Before I walked the Kokoda Trail I thought I had heard it all from our many trekkers that gave me advice but I had to find out the hard way myself.

My recommendations and what I would do all over again:

1. Hire a personal porter to carry my pack
2. I did not suffer from any cramps whatsoever, so I would continue to make up and drink everyday Gastrolyte to combat dehydration problems.
3. Carry with me and take when necessary STOPPAIN Analgesics & Anti Inflammatory tablets.
4. Wear Ankle Bandage as protection. I walked one day without them on and I know it I felt more secure when I was wearing them. These are available like knee guards from your local chemists. Be sure to get your correct size as they come in S, M, L – initially I came home with the wrong size and had to go back and change them. I carried knee guards but didnt end up wearing them.
5. Take along a pair of sandles for any river crossings.
6. Purchase good quality boots and wear them in more than I had the chance to wear mine. I slipped onto my bottom on 13 occasions and was informed that they were not worn in enough.
7. Clothing: I took too much. One thing you dont realise until you trek is that anything and everything in your pack ends up damp whether you wear it or not. To trek again I would probably cut down to 3 tops and 2 trousers and 1 knee length shorts with splits to allow for movement. 4 pairs of socks, 1 lap lap and 1 pair of swimmers and underwear.
8. Head Torch as this came in very handy for the early morning starts.
9. Camera: I took along a digital and normal camera. The digital did not take that many as I had it set on a high resolution. With my camera I took 3 rolls of film but ran out at Efogi. To trek again I would take more rolls of film as they are light to carry and I was quite frustrated that I had run out. In my case more film was carried in by our guys coming up to welcome us home and I was able to top up again at Alola but better to be prepared and not end up like I did.
10. Listen to your porter and guide and do everything they ask of you. These guys really know the trail and I was a good student.
11. Purchase thick good quality socks.
12. Wear an insert inside my boot to help protect my feet. When I first started walking around the streets of Port Moresby my feet felt like they were sore and could get blisters. I purchased some inserts and did not feel the problem again.
13. Stop heaps of times to catch my breath. I was encouraged not to keep up with Bev but to walk at my own speed. This worked for me.
14. Because I am a chocolate-a-holic at the best of times, I also took along lots of energy type food to munch on. Perhaps this was a mental thing but I felt it helped me.
15. Relax completely in all overnights and try and get as much rest as possible.
16. Ask for help again when I needed it or when I felt I was struggling – in other words do not be too proud to ask or accept help when it is offered. Like I can remember arriving at Menari and I still felt ok. An hour or so later, I didnt feel like doing 'anything'. My porter laid everything out and I didnt even feel guilty as I knew I was absolutely spent and my body needed to recover. It worked well and the next morning I woke up and felt great.
17. Mix & mingle with the guides and porters. I shall never forget them singing everyday and night. I shall never forget their uke'ule's playing louder and louder as I got closer to a point where they would be stopped waiting for us. In was an inspiration to reach a certain point and the memory of the music will stay with me forever.
18. Because Bev & I made them feel special, in return they extended their friendship and we ended up a close knit group. We often remarked, how it was like being on a picnic because despite the terrain, they made it seem easy for us with their encouragement & help along the way.
19. I would let them do anything they would like for me. Some could argue that its kinda lazy sitting back and watching them erect my tent. However, I disagree, as the look on their faces while doing these tasks showed me they were just so happy that I accepted what they were trying to do for me that it helped us all bond together for a great experience. Besides they have done it so many times before that there was very little frustration and everything was done in a timely fashion especially when it was close to raining.
20. Wear a hat like the one I wore in my photographs. I found it great as it kept the sun off my face and did not bother me at all.
21. I personally would not wear gaitors again but long trousers instead as I found they annoyed me and gave me rashes from where they were rubbing.
22. My walking sticks x 2 were the best thing I have ever purchased.
23. I purchased a pair of gloves with the fingers cut out as my hands would blister easy re walking sticks due to working in an office. These proved invaluable and a must.
24. Luckily I took along a belt because towards the end I needed one as I lost some weight and had to use it to hold up my trousers.
25. Have a medical before trekking to see if I needed to do anything prior to my trek. We already recommend this anyway but still some trekkers email and ask if it is necessary.
26. Drink plenty of water – for me I drank heaps but then I love water anyway so this was a joy. Both Bev and I also drank bottles made up of Sustain and another drink I will find the name of and print here. Bev made these up every morning.
27. I carrried a small towel attached to the outside of my daypack and I used this often to wipe the perspiration off my brow. This towel was always soaked in every creek so it felt refreshing for me everytime I used it.
28. Attach your camera to where you can access without having to get your backpack off your back otherwise most photo chances you will miss simply because you cant be bothered. I carried mine attached to my strap at the front and it worked really well.
29. Take along something to read that is not too heavy while you are relaxing.
30. Cut my toenails short as was recommended to me by Russell coz he has seen plenty of black toenails during his trekking life.
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