First Time Jitters

[Kevin123]

Hi all trekkers,

I am contemplating doing the trail in September. I am looking at a 9 day, 8 night package.

My main concerns are:

1. The malaria – with medication and a good repellant/net on your tent, how high are
the risks?

2. Parasite and similar – I read a case of a lady who did the trail, and came back and
a month or so later, was infected with parasites.

3. Risk of robbery etc by machete-wielding bandits. Is this likely?

4. I was considering hiring much or the equipment I would want. e.g. Tent, sleeping bad
, self-inflating mattress. Would this be a good idea? Does anyone know if you are required to
clean these items before returning them generally?

5. I will by a good set of hiking boots if I do go though. How good is the water repellant spray
you get at camping/hiking stores?

Thankyou sincerely to any and all who can help with with any of these.

This will be my first trip out of Australia! I am 30. So it will be quite an experience for me.

Thankyou.

[Brian]

Hi Kevin

I can only reply from my personal experience as I much like you will be doing trekked in late September early October.

Question 1: The malaria – with medication and a good repellent/net on your tent, how high are the risks?

Answer: Yes correct medication that your doctor will prescribe for you along with a good quality repellent is certainly essential. When I trekked I found very few mosquitoes but this can vary from trek to trek we had a lot of rain which the "Boys" told me kept them away but if the rain stopped they would return. I slept in the tent one night, our first, to keep the mossies off but from then on did not worry. Incidentally whilst we saw very few a good repellent like "Bushman's" will help in keeping leaches off if they are about.

Question 2: Parasite and similar – I read a case of a lady who did the trail, and came back and a month or so later, was infected with parasites.

Answer: I personally am not aware of any problems in this regard I would though recommend that you do not go around in bare feet at all. I guess checking ones body when showering etc would be a good idea much like one would do here after walking through tick infected areas.

Question 3: Risk of robbery etc by machete-wielding bandits. Is this likely?

Answer: Highly unlikely although if you are trekking with a reputable company like Kokoda Trekking (KTL) for example the "Boys" are on the lookout all the time. I only carried around 100 kina in 5 kina denominations with me leaving my passport, extra cash and tickets in the safe deposit box at the Gateway Hotel to be there on my return after the trek.

Question 4: I was considering hiring much or the equipment I would want. e.g. Tent, sleeping bad, self-inflating mattress. Would this be a good idea? Does anyone know if you are required to clean these items before returning them generally?

Answer: I was going to hire but I decided to purchased mine as I will want to use it again but if I do not I feel I will recover much of the cost by eventually selling them on Ebay. Regarding cleaning I would ask at the time of hiring as incorrect method of cleaning well may damage the item I also believe that companies hiring particularly sleeping bags would have to clean them for health purposes before hiring them out again.

Question 5: I will by a good set of hiking boots if I do go though. How good is the water repellent spray you get at camping/hiking stores?

Answer: Boots, warn in, are about the most important thing you will take with you get good ones. Wear them on the plane when you go if anything else gets lost in transit you can replace it but warn in boots you cannot. I have used "Dubbin" on my leather boots for years and can recommend it to you.

Comment: Thank you sincerely to any and all who can help with with any of these.

Reply: If I or others can help or advise you in any way at all just ask on this Forum.

Comment: This will be my first trip out of Australia! I am 30. So it will be quite an experience for me.

Reply: I celebrated my 70th birthday whilst on the track this was quite and experience for me as I am sure that it will be for.

I really do hope that you get to go and enjoy the experience as I and many others have done.

Brian

[petedowling]

hi kevin, congratulations on starting the process of investigating walking the Trail.

As regards your concerns. Malaria prevention should be seen in the light of your total health picture as well as part of your trip preparation in regard to proper clothing. Most trekking companies require you to have a medical check up and part of that is to prescribe anti-malarial medication. It is important that you take that medication before you go, whilst on the trek and finish it on your return. Medication complianceis vital. As well sensible clothing(longe sleeve shirts etc if you are comfortable in them and appropriate sprays eg tropical strength Rid /or Bushmans would be beneficial.

Parasitic infections can be minimised by ensuring to always treat your water by either tablets or using a Steri Pen and also ensuring you do not walk bare footed around any of the camping sites especially if you have any skin tears/cuts on your feet.

Do not overly concern yourself with being a target for robbery/theft etc, Again commonsense is the key factor. On arrival in port Moresby you will be met by your tour company rep more than likely and taken to your secure gated accommodation, you will be bussed out to start the trek and returned to the hotel on completion and then taken to the airport when leaving PNG. Like in any country be smartwhere you go . Most companies will advise you not to leave the security of your hotel compound and to wander unescorted around the streets of port moresby. If you are smart then follow their advice. If not and you want to chance your arm then you know you may be at risk. On the track you will meet wonderfully friendly and welcoming villagers and their families with beautiful smiles who love to see trekkers.

Some companies provide you with equipment eg tents, packs,sl/bags and some expect you to provide your own. If you are taking your own and are returing with it back into Australia be advised that IQIS( Australian Quarantine Service) are very strict on ensuring boots/tents/packsetc are clean of any mud/ contamination/ plant mattter.If they arenot clean when you arrive you will not be allowed to bring them in and you may have to pay to have them cleaned or forfeit them.

Most good boots are already waterproofed to the extent of the outer shell. the problem on the trek is that you may cross creeks /streams/swamps wearing your boots and despite wearing gaiters your boots will fill up. At the end of each day take some time to clean your boots/ give them a swirl of dettol and hope that they will be somewhat drier in the morning. Look after your feet each night, washing/ alcohol swabs/ anti fungal foot powder/clean washed socks the next day.
hope this helps
regards

Pete

[Brian]

Kevin, Brendan Buka my porter carried my main pack for me whilst I carried a Camelbak 2 litre hydro pack myself in each of the side pockets I carried a 1 litre bottle. I drank at least 4 litres every day. Whilst I did not add Gatorade to the water I carried I did at least twice a day make myself a drink with it.

One of those on our trek had previously trekked Kokoda he arranged for the "Boys" to supply us with enough boiled water to fill up for the next day to this we also added our purification tablets by the morning this had cooled off, perhaps an over kill both boiling and adding the tablets but none of us suffered any stomach problems. I did top up with water at locations recommended by Brendan along the track adding purification tablets to it each time and at least one hour before drinking it.

I washed my feet late in the afternoon drying them thoroughly putting on dry clean socks at that time then before getting into my bag I again assured that my feet were dry and applied tinea powder to them. Each morning I took the dry socks off and before putting on my often wet socks I used Vaseline on the heals, soles and around the toes of each foot I had no blister problems.

I used Bushman's myself and found it very good but be very careful of it using it around sensitive areas like around the eyes etc as it is quite strong and will tend to burn. I am told that some people are allergic or sensitive to Deet and with Bushman's having a very high content of deet you may like to test it before you leave.

Have a great Trek.

Brian

[jack-lives-here]

Hi Kev,
If you are going with a reputable company you be will totally safe, as somone pointed out in another post the 'boys' are always looking out for you. Living with these guys on the trail for 8-9 days and falling on ya butt (occasionally even they fall over lol) and climbing/hiking etc with them you become good friends so don't even worry about the safety aspect mate because you are in good hands.

You will have an exceptional time Kevin. I'm going back again myself and cant wait.

[Author]

Posts