the 3 hour PMV ride from Popendetta, raising the question of; did we travel in the PMV or on the PMV?
Pushing through some initial mild dehydration symptoms, it was smooth passage up to Deniki and Alola, as everyone adjusted to the conditions.
We were privileged to experience fine weather conditions at the Isurava Memorial as we took some time to read the history and contemplated what had taken place.
Wet, a little tired and looking forward to a well earned rest, we arrived at Kagi where we would spend the next two days.
A one hour sleep in marked the beginning of Sabbath, followed by a Church service and a relaxing morning, followed by some minor afternoon games with some local kids.
Our second day in Kagi was jam packed full of activities consistent with local life. It included; the collection of Banana leaves in preparation for the Moo Moo; a visit to the Elementary and Primary schools; collection of firewood and seeds; planting of sugarcane, banana plants and a workshop on how the garden seasons work; building of the Moo Moo, lighting the fire and heating the stones, burning down the wood, peeling sweet potatoes and grating bananas, removing the stones, inserting sweet potatoes and banana bread and constructing the Moo Moo.
Whilst the baking occurred, we were privileged to visit Walters mothers kitchen house and sleeping house, which was a huge culture shock for students, as the porter team responded to questions from the students and directed questions to the students.
When the Moo Moo was ready, students removed and stored the stones for future use. Nelly prayed for the food and we all took part in a mid afternoon snack.
The two days concluded with a visit to our campsite from the kids and adults. They graced us with the sounds of their heavenly voices, singing various songs. Maffra students responded with some of their own numbers they had practiced earlier; including, give me a home among the gum trees.
After visiting the new museum at Efogi (well worth the Kina), Brigade Hill was an impacting moment as poems were read and a minutes silence marked our respect for the lives lost and fighting that occurred there.
At Ioribaiwa Ridge we discovered a new trading area had been established by the locals. Moreover, the landowner had stumbled across a large munitions dump which was originally cached by the Australians as they counter attacked the Japanese upon their advance to the rear. Take the time to walk down the lateral ridge line, observe the historic trenches, go down the stairs and you will see it, what an extraordinary find.
After a final dinner, final night in a tent and potentially the final use of a pit toilet, Maffra made their way over Imita Ridge, learning about the state of the Australian and Japanese supply lines some 75 years earlier.
Hitting the Goldy River was a spectacular moment with only 45 mins to go. Staying in the moment, Maffra put their heads down and concentrated as they made their way up the final hill towards Owers Corner.
We paused 5mins from the top and I went ahead with a camera to capture the tired faces of Maffra. Then with elation, the entire Maffra team, side by side, walked through the arches and crossed the line, completing over 96 km journey - an amazing job by all!
Phil Monteduro
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
philmonteduro@noroads.com.au
After visiting the museum at Kokoda, the Maffra group stepped into the story of Kokoda right from the beginning, embracing the harsh conditions of the natural environment, the locals and the No Roads porter team.
Well prepared by their leader Sue Clancy, Maffra set a cracking pace from the beginning, especially after the 3 hour PMV ride from Popendetta, raising the question of; did we travel in the PMV or on the PMV?
Pushing through some initial mild dehydration symptoms, it was smooth passage up to Deniki and Alola, as everyone adjusted to the conditions.
We were privileged to experience fine weather conditions at the Isurava Memorial as we took some time to read the history and contemplated what had taken place.
Wet, a little tired and looking forward to a well earned rest, we arrived at Kagi where we would spend the next two days.
A one hour sleep in marked the beginning of Sabbath, followed by a Church service and a relaxing morning, followed by some minor afternoon games with some local kids.
Our second day in Kagi was jam packed full of activities consistent with local life. It included; the collection of Banana leaves in preparation for the Moo Moo; a visit to the Elementary and Primary schools; collection of firewood and seeds; planting of sugarcane, banana plants and a workshop on how the garden seasons work; building of the Moo Moo, lighting the fire and heating the stones, burning down the wood, peeling sweet potatoes and grating bananas, removing the stones, inserting sweet potatoes and banana bread and constructing the Moo Moo.
Whilst the baking occurred, we were privileged to visit Walters mothers kitchen house and sleeping house, which was a huge culture shock for students, as the porter team responded to questions from the students and directed questions to the students.
When the Moo Moo was ready, students removed and stored the stones for future use. Nelly prayed for the food and we all took part in a mid afternoon snack.
The two days concluded with a visit to our campsite from the kids and adults. They graced us with the sounds of their heavenly voices, singing various songs. Maffra students responded with some of their own numbers they had practiced earlier; including, give me a home among the gum trees.
After visiting the new museum at Efogi (well worth the Kina), Brigade Hill was an impacting moment as poems were read and a minutes silence marked our respect for the lives lost and fighting that occurred there.
At Ioribaiwa Ridge we discovered a new trading area had been established by the locals. Moreover, the landowner had stumbled across a large munitions dump which was originally cached by the Australians as they counter attacked the Japanese upon their advance to the rear. Take the time to walk down the lateral ridge line, observe the historic trenches, go down the stairs and you will see it, what an extraordinary find.
After a final dinner, final night in a tent and potentially the final use of a pit toilet, Maffra made their way over Imita Ridge, learning about the state of the Australian and Japanese supply lines some 75 years earlier.
Hitting the Goldy River was a spectacular moment with only 45 mins to go. Staying in the moment, Maffra put their heads down and concentrated as they made their way up the final hill towards Owers Corner.
We paused 5mins from the top and I went ahead with a camera to capture the tired faces of Maffra. Then with elation, the entire Maffra team, side by side, walked through the arches and crossed the line, completing over 96 km journey - an amazing job by all!
Phil Monteduro
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
philmonteduro@noroads.com.au