John McRae Shares A Story Worth Telling..

[Alison Anis]

Whether you are new to Papua New Guinea or not you will certainly get a kick out this journal. In his words – John McRae, General Manager David Jones, Financial & Business Services in Sydney, captures the very essence of what it is like as a newcomer to PNG and especially on the Kokoda Trail where he concluded his trek on June 5th, 2004. He describes intimately and in a hilarious manner what he sees from his arrival at the airport right up until his departure.

John McRae writes: Looking around the airport one is struck by the number of travellers carrying axes and machetes. Although all intending plane passengers are subject to security scans, their main purpose is apparently to detect firearms, rather than axes and knives. And this: The sight of many workers in bare feet is a striking contrast to Australian airports.

From the eyes of a Papua New Guinean and expat's who have lived here for a long time this is the norm, however, it proved to be quite hilarious when mentioned in the manner in which Mr McRae wrote his journal. It is very interesting, funny and an unusual experience for John McRae and his son James.

CLICK HERE to read John McRae's interesting journal.

The attached photograph shows John Mc Rae with his son James…at Myola Junction.
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[aussie]

John, his son James and three sisters come to walk Kokoda again this year in 2005, refer an email I received today:
Hi Gail

Hope this finds you well.

I've been talking to the family and a mate about another trip to PNG.

Whilst our planning has just begun, I realise we need to move quickly to
secure a track position this year.

Could you let me know the chances of getting a 9 day track up and running
with a start date of SAT 2 July 2005.

I have 9 starters, including myself, James and his 3 sisters, plus another
family of 4 (2 adults and 2 teenagers aged 14 and 17 years).

I haven't checked international airfares as yet, but I seem to recall that
one of the biggest challenges for you was local flights.

Grateful if you could let me know what options there might be so that I can
get things in place quickly.

Many thanks

Best regards
John

Editors Note: Eric Uwea the guide on their trek is presently in Port Moresby and was just so excited by this news. If they request him again, he cant wait for this trek! When I tell Russell in Kokoda he too will be excited as we are with every trekker that returns.

Mark Priest is the first off the ranks when he walks in April.

James McRae on a log crossing on the Kokoda Trail:
CIMG0417.JPG

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