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All three treks took off at different times but all ended together as planned in Kokoda on the 11th July and overnighted at Rusty's place.
Trek 247: Colin and Robyn Christie wanted to walk together not in a group so we accommodated their needs and they had a great time. In a Kokoda Diary we provide to our guide Salvador they wrote the following message:
Message from Colin Christie:
Trek 247 was something we have been able to experience through the guidance, support, knowledge and kindness of not only our guide in Salvado and his team, but that of the people on track. Both Robyn and I found that this team worked well in looking after our needs as well as providing 'Life' support when the time came, be it crossing a bridge ro ascending or descending a difficult place of the terrain.
Our estimations of our own ability to cope with the realisation that the trek was an emotional and draining experience (an element we under estimated).
We found Salvado our guide to be a gentleman in the management of his team. His assessment of we 'THE TREKKERS' in our ability and needs throughout our trek.
Salvado has excellent communication skills with the many people and communities along the track.
To the 'BOYS' who made our burden a lot less from Day 1:
Paul – my personal porter: Provided me with a 'step by step' guide over the track as well as a welcome source of light humour and support. Paul never failed to ask if he could take on more weight!
Daniel – Robyn's personal porter: from my viewpoint, I found Daniel to be an extremely kind and caring man who looked after my wife just as I would have done, if I had been in a position to do so!
He was just the support Robyn needed. I'd have no hessitation in suggesting that Daniel would make an excellent guide.
Conwell: was our 'Music' man who always helped and supported the other boys but most importantly was always able to have a fire going at a moments notice.
Overall these gentlemen were just that!
As Robyn and I are both on the shy side so it was very pleasing to have these four men supporting us on our trek ensuring that our journey was completed safe and sound.
Colin Christie
Message from Robyn – Quote:
Daniel was a kind caring wonderful gentleman who judged my pace perfectly and knew exactly when I needed help. He remained as all the team did calm and confident when my anxieties rose over river crossings. All the extra's they did for us I'm sure were above and beyond. He encouraged and acknowledged our efforts when we needed a boost. Their humour along the way (especially with Colin) was very much needed . I want to thank Paul for looking after my husband and joking him along when his hand and feet blisters were hard to endure.
I would like to thank the team for keeping us safe, happy and grateful that we were able to complete one of life's dreams. Our respect, admiration and warm feelings will always remain with the people of PNG.
With sincere thanks to KTL for all of the above and the memories that will remain with us both forever.
Robyn Christie
Message from our guide Salvado: We commenced walking at 7am from Isurava and arrived in Kokoda at 11:30am. Day 8 was good coz that marked the end of our trek from Ower's Corner to Kokoda. All our porters and two trekkers were excited when we got to Kokoda and all were very happy. To trekkers said many thanks to the porters and both of them were in tears and said special thanks to Paul and Daniel, Conwell and to me.
Salvado Periawa
Christie_trek_pic.jpgTrek 262 – Kori Chan's trekkers: All trekkers appeared pumped up and excited that their 6 day trek was over and that they had completed it safely and problem free.
Group Photograph taken on the way out to Ower's Corner shorting before they commenced their trek:
Trek_262.jpgTrek 212 – Matt Bollinger returns again and this time with family members and friends…..and says…..I will return AGAIN!!!
Photograph: WE MADE IT!!! – taken at Kokoda Station on the 11th July, 2006
Monument_Area_Kokoda.jpgNothing like having a beer in the creek:
Swim_in_the_creek.jpgTraditional Oro Province welcome at Rusty's place in Kokoda:
Welcome.jpgGroup Photograph taken on the track itself, some remarked last night that it was hard going but they all seemed to really enjoy their trek.
Due to no charter flights available with Airlines of PNG we were forced to drive them all down to Popondetta to catch back into Port Moresby. Comments made was that it was not a bad way to finish as they got to see along the way where their porters come from.
Bollinger_trek_pic.jpgPhotograph: taken at the block when they were invited to a meal prepared by the women who live on the family block:
Picture_281.jpg
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