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On the 9th September I gave Pam Usher from Brisbane the choice to fly direct into Kokoda on a medivac pickup or to flyinto Popondetta and travel by road to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. Pam chose to fly later in the morning at 9:20 to Popondetta.
As the day went by I wondered if Pam would have changed her mind in hindsight, as the flight was delayed due to a technical problem on the Dash 8 which saw it in the hangar and the flight delayed to around midday.
This meant Pam did not arrive in Kokoda until around 6pm last night. However, when I spoke to her in Kokoda she was still on a high and laughing away as she talked about her experiences of the day.
After a night at our base, Orohaven Kokoda Retreat, Pam commenced her walk about 7am this morning with her guide Kingsley Boropi, porter Garni Bore. Along as food porters are Clive and Arnold.
Photographs:
Pam just after I dropped her at the airport yesterday along with a photograph of Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
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P1060051__640x480_.JPGLater in the afternoon Kingsley phoned up and I got to speak with Pam somewhere around the Deniki area. She was joking away and see the boys were really looking after her and that she was going well. I joked back that she had not hit what the boys call 'test' mountain as yet and that she would soon walk up her first big hill. Up until then she said there was just a few ups and downs…not long after that she would have had to dig deep to complete her first day's walk to Isurava Village.
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P1060060__640x480_.JPGSorry have not heard from the track but I am sure they are all ok otherwise they would have contacted us. I will post something the first time I receive a sat phone call. At the moment they are down fairly low and once they start to climb it will be easier to get messages out.
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P1060064__640x480_.JPGUpdate 13th Sept: Kingsley called up today from Brigade Hill to say they had difficulties getting through before. He said the first night as planned was at Isurava followed by Eora Creek on the second night.
Yesterday they walked from Eora Creek to Naduri Village so today passed through Efogi the half way point. Tonight they plan on being at Menari.
He said Pam and all the team were ok and doing just fine.
Kokoda_Map.jpgGood work Pam – seems as though you are doing well.
Kerrie and Gemma, Sheryl and Brian, Lib and Dean and Kathy and TC wish you well.
Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday at Owers Corner at your finish.
All my love TomTalked to Kingsley again tonight and he said they arrived at Menari around 2:30pm this afternoon and were just relaxing and looking forward to their walk tomorrow.
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P1060075__640x480_.JPG15th September: We heard from the track a couple of times today. Turns out the group will be overnighting at Goodwater and will be up the top at Owers' Corner around 8am tomorrow morning. The aim was for Goldie River but it rained heavy so they decided to stop at Goodwater for the night.
Pam asked for her hubby to buy on her behalf a carton of beer so she must be feeling pretty proud of herself and or a big thank you to the boys for all their help in getting her to the finish line.
Anyway no doubt we will hear all about it tomorrow after we collect her and our staff from the finish line!
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P1060094__640x480_.JPGWell done Pam and your support team!! Catch up with your adventurous news soon!
We have accepted a good offer on the house – waiting on the cooling down period – if all goes to plan the settlement will be on the 5th November. Love Judy and Paul x
17th September:Yesterday was PNG's Independence Day so lots happening around Port Moresby. At 7am I collected Tom from the Holiday Inn and out we drove to Owers' Corner to pick up Pam and our KTL boys.
We timed it beautifully as we were down the bottom near the archway when we saw two of our staff standing by waiting for Pam and two other staff to climb the last hill to the top.
When we caught sight of Pam, she could not wipe the smile off her face and was just so excited. I had told Tom on the way out that she will want to talk for ages about her trip so pre-warned him.
On the way back into Port Moresby I could feel how happy she was as we both heard story after story of what happened on the track.
When we were off the snake road as it is commonly called, we took some time out to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Port Moresby and the orchid garden. This was a success and Tom and Pam got to meet the founder of this area and heard all about future developments.
A few minutes further down the road we stopped off at the Bomana War Cemetery before heading back into town.
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P1060164__640x480_.JPGTom mentioned he loved some of the photographs he has seen on this website so I thought I would post another one which was taken on Pam's trek.
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P1060101__640x480_.JPGHow about these photographs of Pam, does she look like she is enjoying herself or what?
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P1060150__640x480_.JPGI have just uploaded all photographs taken on to FACEBOOK. You can access by clicking on the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2919…id=374403025970
You can then either tag and send off to friends or right click 'save as' if you want a copy for yourself.
IMGP2573__640x480_.JPGHi Pam We are so proud of you. Pleased you have arrived saftely. Have a beer for us.
All our love Sheryl Brian
Hi everyoneTom & I have just got back to Brisbane (21/9) after an amazing holiday. I have also read the Forum and now know what my family was seeing. Thank you so much everyone for your congratulations …. I wish you could have all come with me.
The Trek was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am still talking about all the little adventures, laughs and new experiences.
I particular thank Clive who was my personal porter, carrying my 15 Kgm pack. I followed him every step of the way with occasional assistance from Garni, one of the Food Porters. Where Clive stepped, so did I. He never left my safety to chance. He also makes everyone laugh.
Kingsley my Guide, made me feel very confident that he had everything under control. He always had Plan A, B and sometimes C which was necessary in such a rugged area, and when the weather can change quickly. The last night on the Track we stopped for afternoon tea – billy being boiled by Arnold, one of the Food Porters. While we were sitting there, down came the rain so Kingsley said we would sleep there.
It was fantastic to see Tom waiting for me at Ower's Corner. I was quite emotional. I wanted to ensure he could share my experiences so made sure I kept a detailed diary.
After completing the Trek, Tom & I flew up to the Goroka Show where almost 50 'Sing Sing' groups from the Highlands joined and did their performances. The colours of the head-dresses and other part of their traditional wear was a sight to be seen. It was a great finale following the Trek experience.
For anyone who is mildly thinking of walking the Track, I would highly recommend it…and use Kokoda Trekking as the company of choice.
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