Thanks for your quick replies Brian and Geoff. This is really frustrating me – the boots (leather scarpa) have been absolutely fine just wearing for everyday use the past couple of months. It's only now i've started hiking with my backpack that I'm experiencing the problem. The blisters are also preventing me from running – my other great passion…[Read more]

Hi LornaI agree 100% with Geoff fortunately I do not normally suffer with a blister problem but on the very last day of my trek I guess having wet socks on I did get one blister even though my feet are very used to wearing boots.When I buy a new pair of boots I wear them where ever possible shopping, work and even out at nights for at least 2-3…[Read more]

Hi Lorna,Assuming you still have a few months before you trek, I would strongly advise you ease off with the walking and wait until your blisters are completely healed. Use time to build up your heart/ lung fitness by e.g.swimming and/ or exercise bike / rowing ergo. Good cardio fitness is just as important for Kokoda as "miles in your…[Read more]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Thommo, Cairns is mainly a holiday but I'm thinking it would be good to do a walk at some stage while I'm there. Do you know of any that are good that I will be able to get to without a car (i.e. by bus or something)?Thanks again

Hi Kerryn,I live in Cairns, and we did the treck in September last year from Kokoda to Owers Cnr. July in Cairns is not very hot or humid compared with October to March, but will still be a big change from Melbourne. Are you coming up to do any training in this area or just for relaxation? If you want any info on walks in this area will be happy…[Read more]

HiWell we all returned to Brisbane today after a really wonderful time with Wallace at the Country Music Festival with part of our enjoyment being with Wallace whilst he saw and experienced things for the first time in his life.We would normally drive straight up the highway to Brisbane about an 8 hour trip but on reaching Tenterfield we decided…[Read more]

Hi Kerryn, I too prepared in the hills east of Melbourne at Powelltown and Warburton for our crossing in late August 2007. Our last training walk a week beforehand up Mt Donna Buang was in fact in snow. I also do not enjoy humidity and I did have a bad reaction whilst spending three days in Popondetta before commencing our crossing from Kokoda.…[Read more]

Hi Kerryn,I trekked in September/October and trained through an Adelaide winter. Did all my training in a long sleeved sweatshirt, fleece & tracksuit, even at the gym (attracted many a strange look). The layers of sweaty clothing definitely helped with acclimatising to the heat and humidity.Cheers Ian

Hi Brian,Thanks for the reply, will take your comments on board and have a look at them.Colin

HiI purchased a cheap pair of Crocks from KMart with the idea of throwing them away at the end of the trek they served the purpose well and I am still wearing them around the yard. Saw them there the other day still $12.95 whilst others elsewhere were 3 times that price but looked the same and same quality to me.Brian

Hi Tom, That sounds fantastic. I have a feeling that I may have to work that day but would love to meet up if not on the 1st- then when you next go. antheawager@hotmail.comAnthea

Wallace is still having a real exciting time seeing and hearing many things for the first time in his life.We were able to get virtually the last tickets for the Rodeo tonight, Saturdays were already sold out, and whilst Maureen attends another function I am taking wallace there for his first every Rodeo.Tomorrow morning we have the Festival…[Read more]

Hi Anthea,I'm part of a group trekking Kokoda in July. We regularly do training walks in the Blue Mountains, with the next one on Sunday February 1st. You are welcome to join us. We will be walking down Pearces Pass to the Blue Gum Forest then back with a possible jaunt up and down Perrys Lookdown. Tom.

QUOTE(Anthea @ 11 Jan 2009, 06:37 PM) [snapback]8995[/snapback]Just an update, i have booked in at the hideaway hotel for the nights of 15, 16th april and 25th. The room includes breaky and airport transfers.Hi Gail,Re: the guy who called looking for share accom- yes I'm still interested although I realise its a late response so he may have…[Read more]

Hi Tegs,Sorry for the late reply- I didnt realise there was responses to my post. Hideaway Hotel quoted me K285/night. which seems a bit more that the $$ Gail indicated but is about 1/2 to 1/3 the price of everywhere else I inquired. Look forward to meeting you in a couple of months! (Are you in syd?? and interested in going for some walks? I'm…[Read more]

HiWell we are all having a ball at Tamworth particularly Wallace as we have been attending many shows here. Wallace was invited to sing with the Davidson Brothers Australia's leading blue grass band but declined as it was too much for him. But when my mate Graham Rodger and his wife Dierdre asked him to come on their show he did and whilst very…[Read more]

Spoke to Wallace and Brian and seems they are really enjoying Tamworth! Wallace said in the beginning he did not have the courage to get up on stage but yesterday he ended up singing two songs.Afterwards he mentioned that people were coming up to him and saying how they appreciated what the PNG people did for our diggers during the war and what…[Read more]

A member of our group in August 2007 also lost the sole of one boot within two days of commencing the Track. Problem was overcome in the main with grey duct tape. His boots were a quality brand . The major problem was that they had been unused for 10 years beforehand, left in a back shed without proper leather conditioner protection. The other…[Read more]

My daughter and I walked in September last year, each with a high quality boot. The sole fell off hers on the first day! She walked the entire trip with the soles taped on!The best advise for boots is to make sure you water proof them several times before you go. They get waterlogged from constantly wet clay, and water will eventually seep in.…[Read more]