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hi thought I would put a few thoughts down since I've done it.
1. it was hard. We did in 5.5 days from Owen's Corner to Port Morsbey. Some days I was walking from 6.30 to 6. All up and all down. To prepare I did a lot of stair work. Up and down for an hour. I built it up over 6 months. If I was fair dinkum I would have spent a day or two walking up and down the stairs with a pack with a break for lunch. Train early, do a lot of stairs, build it up over time. Also go for some long walks eg all day, camp then all day.
2. get a porter unless you are a nutter. Great way to get to know the people, and it is hard enough without it.
3. Chuck our half the stuff you have packed. You don't need it. Everyone else will have it. Keep your pack light (especially if you don't have a porter).
4. Long gaiters are useless. Short ones are optional.
5. Pt Moresby is a dangerous s*ithole. If you wander out alone you will probably end up naked and penniless at best. Walk around in groups. Don't be a tourist.
6. The beer is crap (SP).
7. There are a lot of bees and wasps. I didn't expect this.
8. It is very humid. try and spend a day or so getting used to it before you start. Take a spare pair of shoelaces. Mine rotted.
9. My biggest tip is to go at your own pace. On the first day everyone goes nuts, trying to show everyone how fit they are. Forget it. Slow and steady wins this one. On my trek people went fast the first day and ended up spewing with heat exhauston at the end of it.
10. Two people were killed the week I was there. One slipped (local) and died on a rock. One got hacked to death in a fight (local). There is no law. I felt safe though so don't let this put you off.
11. Wear skins. They are lifesavers.
Generally, highly recommended. This tour mob is good, although you need to take your own physical preparation very seriously. Start a year out, and do stair work once a week for a start. Increase the number of stairs each week as "up and down" fitness is very different to say running fitness (or walking).
I can't believe I've done it now. Really pleased I did. Certainly achievable, and safe enough.
Anyway, thought I would share that with you.
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