Arriving in Port Moresby the trekkers were apprehensive and excited about the journey ahead. This is normal and following our briefing at the hotel, nerves seemed to settle. The news of our early morning start the next day was greeted with mixed reactions.
Our team consisted of 6 Primary School Principals from the Toowoomba area of Qld. Brought together as part of a Leadership development program, Tyronne, Luke, Michael, Paul, Chris and Brendan were set for the challenge. We also had John and James from Sydney, mates for 27 years, Austin and Willie, Uncle and Nephew. Willie had come all the way from Ireland. Our one solo traveler was Leanne, who was also from Qld.
The group did not take long to bond together and it wasn’t long before the banter began and the many laughs and jokes became part of our day. This group were all fit and had done the hard training that is required when you are going to tackle the mighty Kokoda Track. This allowed us to move at a great pace and the group were able to stay together the entire day. Leister was our Lead Guide and Leanne was soon to be known as his apprentice and she set herself right behind him for the entire trek.
Quite a few of the boys chose to carry their own packs and their resolve was strong as they gained their “Kokoda Legs” over the first few days.
Setting off from Kokoda towards Deniki is always a challenge as our bodies get used to the heat and humidity and we are introduced to the first “easy” hill. A short stop in the village of Hoi saw us enjoy some coconut and pineapple purchased from the local villagers. This first hill up to Deniki tested everyone and they all demonstrated amazing resilience and endurance. The question is always asked, “does it get any harder than this?” Most trekkers don’t really like the answer that they get, “yes!”
Pushing on the next day, we arrived at the breath-taking Isurava Memorial site and heard about the battles and heroes of this sacred ground. A service to commemorate the history brought tears to our eyes and a lump in our throat. Lest we forget.
Overnight at Alola and the heavens opened. We spent the night listening to heavy rain on our tents and pondering what conditions the track would be in tomorrow.
The rain dried up overnight and that was the last rain we would see and hear for the remainder of our trek. Very dry conditions along all sections on the Track allowed us to move quickly, arriving in camp nice and early each afternoon.
Our team consisted of 6 Primary School Principals from the Toowoomba area of Qld. Brought together as part of a Leadership development program, Tyronne, Luke, Michael, Paul, Chris and Brendan were set for the challenge. We also had John and James from Sydney, mates for 27 years, Austin and Willie, Uncle and Nephew. Willie had come all the way from Ireland. Our one solo traveler was Leanne, who was also from Qld.
The group did not take long to bond together and it wasn’t long before the banter began and the many laughs and jokes became part of our day. This group were all fit and had done the hard training that is required when you are going to tackle the mighty Kokoda Track. This allowed us to move at a great pace and the group were able to stay together the entire day. Leister was our Lead Guide and Leanne was soon to be known as his apprentice and she set herself right behind him for the entire trek.
Quite a few of the boys chose to carry their own packs and their resolve was strong as they gained their “Kokoda Legs” over the first few days.
Setting off from Kokoda towards Deniki is always a challenge as our bodies get used to the heat and humidity and we are introduced to the first “easy” hill. A short stop in the village of Hoi saw us enjoy some coconut and pineapple purchased from the local villagers. This first hill up to Deniki tested everyone and they all demonstrated amazing resilience and endurance. The question is always asked, “does it get any harder than this?” Most trekkers don’t really like the answer that they get, “yes!”
Pushing on the next day, we arrived at the breath-taking Isurava Memorial site and heard about the battles and heroes of this sacred ground. A service to commemorate the history brought tears to our eyes and a lump in our throat. Lest we forget.
Overnight at Alola and the heavens opened. We spent the night listening to heavy rain on our tents and pondering what conditions the track would be in tomorrow.
The rain dried up overnight and that was the last rain we would see and hear for the remainder of our trek. Very dry conditions along all sections on the Track allowed us to move quickly, arriving in camp nice and early each afternoon.
Our rest day in Kagi was much appreciated and we immersed ourselves in the culture of this beautiful village. Most of our PNG Guide team live in the village of Kagi and to hear the young children calling out for their Dad as we walked into the village was heartwarming.
A morning Church service allowed us to understand the culture and religion of the locals. After lunch we walked down to the Elementary School and the Teacher, Mana gave us a tour of the school. Our trekkers were able to present the No Roads Foundation Education packs to Mana, which go a long way to supporting students in their education. Singing by the local children finished off our day and everyone felt that they had learned a little bit more about the culture and people of Kagi.
The last 4 days went by quickly and the group moved along at a great pace. The comradery of this group was evident, and the jokes and laughter continued throughout the trek. Swimming in rivers and icy cold showers plus the beauty of the dense jungle was enjoyed by all.
As always, our PNG Guide team were incredible. Lead by Simon, the boys worked above and beyond to support this group of trekkers across the Track. Our meals were prepared by Ian who was our MasterChef for this trek. There was never any leftovers after each meal!
As our trek was drawing to an end, there was lots of time for reflection on what it meant to be here and what we learned from this experience. Some trekkers gained a personal shift within themselves, knowing that this experience is one that will have memories that last a lifetime. To share this experience with others is a privilege known only to those with whom you have been with for the past 9 days. To follow in the footsteps of our brave and gallant soldiers is an honour.
As a Guide, it was an absolute privilege to walk the Track with such an incredible group of people.
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ruth@noroads.com.au
A morning Church service allowed us to understand the culture and religion of the locals. After lunch we walked down to the Elementary School and the Teacher, Mana gave us a tour of the school. Our trekkers were able to present the No Roads Foundation Education packs to Mana, which go a long way to supporting students in their education. Singing by the local children finished off our day and everyone felt that they had learned a little bit more about the culture and people of Kagi.
The last 4 days went by quickly and the group moved along at a great pace. The comradery of this group was evident, and the jokes and laughter continued throughout the trek. Swimming in rivers and icy cold showers plus the beauty of the dense jungle was enjoyed by all.
As always, our PNG Guide team were incredible. Lead by Simon, the boys worked above and beyond to support this group of trekkers across the Track. Our meals were prepared by Ian who was our MasterChef for this trek. There was never any leftovers after each meal!
As our trek was drawing to an end, there was lots of time for reflection on what it meant to be here and what we learned from this experience. Some trekkers gained a personal shift within themselves, knowing that this experience is one that will have memories that last a lifetime. To share this experience with others is a privilege known only to those with whom you have been with for the past 9 days. To follow in the footsteps of our brave and gallant soldiers is an honour.
As a Guide, it was an absolute privilege to walk the Track with such an incredible group of people.
Ruth Rampling
Expedition Guide
No Roads Expeditions
ruth@noroads.com.au