Hi Derek,

Yes, this is what happened on our trek and on each of my dad's previous treks. We were given a stick/pole to start with and over the first couple of days a porter carved them for us. Coming home, you will need to clean the stick really well, removing all dirt, prior to coming back through customs.
My dad actually sewed up a long bag, purpose made to bring our sticks home in.

Hi Derek, with regards to walking sticks. We have tried different options. Initially the boys used to cut a tree then we got them mass produced by a wood carver in Port Moresby but they lacked the personal touch. Last year the boys decided to start doing them again but they let us down as some of the boys would cut and carve and others did not. This caused us a few problems as they could not be relied upon to do it everytime. This year in 2011, the boys will once again prepare sticks on the track for their trekkers when asked by trekkers to cut one for them.

Hi Derek

I used to use one when I trained and kept 'up-dating' my model until I finally got the one I really wanted. I smoohed it off a bit, sharpened the end a bit, drilled a hole and fed a long shoelace through to place over my wrist, wound a squash grip around the top and finally gae it 2-3 coats of clear varnish. I also (as mentioned by Sally) had a vinl bag made for it, which made entry through customs & baggage easier. I also washed it thoroughly (as I did my boots) before I left Moresby, for when I went through Brisbane Customs.

The pole was about shoulder height and was invaluable to my trekking (second only to my hydration pack), as it gave me a push when going up and could be used as a 'third' leg when going down, which certainly assisted my 60 year old knees!

My Daughter has placed a claim on my walking pole and my old RAAF 'Giggle-hat' as souveniers of my Kokoda Track Trek.

By all menas though take the advantage of the offer of the Porters to cut one for you when you start, it is a good way to bond with your Porter & you can get him to 'autograph' your pole.

Enjoy yourself when you do go and just absorb the History of the place as you proceed North or South and place your trust in all the Guides and Porters of Gail's & Russell's Kokoda Trekkers.

Regards

Warren (Waza) Trek 83