Trek 429 3rd-11th August 2008

I am a 55 year old female, soon turning 56. For me walking the Kokoda Track was the most fun I've had with my boots on. We were very lucky to have an entirely rain-free trek, which I have to assume made a big difference as our guide, John, said we were fast.

I trained for 18 months before my trek (in the beginning I couldn't walk up a hill), and expected difficult challenges every day. I was very pleasantly surprised that most of the trek was no harder than my usual Sunday outings with the local bushwalking club. There are only four ridges that stick in my memory as pretty testing, the worst being Imita Ridge where I thought I would probably die! However I didn't die, and felt great when I finally reached the top and was still breathing!

Our group would easily have completed the trek in seven days, however we pulled up at Goldie River on day seven at midday and had the afternoon off. That was great as we had a chance to do some washing and even catch a Nanny Nap. On the morning of day eight we just had a 30-40 minute climb up to Ower's Corner. Once we caught sight of the rising sun emblem on top of the archway, we three women broke into a sprint, followed by the men. We all ran up the rest of the hill and through the archway, so that proves the Track certainly didn't beat us.

I think the greatest complement I received was when a 29 year old trekker in our group told me I was doing really well, and "not doing it any tougher than anyone else".

I think age is irrelevant. If you are fit then you will really enjoy your trek. If you do not do the required training, then, like many we passed along the way, you may really struggle. The main thing is to walk up lots of hills, the bigger and steeper the better. In Rockhampton we have a steep track up Mt Archer used by trail bike riders, and this proved to be the perfect training ground. It is a two hour climb to the top, and similar to many climbs along the Track.

At the drop of a hat I would do the trek again. The KTL boys were wonderful and I believe they went above and beyond the call of duty. An example of this is that one of the food porters cleaned my gaiters for me – I didn't ask him to, and there is no way he had to do this. He is just a great guy.

So if you fit into the 55-64 age category, get out, get fit, and get trekking. You will love every minute of it (even the hard ones).
Trek_429.jpg

Greetings, I walked the track in 2007(trek 354) as a 62 year old. Even though I was dissapointed with some aspects of the trek, I will always remember my time on the track,& would dearly love to walk it again.

I think it stays with you for life. The second days hike was beauty, we started from dump 66, climbed both Imita and Ioribaiwa ridges, to camp at Ofi creek. What a turkey of a day…I cramped for hours & had to stand in the creek for relief. Boy,was I worried about whether I could survive the Maguli range next day, but survive I did. An experience of a lifetime
Graeme
Track_Pic_2.jpg

They had Kingsley on their team? Wow. What an honour

Love reading all these testimonials!

fluppy

Hello Gail

Well it has been a few years since my Trek and ever since you created this segment of your magnificent website, I've always wanted to provide a Testimonial for you, Russell, your Staff and your Company KTL – Kokoda Trekking Limited, but really wanted to do it justice and thought, I must compose something first and then go away and forget to do it.

So it is time to finally provide that Testimonial and tell people what a wonderful life changing event this is, but perhaps more importantly it was you Gail and the spirit of caring and thoughtfullness that you and Russell have generated within your Company, through your Office Staff, through your Guides and through your Porters, that enabled me to fulfill a life-long ambition to walk the famous Kokoda Track.

An ambition that perhaps started when my Father showed me and promised me his Medals from the Second World War. Dad lived in Moresby before "B4" the War and was a Member of ANGAU throughout WWII and whilst never actually on the Kokoda Track, spent a fair bit of time on the Bulldog Track, further to the West of Kokoda, something I didn't know until after his Funeral in Moresby in 1977, at the Ela Beach RSL, where he had been President and a Life Member, a number of locals approached me to discuss their time with Taubada Fred on the Bulldog. I wish I could have had more time to spend with them to talk about that time in their lives.

My early life always seemed to have been associated with the RSL Club, ANZAC Day and various other activities and this involvement was the catalyst for my Trek.

Since my early telephone call with you in 2004, I felt that you were going to be the best person to be involved with in making this pilgrimage. The planning, the recepton at Jackson's, the lead-up, the preparation and the organisation were superb Gail and I thank you for that.

Right from day 1, the professionalism and guidance from Justus, our Guide was excellent, we could not have asked for more and should I ever walk Kokoda again, I shall be asking for Justus to again Guide and look after us. His understanding and organisation of all the Personal and Food Porters was second to none. Thank you Justus for a wonderful 9 days.

Similarly to my young 20 year old Personal Porter, Maurice from Isurava, again I can't thank you enough for your help and assistance. Maurice anticipated my every need, not that I had many, but he was always there, I did slip once in a river where the water cascaded over rocks to a bit of a drop and his hand was on my shoulder in an instant. My Hydration Pack was slipped off and refilled every time we stopped for morning or afternoon tea. He was a wonderful asset.

Gail, many thanks for a wonderfully organised trip, it was a trip of a lifetime and yes, I am longing to come back again. I can only recommend for people to talk with Gail or her Sons, Nathan and Shane about taking the option of walking with KTL, as I know you will be well looked after and you will have a safe and enjoyable experience.

The other aspect of what Gail offers or has done is what Gail does for the people or the Oro Province, Gail & Russell of KTL have provided vehicles, mowers, accommodation and a myriad of assistance for these people, not withstanding the opportunities of getting work also.

Good luck for the future and I earnestly look forward to returning.

Warren (Waza)
Trek 83
Warren___Justice__1600x1200___800x600_.jpg
Warren_and_Maurice_Owers_Corner__1600x1200___800x600_.jpg

Hello Sally

Thank you for your comments on my Testimonial.

I did answer directly to you and gave you my work email, so we could continue with any discussions on the Bulldog Track.

I recently purchased a good book on the Bulldog and the Wau – Bulldog Road and how and when it was built. There is also another book on the Battle of Wau on ebay at the moment, which might be worth looking at.

I'll do some more research and let you know.

Gail has my contact details if you want to obtain those through her email.

My Daughter also is in Melbourne and has started training for our Trek next April.

Warm regards

Warren (Waza)