History

[Pedler]

Hope I am in the right place. Three of us are planning to join a trek and were wondering if the local guides tell of the history of Kokoda and point out various places and what took place there, whilst on the trek or is it up to oneself for any historical facts, etc.

[Brian]

Hi Pedler

I trekked with KTL and found my guide Wallace Lemeki quite knowledgeable we also had a previous trekker Andrew who together with Wallace kept us well informed.

When "signing up" with KTL I was sent a package that included the Field Guide to the Kokoda Track by Bill James which also includes a waterproof trek map I studied this book thoroughly prior to leaving and carried the map with me I found that this and with the information provided by Wallace was sufficient for me to gain a very good insight as to what took place in various areas that we passed through.

Who ever you trek with I would recommend that you read perhaps along with others Bill James's book and do what ever research you can much of which can be found on the net the more you do the better I feel.

There are two other books available I would think from your local library that I would also recommend reading they are
Kokoda by Peter Ftitzsimons
The Bone Man of Kokoda by Charles Happell

Since returning I have read the two later books again both of which meant much more to me then having trekked the area than they did reading them before I left.

Do enjoy your trek
Brian

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Pedler,
Brian's suggestions regarding Bill James Field Guide are very much supported by me.It was my "Bible" before, and thoughout our trek. Other recommended reading is also very worthwhile
A further suggestion is to consider the trekking options involving treks led by Soc Kienzle of Komplete Kokoda in association with KTL. For a full background on Soc's connection with the track refer to the Board Stats section below, Ref. "Soc Kienzle Historical Treks" Event 24 April to 3rd May .
I met Soc personally in July last at the opening of the Kokoda Memorial Wall on the Gold Coast and his knowledge of the Track and wartime events is most comprehensive, as you would expect from his life history.
Best wishes with your planning.

Cheers, Geoff Hardie

[Author]

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