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We welcomed to PNG yesterday a group of students who were especially chosen as the KOKODA KIDS for 2007 based on a points system as part of the Kokoda Challenge programme – http://www.kokodachallenge.com
Earlier this year for anyone who reads our news items on a regular basis will have noticed we entered three teams in their 96 km run/walk Kokoda Challenge held in July where the more teams that enter equals more kids they can put through their programme.
As a result 12 young trekkers ranging in age from 16-17 years arrived here in PNG along with their carers Gary Scott and Samantha Aldridge who will walk the Kokoda Track with them yesterday on an Airlines of PNG flight.
Their names are as follows:
Dannielle Purdy; Tajshor Anderson; Luke Stanley; Maxine Milner; Joe Ford; Anna Hansson; Gavin McComber; Brooke Hargreaves; Elizabeth Vogel; Gareth Stevens; Blake Falkner; Carissa Staff along with carers, Gary Scott and Samantha Aldridge.
Also in the photograph is Doug Henderson – 3rd from the left in the front row. Doug retired a few years back to the Gold Coast from Sydney and happened to attend an RSL Club meeting where Charlie Lynn was a guest speaker. After the meeting he was hooked on spreading the word about KOKODA. Later he came up with the idea of creating a legacy to help young people on the Gold Coast and the rest as they say is history. This year the Kokoda Challenge event attracted around 150 teams and after talking with him yesterday a considerable amount of money was raised so lots of things planned in the future. Walking the Kokoda Trail is just part of where the money will go. Another group left yesterday for a trek around the Cairns area.
IMGP4657__Medium_.JPGShortly after they arrived on PNG soil they were at the Hevi Lift terminal area where they were weighed in for their flight to Kokoda. This avoided them the added cost of overnight accommodation in Port Moresby.
Photographs:
1. Being briefed by Doug a Hevi Lift pilot informing them about the Kokoda campaign. Doug has read quite a lot of books on Kokoda so was able to pass on some valuable information to these youngsters.
2. Another group photograph. On the right in the front row is a gentleman by the name of Peter Linnell who has volunteered as part of his holidays to come to PNG and run a first aid course for 20 of our guides and porters based in Kokoda. We thank him for his services and time as it is very much appreciated by us.
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IMGP4659__Medium_.JPGNot long after and they were all aboard their flight to Kokoda. Take a look at the photograph – do they look excited or what?
DSCN0771__Medium_.JPGSome 25-30 minutes later they touched down on Kokoda soil and a chance for three more group photographs.
1. Next to the Hevi Lift plane that flew them over to Kokoda.
2. Behind the WELCOME TO KOKODA CARVED SIGN. The words ORO ORO ORO means WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME.
3. Next to the Mural painted wall welcoming trekkers to KOKODA. In the background are oil palm trees.
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IMGP4663__Medium_.JPGPhotograph: Inside KTL 1, our truck based in Kokoda for the ride up to the Kokoda Station
IMGP4669__Medium_.JPGUpdate 16th September: Trekkers made it up to Isurava Village yesterday with Doug coming up the rear much later than the others asking for a motor bike for him and Peter….. sorry Doug no motor bike….so he just had to slug it out!
Photograph: Isurava Village
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Isurava_Village__Medium_.jpgThis morning when our guide first made contact, Doug was still in his tent but all others were starting to make a move. The photograph below shows the kind of terrain they had to walk on before reaching the Isurava Monument area:
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IMGP1834__Small_.jpgAround 8:30am this morning they walked out into the Isurava Monument Area where they all sung the PNG National Anthem and I am pretty sure if any aussies could remember our National Anthem they would have more than likely sung that as well. This is one of the most moving areas on the track with spectacular views:
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Picture_115__Medium_.jpgTrekkers then moved off towards the village of Alola where they would have their morning tea and no doubt some sample some fresh fruit sold to them by the villagers:
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Day_7_Feast_for_a_king_at_Alola_Village__Medium_.jpgThe plan then is to head down to Eora Creek where they will spend the night. They will then sleep with the roar of Eora Creek which is hard to forget for anyone who has walked the track. Before they get to the campsite however, they will have to cross over the creek and walk up a very steep climb.
To wash tonight they will have to walk back down again to the creek and for a lot of people they choose to skip their wash rather than face a down and another up…..however our KTL boys have to go down to fetch water to carry up for the trekkers and they make it look easy!
There is quite a steep up and down and a slightly easier course to choose from to get up to the campsite. I chose the easier one, but hey even that was VERY HARD!!! I also lost a gold watch on that hill so it was goodluck to whoever found it at some stage. One of our trekkers lost her diamond ring on the same hill!
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Eora_Creek_2__Small_.jpgUpdate 17th September: Everyone is doing ok and are now at Myola Junction/1900 campsite so almost to the half way point of Efogi. It should be quite cool tonight but then coming up from winter in Australia it should not prove a problem.
Tomorrow they will head up to Kagi.
All are doing really well according to their guide John Derick Eroro.
Myola_Junction_1900__Medium_.jpgHi Sam
Just want to let you know that we are all watching your progress on a daily basis and continue to be proud of you and the young people you are trekking with. The photo's are awesome and we can't wait to hear more of your trip. Waiting very impatiently for the nextr post!
Cheers
Shane
Hi Luke, We were very excited to see the photos of you all when you arrvied in PNG and can't wait to see more pictures. Hope that you are OK and we are all thinking of you and everyone that is there with you.
Take care
Luke's Mum xxx
Update 18th September:This morning trekkers left Myola Junction/1900 area and decided to go via Naduri instead of walking up to Kagi. Its an easier walk so not too sure who chose this, the guides and/or trekkers…haha
But short cut they got and an easier day on the legs and feet!
Photograph: Map of the track:
Copy_of_Owen_Stanley_Map__Medium_.jpgUpdate 18th September: As we speak trekkers are relaxing in the village of Efogi the half way point. No problems so far which is excellent news and I am sure what you all wanted to hear.
I will pass on your messages as soon as I get to talk to their guide John again, tks for posting as I am sure they will be excited to hear from home.
Photograph: Efogi Village where tonight they should get to sleep on mattresses and pillows – the wow affect when you have slept on a mat for days on end!!!
Pic 1: Efogi Guesthouse
Pic 2: The Dining Room
Pic 3: The inside of the Efogi Guesthouse
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