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Meet the man who is about to make his 366th trek on Kokoda Trail
John Derrick Eroro may not seem like a household name when you come to think of it but this man is about to walk the arduous Kokoda Trail for the 366th time, perhaps more than anyone we know of. (?)
For the last 24 years, all John did was walked the renowned World War II route and enjoy taking scores of tourists to follow in the footsteps of brave young men who are gone, past our time.
He started off as one of the modern day carriers at the age of 22 with no experienced at all added on his belt. He still recalled his first trek when hired by one of the war historian and expert on Kokoda campaign, Clive Baker and his New Guinea Adventure tour company in 1982.
John Derrick Eroro seen here on the Kokoda Trail recently when he trekked with a high profile group from South Australia:
John_Derrick_Eroro_800_size.jpg?At a younger age and not equipped with the right kind of knowledge of how the brave Australians struggled to hold back advancing Japanese soldiers with the help of our very own fuzzy-wuzzy ancestors, I really didn?t think much about trekking in the first place. But when Clive Baker asked me I went on ahead as a hired personal porter and my first walk on the Kokoda Trail was physically very, very challenging I didn?t want to do it again,? John stated.
However, he said, as he walked time and time again with Clive Baker as his personal trainer and who also shared with him stories and showed him places along the trail where particular events happened 60 years back, he (John) began to see the significant of the track and what it held for Australians and New Guinea. Not just that but he said, he understood something about relationship the diggers had with the natives that time.
Photograph: Trekking is a 'family' business in the Eroro household. Seen here in this photograph with John (left) is his younger brothers Johnsford (2nd left) and Davidson Eroro (4th from the left) and his older brother Russell Eroro (Kokoda Trekking Ltd – 287 treks) far right, top row. Bottom row far right is his brother in-law Justus Evari also a long time walker/guide. This photograph was taken last year when Russell was still sporting his moustache. Another brother Ross also treks. If you are wondering how many children in their family – would you believe 17 in total. His mother and father had 14 of thier own and if that wasnt enough adopted 3 more from birth and raised them as well:
John_Eroro_800_size.jpg?When I became more and more aware of this fact, the more I became proud of what my ancestors did to help Australians win the campaign and must say the name fuzzy-wuzzy angels, I will treasure forever.
?So instead of putting a stop to trekking just because I found it challenging I ended up working for Clive Baker for 2 years,? John said with a laugh.
John said he learned all he can about Kokoda Trail war history and the trekking skills through Mr Baker and all that has stayed with him all these years.
?Clive was a good teacher both in history and trekking, I owe it all to him and his son Dick Baker. I still keep in mind what he has taught me over those years.?
John ended up working with the younger Baker and his tour company Rope, Pack and Paddle for another two years. ?I also learnt a lot from Dick Baker,? he said.
On Tuesday, 21st June 2005, John reached his 365th trek when he set off from Ower's Corner with Murray Jones (Team Kokoda) and some 13 Army Cadets ? an achievement he says he accomplished when he bought it off as a hobby in 1982.
?This may be the 365th trek but honestly I feel like doing something new every time I take trekkers out on the trail. It?s a whole new experience for me. I meet new people with new character, and that is what I like most about this job.
Today, 17th July, 2005, John has just completed his 366th trek when he walked into Kokoda with another group who hired our services and asked to pay the extra to ensure John was their guide.
?I have developed pride as being a fuzzy ?wuzzy descendant, and an immense liking to outdoor adventure which makes my job all the more interesting and worthwhile.?
Photograph: John seen here in the front row with other porters, guides and trekkers. This group seen here at Isurava Battlesite area were friends of Fraser Ainsworth (Director of Oil Search) from Adelaide:
John_Isurava_Oil_Search_Tre.jpgIt is quiet a huge achievement given the experience and the number of treks he has accomplished. But when is John likely to stop?
?I don?t know what time I will stop as I had a challenge from an 85-year old man from the village a few years back. His challenge was: John, see if you can make it to 85 and still walk the trek. I don?t know if I can do that but I am very much looking forward to doing another 300 treks in my life.
?I entered trekking as a hobby. I love trekking and being involved in outdoor activities, I enjoyed my time on the trail. Some may think this is a tiring job but I find it really satisfying, and I enjoy every trek that I do.
Photograph: myself Gail Thomas at Kokoda last year seen here in the Eroro Family Block or as we say Rusty's Place. Anyone who has overnighted at the block will no doubt have met John, (seen here in the background) his wife Alice and their family. On this occasion they not only welcomed me but gave me a beautiful bilum and tapa cloth:
Gail_Kokoda.jpgLike I said before I see every trip as a whole new experience. I very much love to share with each trekker to the best of my knowledge the history of the war.
I think that the thing I am most proud of is that we are keeping the spirit of our forefathers alive by following in their footsteps. I am very much proud of them.
I really like to emphasise on what the fuzzy wuzzy angels did during their time as carriers.?
John seen here presenting a 'Certificate of Completion' to Tracy Young following her successful Kokoda trek:
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