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A very special trek commenced today when five trekkers flew into Popondetta and went by road up to Kokoda. On arrival at Girua airport, they were met by their guide Wayne Urina Tihimi and Sione Orosambo along with Henry Bauba who provided the transport. Why is this trek so special? Its to do with Helen Hanson an ex trekker who walked with us last year with some of her close friends. Helen enjoyed the experience so much that today she returned with her hubby Stuart; sons, Jonathan & Nathan and her sister Tracey Fox. Earlier this year the family invited 4 porters to spend time with them in Melbourne such was her bond with the boys who walked with her on the track.
The Hanson family flew up from Melbourne where I met up them at Brisbane International airport and took the photograph below seconds before they went through to the customs area. Husband Stuart & the boys did not know a surprise awaited them on their flight to PNG. When they went to board their flight, sitting in one of the seats was Helen's sister Tracey so a family reunion and the excitement had began.
On this trek there was also two other trekkers a mother & son. After I started my drive home, I was contacted by Nathan to say the mother had picked up the wrong passport – an old one not her new one and could not board her flight to PNG. Her 18 year old son went ahead on the flight leaving his mother behind who flew into PNG today. Later, I spoke with Helen in Port Moresby and explained the situation, and soon her motherly instinct kicked in. The group teamed up and went to the Royal Papua Yacht Club for dinner last night and Helen informed me today that they really enjoyed their meal.
This morning they were up bright and early for their flight to Popondetta and the son from the other trek got to sleep in as their trek had to be changed around and now commenced today from Owers' Corner direction instead.
After their arrival in Popondetta as Stuart is interested in the war history a decision was made to take them to a village where there is a lot of old war wreckage. On their arrival, they were greeted in true Oro Province style and tasted the juice of a coconut and other refreshments on offer. They were clearly touched by the experience.
Later in Kokoda, our Saga boys & some others walking on this trek had their own traditional welcome organised with a late lunch. This family took with them to PNG 100kg of excess baggage re donated items from family & friends to hand out to the porters families. They paid extra in Melbourne and again today to get it to Kokoda. I know this trek will be one the boys will remember for quite some time and hopefully this Melbourne family will go home with many fond memories of their PNG Kokoda experience.
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IMGP4610 640×480.JPGTrekkers got away to an early start this morning in Kokoda. After looking around the Kokoda Station, they headed on their way to their destination point of Isurava Memorial.
I heard from Deniki and again at Isurava Village at 3:53 that they had 45 minutes to go on the track to reach Isurava Battlefield where they are spending the night. Jonathan & Nathan are going great guns but Stuart did it tough earlier on today and Helen at the tail end but no problems whatsoever and all trekkers and porters are doing just fine.
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Isuravaa.jpgHello Stuart, Helen and Jonathan,
today we found details of your trek online. We loved the photos posted.
Hope you haven't encountered too many leeches.
Today is Stephanie Alexander Garden for Grade 5's at Apollo Bay.
Sorry you're missing that but I guess you are in a much bigger gardn of eden!
Have fun
Grade 5/6W
Apollo Bay P-12 College.
Wayne just call via sat phone to say they are now at Templeton's Crossing. Stuart is up and away it seems and still going strong along with the two boy. Helen was last into camp but experiencing no problems, perhaps this time round taking it slower and enjoying the scenery.
Tomorrow they are planning on heading to Efogi and will meet up with the other trekkers walking in the opposite direction, well that is the plan according to Wayne. All our treks are not set in concrete however, and depending on how the trekkers are coping, the guide has the right to pull up wherever he wants as the main aim is to get them all to Owers' Corner. Picture them today as crossed this cane bridge situated at Eora Creek.
Eora Creek Cane Bridge3.jpgSounds like you are all having a great time.
Jonathan have you had any leeches yet? Seen any snakes?
Hope you took your camera to get some great photographs.
Glenda Whelan
Apollo Bay P-12 College
This trek has now reached the half way point of Efogi. Last night around 11pm I received an update from Wayne their guide. He said Helen slipped over yesterday and badly sprained her wrist. In true aussie fashion she wanted to push on.
The others went ahead and she plodded up the rear but apparently is still being Helen, laughing, telling stories to the boys Wayne, Chris and Johnsford about how Stuart and her met and so on. The boys enjoyed her company and got her into Efogi.
As for the others, no problems whatsoever. Wayne suggested they stop at Naduri and play catch up today but Helen thought the others might worry so being the 'mum' wanted to reach Efogi and be with her family.
Naduri Village.jpgA short time ago Wayne called in to say they have now reached Agulogo. Tonight they are resting by a river in peaceful surroundings. It seems Helen is still toughing it out harder than the others but is determined to finish. The family as a whole are doing quite well and enjoying the company of our boys and Sione's music.
IMGP3467 640×480.JPGTrekkers reached Ioribaiwa Village and had another tough day as it rained quite heavily at the Maguli Range area. Tomorrow they are heading down to Goldie River for their last night on the track.
Ioribaiwa.JPGTrekkers spent last night at Ioribaiwa Village and today have decided to make their way to the finish line at Owers' Corner and walk off the track today. Helen is still experiencing some discomfort with her injured wrist and will not doubt seek medical attention immediately she arrives in Port Moresby later this afternoon.
Picture them today walking in the opposite direction to the pic below as they head towards the finish line. Helen walked off first I believe at 5am this morning closely followed by the others in this family group.
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P1000012 640×480 640×480.JPGThe plan today was to walk off the track one day ahead of schedule but Goldie River had other ideas. Mid afternoon it decided to flash flood cutting off the group with several porters on the arch side of the river and the other group of porters on the Kokoda side of the river with the trekkers.
It is hoped by tomorrow morning the river will have gone down and they plan now to be up at Owers' Corner around 9am.
Trek 730a.JPGAs I type this trekkers are making their way off the mountain and to Bomana War Cemetery to pay their respects before heading to our base in Boroko. I spoke to Helen at McDonald's Corner and she emphasised what an adventure totally different to her last experience.
Helen said it took several boys to get her across Goldie River this morning and that she had so many stories to tell me. She raved about our boys and sounded oh so happy. Congratulations everyone, fantastic effort all round.
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