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It was the land of the unexpected, an extremely challenging adventure, and anything could have happen along the way during our amicable nine-day trek along the mighty Kokoda Trail.
But as the trekkers, four of them including myself, made the final and probably the hardest and steepest ascend to Ower?s Corner where our journey would seemingly end?.it seems nothing would stop the feeling of exaltation felt by each of us at that instant.
While each step brought us closer to home and to the end of the journey and perhaps the friendship that had blossomed along the way I couldn?t help but wonder what countless others went through after reaching that particular moment in life ? a moment of great satisfaction and achievement.
Alison Anis; John Thompson; Steve Ovett; Ross Eason and Geoff Campbell together with guides and porters at Ower's Corner at the completion of their trek, Monday – 6th October, 2003 – WELL DONE GUYS and me ALISON!
DCP_0176.jpgIt was also an end to another fundraising event for Sunshine Coast?s Bloomhill Cancer Help Center ? an idea formerly initiated by Richard Thompson, who is courageously battling cancer at his home town in Australia. Sadly enough, Richard, because of his condition was not able go on the walk though he wanted so much to be part of the team.
However, to realize his dream Steve Ovett – former British long distant runner, John Thompson, Richard?s brother who helped organize the trip, Ross Eason, a professional photographer and Geoff Campbell owner of juice and coffee bar namely Raw Energy in Maloolaba, arrived in PNG on the 27th of September to walk the trek.
I was part of the team who volunteered to walk the trail on behalf on Richard.
Here I am with the guys celebrating our successful trek 6th October, 2003 at the Royal Papua New Guinea Yacht Club in Port Moresby. My fellow workmates thought I wouldnt be able to do it – but I showed them…haha:
DCP_0187.jpgSunday, 28th September 2003, is when our adventure began. We left Port Moresby for Kokoda Station where we began the first leg of our trekking journey back to Ower?s Corner and then Port Moresby ? the normal pattern for average trekkers.
Our team as we left Jackson's Airport on an Airlines of Papua New Guinea flight to Kokoda. Steve Ovett suggested we stand in front of the clock for this pic so everyone back home could see the time of departure…yep it was the start of getting up early and going to bed before 7pm:
Photograph: Left to Right – Det. Justus Baupo who had approved leave of absence from the Fraud Squad to accompany us on the trek so make sure our precious cargo, Steve Ovett did not run into any trouble. Next to him is John Thompson, myself, Geoff Campbell, the BIG MAN Steve Ovett & Ross Eason. In the front kneeling down is Eric Uwea one of the guides and porters on the trek.
Team_about_to_board.jpgIt was a rare treat for us when arrived in Kokoda, the community of Kokoda Station put on a special welcome for us ? this was attributed to former champion runner, Steve. Awaiting us was a traditional singsing group from one of the neighboring villages, some fresh fruits like water melon, bananas, cucumbers, pineapples and passion fruit with locally baked cakes and orange juice, and the friendly smiling faces of the villagers.
It was raining for the first two nights when we arrived, firstly in Hoi Village from Kokoda Station after catching a flight from Port Moresby, and then again at Isurava.
Everyone was thrilled with the sing sing organised by Russell Eroro the Chief Guide on our trek along the Kokoda Trail. Ross Eason a professional photographer, had a great time taking lots of photographs.
_LWF0034.jpgThe weather was not too harsh a bit fair on our side as it rained only in the night or sometimes in the afternoons when we have stopped to camp for the night. Each morning was blessed with sunshine and cool jungle breezes at times it was a bit humid.
Hoi Village, at the foot of the mountains is where we made our first stop after we by passed Kovello Village. Here it is much cooler and we camped for the night under the trees and to the inevitable sound of fast flowing creek beside the camping grounds.
The nine days seemed long and exciting enough however, each day brought about a new beginning, a different kind of challenge for each of us.
The training I had prior to this walk must have helped a lot because I didn?t have much trouble. To be honest, for the first five days, to me it was almost like a normal stroll through the jungle. I didn?t struggle much on the way and in that way I tended to appreciate the very beautiful views on our way with my notepad always in my hand.
On the third day as we proceeded towards the first camp site in the bush near Myola after the first long descent and climb from Isurava, Steve commented how casual I was compared to the four of them, except maybe for the energetic Jeff.
View from Isurava Monument:
Panoramic_view_from_Isurava.jpgHowever, it got harder as we went along. Each day passed with very steep and sometimes perilous descents and ascents. The pathway became slippery because of the rain.
Our trip was successful and worth it, no scratches and serious injuries, everybody was in fine condition and all in good shape and of course, being the only female in the group I had to be strong and face up to the challenges ahead.
Well, there is always a first time for something, and except for the nine porters, the security personnel, Justice Baupo and two very experienced senior guides of PNG Trekking Limited, Russell Eroro and Eric Uwea, it was our first time on the track.
Grandstand View of Efogi:
Grand_stand_view_of_Efogi.jpgKokoda Trail ? where the ?Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels? of Papua New Guinea helped the Australian soldiers battled against the invading Japanese troops during the ?bloody? WWII Kokoda Campaign in 1942 as suggested by historians, offers some of the best views/lookouts in the world ? a few of which are surprisingly and totally out of place.
The 96 kilometer track is reputed to be one of the extremely hardest and arduous treks in the world, with countless still running waters and fast flowing rivers. This is complimented with abundance supply of some of the most beautiful and unique flora and faunas as we found out on our way towards Ower?s corner.
Ends..//
My fellow trekkers as they said goodbye at Jackson's Airport – Port Moresby, 7th October, 2003:
Left to Right, Ross Eason, John Thompson, Geoff Campbell & Steve Ovett. The porters today remarked that Geoff was a real JOKER and liked cracking jokes a lot with them which they thoroughly enjoyed together with his laughter.
Steve Ovett left behind his walking sticks for Russell Eroro. When handed them later today, he remarked they will stay with him 'forever' in his home in Kokoda in honour of the BIG MAN. They are hoping more famous people visit them and walk the Kokoda Trail which is his backyard and what he calls home!
Departure_Lounge.jpgAlison Anis signing off….keep checking back as I have lots of articles to write about the Kokoda Trail. The few that come to mind are:
1. ?..Former British running icon makes a ?flashy? return from Kokoda trek
2. Kokoda ?.excruciatingly beautiful!
3. Kokoda Spirit – Bloomhill cancer help trek ? A daily journal for Richard Thompson
4. A bolstering experience ? Alison tells of her battles along the trek
Every day has its own battle?.
5. Kokoda village lifestyles and the hardships ? suffering in isolation ? Feature ? Schools and health services?
6. Feature ? The living Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel ?bright smile?sparkle in his eye?nogut tru ?.really bad?nodding his head trying..he?s been a carrier for four years?..
8. Mount Victoria?new trekking site
9. Road conditions to ower?s corner
SO KEEP ON CHECKING BACK!!!
Photograph: The Porters and Guides at Ower's Corner – a relieved group that were proud that they got us all home safely and rightly so!
Russell Eroro is the tall guy on the right in the blue shirt. Russell just completed his 139th trek….I mean WOW!!! and I have only done my first!!!
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