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Two mates, Matt Callander and Andrew O'Brien were driven out to Owers' Corner this morning for the commencement of their trek.
We decided on a later start than usual due to hearing that the road was wet and quite slippery out from Sogeri to Owers' so the plan was to pick Matt and Andrew up at 10am from the Gateway Hotel which went ahead according to plan.
Not too long afterwards they were on the way out to Bomana War Cemetery for a stop over:
John Derick Eroro not long arrived in from Kokoda drove out our trekkers to Owers' Corner. John has probably done more treks than the majority of porters and guides walking the track as he has walked for over 15 years and has more treks to his credit than he would like to admit and his knees are still standing up to the grind as he prepares again to head out on the 5th November.
A short time later and they were at Owers' Corner preparing to head down their first hill:
But not before they stopped to take a group photograph with our porters and guide Sailas Harike.
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DSCN0834__Small_.JPGHey Dadso,
You and Andy look good. We are thinking of you and now we don't have to imagine what it looks like, we can see you, It's great!!. Even Indy did her famous "whoaaaaa" when she saw you in the pictures.
Can't wait to hear about your adventures. We miss you but know you are having a great time…. Enjoy.
Love you, your three girls.
xoxoxoxoxox
Hey honey and Matty,
Hope you two fella's made it safely through Day 2 and that your having a fantastic experience so far and that your surviving without warm showers, cold beer and a nice comfy bed. This site is great, we can see what you are getting up to, we are watching you!!!
Take care of each other, stay safe and enjoy the adventure.
Miss you old mate
Nic and little mate xxx
Update 30th October: Heard from our guide today saying they spent last night at a place that goes by the name of 'Goodwater' which is approximately about two hours away from Owers' Corner.
Today when they called in they were at Ioribaiwa Village where they planned on spending their 2nd night. Tomorrow the plan is to pass through Nauro and head down and camp just before you get to Menari.
Andy is finding it tough but is battling on. By the time they hit Nauro they both should have found their mountain legs. I asked to talk with them to pass on your messages but was told they were asleep (this was mid afternoon) so will pass on first chance I get.
I will post a copy of a map so you can follow their progress.
Hello Lads
Hope you are both having a great time.
Its great being able to follow your progress, Andy's progress seems a little slower than your's Larry.
Spoke with a few mates who just returned and they said its fun and real easy.
Jessica, Brooke, Kaye and I are checking in constantly so keep up the good work.
Keep safe and dig deep for the betterment of mankind.Regards,
Concord Callander's
Hey there Boss Meri, if you get a chance could you pass this onto Matt…. thanks heaps I really appreciate it.
Hey Dadso,
Hope this message finds you safe and well and you two crazy kids are looking after yourselves on the track. How are the meals going??? Just a quick message to let you know everyone at home is fantabulous although we are all missing you…..
Madso got way too many treats for Halloween after pounding the pavement, a little different to you guys trekking but she thought of you as she went and in your honour is saving you a "Crunchie"!!!!
Just also to update you, I had the scan today, we have "one" healthy little bubba progressing beautifully.
Indy looks at your photo daily saying "Dad, dad, dad… whoaaaaa".
Love you and missing you. Enjoy and stay safe and well.
Anne, Madso and Indy
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoHi Andy,
(This is Nik Mac typying, your mum has a big smile on her face for the sheer fact that she can talk to you while your there!).
So, Mum says…..Is the walking hard? Are the mountains really high? You breathing okay? Taking your blood pressure pills? (she is laughing)….and are you keeping away from the snakes? Eating well (more laughing), sleeping well? Still breathing?
Sounds like a lot of fun or should I say hard work?! Continue to enjoy yourself and come home safe.
Love you
Mum xxx
p.s. Hats off to you Andy for attempting this, you are a machine! Love Nik Mac xx
Update 3rd November: Firstly my sincere apologies for no updates as my internet has been down and I did not get access untl this afternoon.
I have just spoken to both Matt and Andy and read out all your messages at Alola Village where they are spending the night. They are having a great time and said they love you all and YES to all Mum's questions!
Photograph: Alola Village
100_0338__Small_.jpgTomorrow they will walk into Isurava Monument area and then on down to Kovelo where they will spend the night:
Isurava_2__Medium___Small_.jpgHi Dadso,
I just wanted to say I am missing you on my birthday but I know you are having a good time with Andy on the trek. I hope you didn't have to walk too much today, it should be a relaxing day…. Mum and I had bacon and eggs for breakfast and Paul's for lunch, it is not as much fun without you. It is great to get updates from you. We love you and miss you lots, Indy is missing you lots too.
Your no. 1 daughter Madso
xoxoxoxoxoEditor's Note: Madso, sorry my internet was playing up so could not post a message. Your dad did remember YOUR BIRTHDAY and I was supposed to post a HAPPY BIRTHDAY MESSAGE to you from him but couldnt due to not being able to log on.
Update 6th November: After leaving Isurava trekkers headed down to the village of Kovelo where they spent the night as guests of Rod Ori's family
Pic 1: the area where you walk off the trail and head into Kovelo
Pic 2: same as above
Pic 3: Kovelo school
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Kovello_School__Medium_.jpgCongratulations: After leaving Kovelo they had a short walk down to Kokoda Station where they had a look around before heading down to spend the night as guests of Russell Eroro's family and the completion of their trek.
I spoke to them yesterday on the sat phone and they seemed very happy.
Pic 1: Welcome to KOKODA traditional carved sign
Pic 2: Monument Area in Kokoda
Pic 3: Russell Eroro's Family Block
Pic 4: The creek where they would have had their last wash and a relaxing afternoon
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Picture_095__Medium_.jpgThis morning they were up bright and early to travel down to Popondetta to catch the flight in this afternoon. They would travel in our truck commonly referred to as KTL 1:
KTL_1__Small_.jpegOn behalf of Management and Staff, many thanks for coming to PNG and walking with our KTL guide and porters.
It was great having you here to trek with us; our boys loved walking with you and you both did really well giving us no problems with regards to airlifts off the track etc.
Congratulations once again for successfully completing your trek.
take care
Gail, Russell and the gang at Kokoda Trekking
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