Anzac 2006

[1stTimeTrekker]

Hi there,

I have a lot of questions…hope someone can help me out?

Myself and friend are wanting to do a 9 or so day tour ending on ANZAC day 2006. I have read that the best time to do the Kokoda trail is between June and October, does this mean we will be doing this in the wet season? Is this safe?

Is there a set number of groups that would be going at ANZAC time? There is only the two of us and we are both female and would prefer to do this in a larger group of people. Do we make our own group or can you combine us in with others?
Does this company have public liability insurance?
Does the guide give commentry on war history and stuff along the way?
Can i hire a tent and bed matress from the company or is it best to bring my own?
Which is the best way to do the trek? I have read it is more historically correct to go from Kokoda to POM but it seems like it would be more of an achievment to be walking to Kokoda. Is this choice ours?
Also we would both prefer the challenge to be carrying our own packs, are we being silly?

Hope to hear from someone soon…

[Waza]

<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//biggrin.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:D” border=”0″ alt=”biggrin.gif” /> Hi 1st Time Trekker

I'm sure someone will answer all your questions soon, Gail Thomas, the Tour Operator is flat out at the moment but does work enormous hours and will probably answer you about 2:00 am one morning!

I have contacted a friend of mine who is keen to trek around ANZAC Day 2006 and she may also make contact with you.

Hope you both achieve what you want to do next year and I'll keep an eye on your inputs to the Forum, after I get back from my trek.

Regards

Waza <img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//wink.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”;)” border=”0″ alt=”wink.gif” />

[1stTimeTrekker]

Thanks for your reply Waza,

I have been awaiting some more answers to my questions, am i posting this in the wrong spot?

Also is there any updates on 2006 treks? Are they still on hold?

Cheers,
Flick

[Waza]

<img src="http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//tongue.gif&#8221; style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:P” border=”0″ alt=”tongue.gif” /> Hi Flick (the Smilie is my buggered look!)

Yes you are posting it in the correct spot, but most people are slow in responding or don't bother at all, which is a pity. I didn't actually get ONE response to my initial enquiry from the general public. Aussie and Muppie from KTL were very good though and very helpful.

I can't imagine there will be any problems with trekking in 2006 but Gail can confirm this for you.

I have spoken to my friend and she said she will make contact with you, but she may wait until I get back and give her a run-down on my Trek.

It was an awesome experience but something that is extremely difficult to prepare for, both mentally and physically. It can certainly be done, as proved by 100s of Gail's trekkers, around 150 already since about 10th April.

I will post my experiences shortly, but if you wish to contact me further, you can on my email. Whereabouts in Aus are you?

Also what is your fitness and preparation like? I know it is 11.5 months away but it will get here soon enough I promise you, I started preps in August 2004 and the last 16-10 weeks just flew by.

Keep in touch and I look forward to your reply.

Regards

Warren (Waza)

[aussie]

Hi Flick, sorry it has taken me so long to answer this but during April/early May I was flat out finding time to sleep…haha with all the treks on the go and our first priority is always the trekkers on the trail and any bookwork/web updates comes second to the safety of our trekkers. Now for your questions.

Myself and friend are wanting to do a 9 or so day tour ending on ANZAC day 2006. I have read that the best time to do the Kokoda trail is between June and October, does this mean we will be doing this in the wet season? Is this safe?
Answer: The trekking season starts in April and generally finishes in October. This year we had around 160 trekkers on the trail in one month and all seemed to have enjoyed their trek. The trekkers who left around the 16th April experienced wet days for the first couple and then it fined up. Not one of them did any damage to joints or the like. Three were airlifted off due to fatigue/exhaustion so definitely the fitter you are the better. Two males and one female.

Is there a set number of groups that would be going at ANZAC time? There is only the two of us and we are both female and would prefer to do this in a larger group of people. Do we make our own group or can you combine us in with others?
Answer: This year per above, Australians arrived in the hundreds…well 319 to be exact in one 10 day period who all left one end of the trail on or around the 15/16th April with the majority all ending and being present at the Dawn Service at Bomana War Cemetery on the 25th April.

Does this company have public liability insurance?
Answer: Yes, we do have

Does the guide give commentry on war history and stuff along the way?
Answer: Our boys do the best they possibly can but I am honest they are not walking experts as they do not even have a TV in Kokoda nor a library/access to books etc.

We suggest to our trekkers that they read up before their trek and purchase a Kokoda Trek Diary which costs $24.00 including postage. If you are well read they will soon point out any landmarks and answers to the best of their ability. You have to understand that you are trekking with a Papua New Guinean who is just so glad to have a job. These guys will do anything for their trekkers all you have to do is ask. They are descendants of the fuzzy wuzzy angels and others who lived in and around this area during the war… they are not the decendants of our diggers so what they have learnt is from their heritage not from ours. Life has not changed much out there since the war. Material assets are next to none and life it pretty tough for all of them.

We do not run military type treks but one that is full of everything. History/Adventure/Culture etc. We encourage our trekkers to walk and talk to our porters and guides and feel by the time they depart that they really do know they have walked in PNG and take home a little bit of who they are…ie the guys who helped save our soldiers…who carried our soldiers to safety….looked after them when they were hurt etc.

Even today, if you sprained an ankle etc and couldnt walk, they will make a stretcher for you and carry you to safety to where an aircraft or helicopter can go in and airlift you out. Out on the trail at the moment is a woman who sprained her ankle. Her personal porter is sticking right by her side helping her all the way.

Can i hire a tent and bed matress from the company or is it best to bring my own?
Answer: Once again, the company I am helping is not an Australian company and have only been in operation for 12 months. All the profit so far has been reinvested back into the company with the purchase of radios/accommodation for porters in Port Moresby/vehicles needed for transport of trekkers/porters&guides/backpacks etc. It will take time to purchase tents and mattresses etc but in time it is hoped we will be able to provide this. For the time being however, our trekkers have to provide their own.

Which is the best way to do the trek? I have read it is more historically correct to go from Kokoda to POM but it seems like it would be more of an achievment to be walking to Kokoda. Is this choice ours?
Answer: With the Anzac trek, I feel the best way is to walk from Ower's Corner to Kokoda as you enjoy a great finish by spending the night in Kokoda so the family of Russell Eroro (Kokoda Trekking Ltd) who I help in finding trekkers, can invite you to their home, give you a sing sing welcome and show you their Oro Province welcome and thank you for choosing to trek with them.

Russell Eroro has trekked for over 12+ years along with his brother John Derrick. They have always dreamed of their own company where before they have always worked for Australians. I can honestly say they are proud Papua New Guineans who are bending over backwards to try and give you the best service….make your walk as easy as possible so that you can take back home some great memories.

As for myself, I find trekkers for them to take out on the trail. Once you arrive and depart from Port Moresby you are in the hands of Russell's trekking company until you return back to your hotel. Last year we took more trekkers on the trail than any other company totalling 426. This year from the 16th April to now we have also taken more trekkers on the trail than any other company totalling over 150 with another 25 heading out next week in two different treks. Russell & John Derrick are continually training their guides in porters to follow in their footsteps. With close on 600 treks in total between these two brothers, I doubt any company could match that.

Also we would both prefer the challenge to be carrying our own packs, are we being silly?
Answer: If you are used to carrying a pack over terrain where you can loose your balance very easily than by all means carry. If you are 'not' used to this, enjoy your trek and add to your safety by hiring a porter. Besides most of us as Australians need help in walking across log crossings etc where these guys could walk across a single log and not fall in. Its also a matter of not holding up other trekkers by being too slow when in larger groups if you are struggling with your pack.

Have I forgotten anything? If so please let me know.

Re other dates and schedules: If you click on our schedule area you will see there are lots of treks marked OPEN TO OTHER TREKKERS. You also have the advantage of creating your own trek and asking others to join. This is how the majority of our treks commence.

cheers for now

Photograph: Sing Sing welcome at Kokoda Station for over 100 Anzac Trekkers who walked from Sogeri to Kokoda commencing on the 16th April and finishing on the 24th April:
Sing_Sing_Welcome_Anzac_2005.jpg

[Waza]

Hi Flick

Haven't heard from you for awhile, are you still travelling next year with Gail? How are your preparations coming along. I'm just preparing a disc to send to Gail with some 360 odd photos on it, taken by four of our April/May Trekkers. Must away, hope you are well.
Regards
Waza

[1stTimeTrekker]

So sorry for not replying Waza, I have broken my ankle and have not been in the office.
We are still planning on doing the trip next year, i am sure my rehab will not take that long! I hope anyway…i get the cast off in 2 weeks YEAH!!! Its been a long 3 months.
Are the tours defiantly going ahead next year, all the issues been resolved??
I think you asked were we live…we are both currently in Melbourne except i have accepted a position in Qld and as soon as i can fly i will be moving up there.
Will be back on soon…
Flick

[Malcolm]

Thanks for asking all the questions I needed to ask, as I am planning to go May/June 2006. I am in Bris/Logan area so when you get to Qld we may help each other.

[1stTimeTrekker]

Sounds good Malcom,

I have no idea where i'm going to live in Qld as yet but to begin with i will be staying with frineds in Oxenford. I have a bit of rehab to do before i can do any serious training but hopefully i should be getting into it pretty soon.

Keep in touch,
Flick

[Malcolm]

I am with Logan & Beaudesert Bushwalking Club, based sth of Bris. Oxenford close enough, so if interested when re habbed, we do a walk each Sunday, lot off track & varied difficulties. Give us a hoy.

Malcolm

[aussie]

I would like to let you all know that yes the issues that surrounded us in April/May have now been sorted out and its full steam ahead from now on.

So YES, we are taking bookings, the more the merrier!

On Monday night we met up with over 30 trekkers who had just returned from their trek and they were the happiest bunch that we could wish for.

Their porters and guides did really well and looked after them to the best of their ability and all trekkers were full of praise for them.

When they got their pay packets yesterday their spokesperson thanked Russell & I for employing them and said they were pleased their trekkers were happy with them.

Today I needed to pick up food for more treks and was surprised to listen to the guy in the front seat beside me. He started making all kinds of sighing type noises and I quickly caught on that he was one of the 'first time new boys'. In other words his first trip to the big city of Port Moresby, kinda like a country bumpkin heading off to Sydney. He was just so happy and said he never thought anyone would hire him.

So on behalf of all the unhired 1st time porters still hoping someone will hire them to trek, YES, please book through us and give more of these young men work, hope and a future for them and their families.

[Waza]

Hi Flick

Long time no hear! How is your ankle coming along? All well and healed I hope and you are running around Melbourne/Brisbane (depending on when you moved).

Are you still planning on walking the Track next year?

Give me a call sometime Flick.

Regards

Warren

[Author]

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