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We finally arrived at Ower's Corner at 12:30pm where we sat at a table provided and ate some lunch.
Photograph – Eric Uwea (left) and Russell Eroro (on the right):
Eric___Russell_160904.jpgSometime later we tackled the hill leading down towards Goldie River.
After settling into where we would be spending the night, the river was so inviting that my husband John could not resist going for a swim. The water is crystal clear and cool but not that cold.
In fact it took me back to when I was young growing up on a dairy farm about 6k outside a town called Kyogle in northern NSW.
At night in the campsite you sleep with the sound of water running down the creek in the background – very quiet, peaceful and you feel like you are the only people in the whole wide world:
John_in_the_creek_160904.jpgOur two Kokoda Guides soon went to work and helped set up our camp which included our tent, their tarpaulin and of course a burning fire.
This photograph was taken just before our tent was pulled out of its bag. In Australia recently I purchased a Coleman tent and it turned out to be excellent as it rained lightly through the night and no a single drop came inside the tent.
On other occasions I have heard from our trekkers that they have been kept awake during the night from water dripping inside their tent. At the time of purchase I asked about this and the salesman assured me it was all double stitched and I could return it if indeed this ever happened with my Coleman purchase:
Backpacks.jpgOur two guides Eric & Russell go to work and start a fire to make us a cuppa. This was set up directly underneath a flying box left over from the war:
Boiling_Water_at_Campsite.jpgLate in the afternoon Eric starts to cook for our dinner:
Eric_booking.jpgJohn & Russell at the Flying Fox area on the 17th September, 2004 enjoying a meal and a cup of tea:
John___Russell_breakfast_2.jpgWhen it came time to eat, the boys prepared a seat for me which believe it or not….actually worked and was quite comfortable:
My_Chair.jpgEric & Russell cooking our evening meal:
Russell___Eric_cooking.jpgAfter a nice dip in the creek, I am seen here with Russell as Eric prepares to serve the evening meal they have just prepared for us….notice the smoke from the fire:
Russell___Gail.jpgThe next morning Russell & Eric helped us dismantle our tent and to get rid of the air out of our airbed.
For anyone not used to sleeping on the ground, these proved to be fantastic as when blown up feel just like your mattress back home. They are light in weight and personally I feel I could not trek without something like this as I am pretty sure I would suffer from lack of sleep:
Air_Bed_Russell___Eric_3.jpgEric Uwea preparing our breakfast on Friday morning before we head back up the hill to Ower's Corner while I am silently wondering if I am going to make the steep climb to the top.
I asked both our guides what areas they liked and disliked the most. This is their answers:
Eric: Worst – the final climb up to Ower's Corner when you are almost home. Apparently trekkers often get to this point and see the finish close in sight, actually spend all their energy and simply cant get to the top. On a trek this year Russell actually had to piggy back a young Japanese woman to the top as she simply could not move one step further and just sat down and cried.
Another young 16 year old girl from Australia did the same thing. They spent a couple of hours coaxing her to get up and walk coz she was too heavy to carry. With team spirit and the kind words from our guide and porters, she finally realised her dream of completing her trek.
Best – Mt Bellamy – Eric said he loves the place.
Russell: The best for him is Brigade Hill and the worst is the climb up to Isurava from Hoi Village:
Eric_breakfast.jpgHere I am enjoying breakfast before heading off on our hike back to Ower's Corner:
Gail_170904.jpgRussell & Kenny pose for a photograph under a cave that is sometimes used for trekkers to rest under when campsites are full and trekkers push on:
Russell___Kenny_at_cave.jpgSeen here hard at work pushing up the hill towards Ower's Corner complete with my companion, my walking stick:
Gail_Kokoda_Trail_170904.jpgWhew, made it….Kenny & I relaxing on the steps of the archway at Ower's Corner before heading back down to where the car had been parked.
To continue on, please CLICK ON PAGE 3 directly below:
Kenny___Gail_at_Ower__s_Corn.jpg
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