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1st July: Around 7:30am yesterday we collected from Sogeri Lodge, Sam and Simon Ward – a father and son team who are walking from Owers' Corner to Kokoda with my son Shane Thomas and a great bunch of our KTL porters.
The road was kind to us having not long been graded and we soon found ourselves at Owers' Corner.
Later in the day Shane called in around 1pm to say they had reached Imita Ridge. Sometime later he phoned to say they were all going well and that their first night would be at Ua'Ule Creek.
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IMGP1909__640x480_.JPG1st July: My apology, I have had computer internet problems the past few days. Our internet provider came and moved the aerial on our roof to see if they could pick up the wireless better. Now today the power went off ALL DAY from 9am this morning until 7pm tonight, yes this is PNG! the land of the unexpected.
Shane called in today to say there was a large group ahead of them at Naoro Village so they decided to stay at a place called 'Banana Camp' which is a couple of hours from Naoro.
Tomorrow they will head off towards Agulogo which is near Manari. All is good, no problems.
If my problems mentioned earlier are not enough, I now cannot upload their photographs due to my usage of 488.42mb being used up. Shane corrected it to 'Unlimited' before he left but tried earlier this morning and it would not upload. Will try again now! If not, will post on 'Facebook' until I can sort out this mess.
Tomorrow (Saturday 3rd) is Sam Ward's birthday on Trek 606. I was wondering if someone would please pass along my HUGE happy birthday wishes and let him know I miss him a lot! I posted this today because I wasn't sure that messages were passed along on the weekends, but if possible, please let him know tomorrow on the day of his birthday
thankyouHi Gail, You might remember me from the trek I did with Allan Hazell a few years back and when we came over to do volunteer work putting on water systems in a couple of the villages around Kokoda. Anyway, can I get you to pass on a message to Sam. I spoke to him before he left to give him some tips. Tell him – Don't forget to enjoy the journey, mix in with and get to know the local boys and finally, keep focused on the next steps – it will all be worth it at the end. Thanks, Brett
Hi Gail, I am Simon's partner on Trek 606 and we can't let Sam get all the messages! Can you pass on that I want him to look as happy and handsome as he did on the start of the trek when he is on his last day of the trek ( but I expect a little smellier with a bit of a beard?)
And to Sam E "HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR SAT WITH LOVE FROM BEE" I hope someone with a Ukulele knows how to play "happy birthday" for him.
Pass on if you can, I hope both the Boys are enjoying every moment of their journey and experiencing something unique that they shared especially together!!
With love Karen XX
Hi, this is Jane and Molly. Just wanted to send a big happy birthday hug to Sam and to let him know how much we're missing him. Brett said that day 2 would be the hardest so we hope you and Dad have managed to make it through the day, and that you can enjoy your birthday knowing you've already achieved so much. We love you lots!
Hi, Is there any new updates on Trek 606 tonight? I think we are all eager to know they got through the day's trek without any hitches and that they are still happy campers
Hi Gail, Just wondering if there going to be an update for Trek 606 today….. there are a few of us back home that would like to know how they are, where they are and if Sam somehow happened to have a "Happy Birthday"….. and…. I am missing Simon and would feel better if I know all is ok!
Thank you
Karen Bee
Update 3rd July: The team continue to do well and have now reached 1900/Myola Junction where they spent the night with another one of our treks heading in the same direction.
With two groups of boys at the camp I am quite sure they will all be fussing around him as they love young boys who decide to walk the track. If your son does not come back in and say he has had an awesome time, it will be a first.
Therefore I am confident not just yesterday but everyday they will be making sure both him and his father are not just walking but enjoying their trek. Just wait until you hear the stories they will tell when they get back home.
Hi Gail
Thanks for the update – you were up nice and early! This is Jane, Sam's mum. So glad to hear that they are progressing well and have had the chance to interact with some other trekkers, and that Sam will be made a fuss of, especially since it was his birthday (certainly unlike any birthday he'd ever had before!) We're all really looking forward to hearing all about their adventures.
Hi Gail,
Thanks for the update, sounds like they are doing really well and it's a bonus to catch up with another trekking group. For us at home it is half way before we see our loved ones, hear their stories and I know Simon is writing in a diary every day which is great, we won't miss a thing!
Please pass on a message to Simon that I am missing him a lot but also in awe of his efforts, with all my love.
To Sam, I am sending him the biggest hug, tell him I am very proud of him and when he has finished I promise never ever to pick on him when we work out in the Gym next time!!
Karen XX XX
4th July: Hi everyone, yes Brett I remember you well, how could I forget someone who thought of the locals and helped give some of them running water that did not have to be carried from the creek.
I have not heard from the track today as yet, but I know they will have a big day as they have to reach Alola Village wherever possible. After walking Kokoda, yes you had best not pick on him at the gym coz he will be doing it tough out there and will soon walk out off the track!
I do not know if he is quiet in nature, or if he was a little nervous, as he did not have much to say. Dad however, seemed relaxed and talkative and nothing appeared to be bothering him when I dropped him off at Owers' Corner.
Do not forget, they are walking with my own son and I am a mother too…haha…so also look forward to the updates. Today they will be down low until they climb up to Alola and its always harder to get messages out.
Thanks Gail, for yet another update…. and deleting my repeated entries, bit embarrassed about that!
Sam is quiet by nature and a wonderful, talented individual. Always thoughtful to others needs…. I think he is very special, and I will never stir him up at the Gym again, I will even let him train me!!
I am extremely proud of the Boys, relieved that they have almost reached the end of their journey, probably tired (exhausted) and a little sore in more than one spot but feeling enormously triumphant!!
I am really looking forward to their homecoming….. can't wait!
Update 5th July 3:30pm: Excellent News, AS CONGRATULATIONS is in order as this trek just walked off the trail into our base Orohaven Kokoda Retreat today. They are one day ahead of schedule so must be really proud of themselves.
I heard a few minutes ago that Sam has placed an order for a pizza just for himself! so must be feeling really hungry or dying for a PIZZA!!!
HI Gail PLease pass on the following message to Sam and Simon. – Congratulations on your achievement. You can be proud of what you have done and those memories will be with you for the rest of your life. Look forward to hearing from Sam when you get home to hear your stories of the trek! Cheers, Brett de Chastel
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