HI Stewart,

From my recollection this issue has been raised a few times before in this forum. Assuming you are tekking with KTL or another authorised operator, from my own experience in August last, I do question the need to bother with taking your own gas cylinders. Your porters will provide you with all the hot water you need at normal meal times. My only queries would be, do you really need a coffee/tea break mid morning/afternoon, or is there another need you have not specified? Far better to use available space in your pack for a powder supply of Powerade/Gatorade or like sports drink.
Again, my experience tells me from the limited time I spent in Port Moresby, I doubt there is any availability to purchase gas cylinders there. Perhaps others mybe able to clarify
Cheers, Geoff Hardie

Hi Stewart,
I well appreciate the many possible reasons why you may have chosen not to use the services of an authorised and experienced tour operator.
Trekking Kokoda is nothing like any Hikes you may have done in Australia or elsewhere and no experience in Aus. will prepare you for the cultural issues you will experience in PNG.
In this regard the following posts on this forum under General Discussions by Nettie (39th Decendant) are essential reading. As direct descendents of 39th Battalion, "A" Company diggers,Nettie and I walked the Track together with our respective sons in August last. Nettie has extensive experience of PNG cultures, having lived in PNG for many years.
ESSENTIAL READING,
30/1/2008, "Too risky or Possible?"
2/5/2008, " Hiring own Porter"
I would highly recommend that you you rethink you trekking plans and seriously consider using the services of an experienced guide through a authorised operator such as KTL . Your welfare is well worth the extra cost.
Cheers,
Geoff Hardie.

Stewart,

Your plans are now perfectly clear to me. Had this detail been known from the beginining I would not have wasted my time, other than to pass on the info re purchase of gas canisters in Port Moresby Perhaps I made too many assumptions, my mistake. I am sure your crossing will go well.
I have no connection with KTL or any other tour company and all users of this forum will, I am sure, be insulted by your incorrect assumptions. I believe all contributors to this forum are at all times, interested in the safety and well being of all trekkers preparing for Kokoda without pushing the commercial interests of the tour companies.

Geoff Hardie

oops sorry Stewart, that didn't read as it should, am no way suggesting that you or your friends are idiots for wanting to undertake the trek on your own, I was just relaying a conversation between two brothers, one who is in the defense force and one who had done the track. again I would be really interested in hearing how your trek went, the only people who post on here after they have done the track are ones who have travelled with a trekking company, I can't remember hearing from those who have undertaken it on their own and I would really be interested in your thoughts after you come back. Just to add to my prior warnings, make sure you alert someone in Moresby when you are going, not the hotel staff, if you don't return when you should I doubt they will raise the alarm, more likely shrug their shoulders and think you have stayed elsewhere or have just gone back to Oz. '
Nettie

G'day
Just a thoght i had, I believe that the land is owned by
the local villagers and each time you camp a fee must
be paid. This is arranged by the trekking companies
and paid for as part of the package. Maybe some one
can tell me if i am correct. I think you should
keep this in mind if you are walking alone, would not
be good to offend the locals.
cheers mike