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Yesterday, Sunday 5th saw our first group of trekkers for this month (September) fly out to Kokoda. Well, it is not only been our first this month but this group is on a mission – 6 days and 5 five nights 'fast trek' – due back in Port Moresby this coming Friday. It is predominately a HASH HASH Group….ON ON ON
The trekkers ( 13 of them) arrived on Saturday and booked in at separate hotels in Port Moresby for the night before catching their flight next morning. Eight stayed at the Lamana Hotel in Waigani Drive. Two stayed at the Holiday Inn. Another two stayed at the Gateway Hotel and one other on his Yacht moored at the Royal Papua Yacht Club.
The trekkers included, Peter Holles, Micheal Holles, Andrew Holles, Richard holles, Evan Wham Ken Bunny, Donald Griffin, Patricia Griffin, Brett Bell, Christopher Schroor, Scott Hay, Dee Biggins, Sean Clifford.
Peter Holles and his group at the Gateway Hotel Swimming Pool area:
Front Row: Patricia & Don Griffin & Peter Holles (Trek Leader)
Middle Row: Richard Holles, Evan Wham, Ken Bunny & Dee Biggins
Back Row: Sean Clifford, Peter & Michael Holles & Scott HayAbsent: Brett Bell & Christopher Schroor who left shortly before this photograph was taken.
Picture_001.jpgWhile it may seem like the usual story to everyone – this is actually a mixed trip/trek – it is a group on a mission and we have some very interesting people within the group and their stories are worth telling.
Among the trekkers is a couple, Donald and Patricia Griffin from Australia who both run an interesting website which features marathons done in commemoration of the fallen heroes of WWII.
The couple have been heavily involved in the marathons – especially what they called "Lest We Forget" runS – which are held on the first Sunday after ANZAC Day each year. Its an 8km or 5 mile run/walk in honour of one of relatives or friends and have their names listed on the Lest We Forget Hall of Fame.
The founder of the Lest We Forget Run concept, Don Griffin, also the CEO of River City Events (RCE) ran his first Comrades Marathon (87.3km) in South Africa in 1998. In 2000 Trish (Patricia) Griffin (wife) ran with Don and they enjoyed the concept of the event so much they decided to organise a similar event in Australia.
The first Lest We Forget Run was held in April 2001. It started at Surfers Paradise and finished at South Bank Brisbane (84.4km) with all runners completing the distance in honour of a serviceman, friend or relative.
Since 2002, with the support of Athletics Australia (AA) and the Returned Services League (RSL), the Lest We Forget Foundation has organised a series of 8km runs throughout Australia on the first Sunday after Anzac Day.
Donations kindly received will be used for welfare related activities and charities nominated by the RSL.
It is worthy of note, that Patricia has run more than 20 marathons in her lifetime.
The Hall of Fame on their website contains details of those persons so honoured. To visit the website CLICK HERE
Picture_003.jpgScott Hay is one of those that has a strong connection to the Oro Province because of his Uncle who fought in the area during WWII. Scott is here to trek in his memory who was killed in the Popondetta region.
His father requested him to shout for the soul of his dead uncle when he gets to the highest Mountain (Mt Bellamy) on the trail and bring him back home. Scott said it would be the highlight of his walk if he could do this for his father. He went onto say that his father worshipped his Uncle and that he was quite emotional when he heard his son was heading for the Kokoda Trail and told him to bring him home.
Also with the group is Sean Clifford who is on an 'Around the World' trip on his yatch with his girlfriend Karen. Sean arrived in Port Moresby in yacht on Friday night right on schedule. Karen who apparently suffered quite badly from sea sickness is staying on the Yacht waiting for Sean's return from the trail which has always been something he wanted to do.
After his trek they will continue on their journey heading for Indonesia.
All on board the back of a Toyota Hilux – PNG Style – trekkers heading back to the Lamana Hotel following their briefing at the Gateway Hotel
Picture_004.jpgTrek Update 8th September: Have spoken to their guide Eric Uwea tonight and he says all trekkers are ok and on schedule and that they have camped at Templeton's Crossing 2.
They will be back on schedule Friday morning around 10am at Ower's Corner and Bomana by midday.
All the following trekkers made it back home and celebrated tonight at the Lamana Hotel in Waigani where the majority of the trekkers were staying.
Congratulations guys/gals on completing your trek and becoming part of our elite who completed the FAST TREK:
Peter Holles; Micheal Holles; Andrew Holles; Evan Wham; Ken Bunny; Donald Griffin; Patricia Griffin; Brett Bell; Christopher Schroor; Scott Hay; Dee Biggins & Sean Clifford
All trekkers seen here with their porters and guides at Ower's Corner, 10th September, 2004:
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