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I met up with Alf Sullivan who kicked off this trek at the Gateway Hotel along with other fellow trekkers. At times I almost know some of our trekkers before they even arrive due to the many emails back and forth. Through his emails I knew this was more than just a walk for Alf, he is truly passionate about everything to do with Kokoda. Now that I have met the guy he has turned out to be just as I had imagined he would be.
His daughter Donna and her partner Mason were all smiles and Brett the outsider in this group who joined independently from Sydney, well what could he say, he knows he is with a group that will make his own walk truly special.
Alf a vietnam vet, knows what it like to serve your country and will soon be walking in the footsteps of our diggers who fought on the Kokoda Track. Pretty soon he too will know what they had to contend with here in PNG, to beat the Imperial Japanese Army.
We look forward to meeting up with our trekkers on their return from Ower's Corner and wish them a great trek. Paul Isiko has been appointed as their guide on this trek which is his first for 2007 and he is VERY excited.
Photograph – Donna Sullivan, her partner Mason Heidon, Brett Poole and in the centre Alf Sullivan
000_0024___Gateway_Hotel.jpgPhotograph: trekkers outside the Gateway Hotel shortly before being driven down to the airport for their flight to Popondetta. L-R, Donna Sullivan, Mason Heidon, Alf Sullivan and Brett Poole.
100_1241__800_size.jpgUpdate 15/05/07:Our trekkers were driven up from Popondetta to Kokoda by Richard our driver based in Kokoda in our Toyota Red Hilux – now thats something you cannot do in Australia ride in the back of a truck. I can remember the time when my grandfather used to own a ute and as kids we would love climbing in the back and heading off with him. Alf said he was looking forward to it:
Richard.jpgTrekkers arrived at Kokoda Block on Sunday afternoon to a traditional welcome and the words ORO ORO ORO which means WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME. Paul Esiko looks happy to that he has his first trek for 2007 as he proudly walks with his trekkers:
Sing_Sing_Welcome_12_nice.jpgTrekkers posed with the dancers for a group photograph:
Sing_Sing_Welcome_6___nice_pic.jpgThey were then driven up the following morning to the Kokoda Station to look around the monument area before heading off in our Hilux to be dropped at Kovelo for the start of their trek:
IMGP1786.jpgAlf did it a bit tough but all reached Isurava Village as planned where they overnighted on the 2nd day. The photograph was taken on another trek but will give you an idea of their second day:
IMGP1817.jpgThe last time we heard from our guide was at Alola when he was heading for Eora Creek where they planned to spend the night. He said all trekkers were doing JUST GREAT. They enjoyed their time at Isurava before moving onto Alola:
IMGP1852.jpgUpdate – trekkers have made it to the half way point of Efogi:
Paul radioed in today from Efogi and said trekkers were doing really well but one of our porters is sick. We asked about our trekkers and he said they are doing really well and enjoying themselves and are relaxing in Efogi enjoying the hospitality of Landy Noel.
IMGP2016.jpgUpdate Saturday 19th May: Paul Esiko phoned in last night by sat phone to say they have reached Menari Village and that they are all ok. Our sick porter was able to get an injection at Menari and is now feeling a little better. All the other porters have combined well and have all shared the load amongst them so that he is walking with nothing to try and help get him back to Owers' Corner.
This is what walking the track is all about. You have to help your mates when in need and our KTL boys are no exception. From today though they will have eaten another days food so their loads will become lighter.
Paul indicated that they have all bonded really well and everyone was having a wow of a time.
Photograph – Menari Village:
10157_Cricket_at_Menari.jpgUpdate 2:00pm Saturday 19th May:
Paul called in by two way radio saying they were now in Nauro and that everyone was ok including the porter who should be able to keep moving and make Owers' Corner. Everything is going according to schedule and they will be out as planned on Monday.
Photograph: Naoro Village:
Nauro_Village.jpgUpdate Sunday 20th May: Paul called in by sat phone to say they were at Ua'Ule Creek where they would spend the night before coming out at Owers' Corner tomorrow around midday. All were ok and enjoying their time on the track but also looking forward to getting off the trail tomorrow. On average after being picked up and with a detour into Bomana War Cemetery on the way back into town, they should be back at their hotel by 3:00pm
IMGP0169_Ua_Ule_Creek.jpgTrekkers arrived up at Owers' Corner as planned around midday and were all happy they had achieved their dream of walking the Kokoda Track.
Photograph: Trekkers shortly after arriving at Owers' Corner:
Trek_286_136.jpgTrek Diary per Paul Esiko our KTL Guide:
Day 1: Trekkers arrived at Popondetta Airport at 12:15pm and were taken into town to look at the monument area. We later drove up to Kokoda in KLT 1 Russell Eroro's Toyota Hilux
000_0027.jpgOn arrival at Camp Kokoda – Russell Eroro's family block, we were warmly welcomed in a traditional manner with a sing sing group and family members chanting ORO ORO ORO, WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME:
To continue reading this article, please click on Page 2 below left hand side:
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