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This morning we said goodbye to our second group of trekkers for 2007 – a group of mates who it seems decided over a beer to walk the Kokoda Track.
Unfortunately I left home this morning and forgot to take my camera with me. By the time I realised this and radioed for our driver to bring it to the airport, I missed out on a group photograph as they were all inside the aircraft about to taxi off to the runway and their flight to Kokoda.
Trekkers included:
Adam Forde; Nick Forde; Alex White; Phillip West and Danny Burns
On the flight back from Kokoda our guide Harold and his porters arrived in time to wait for their upcoming trek 302 – a police group from Victoria. We now have in town our guides and porters for both treks heading out from Ower's Corner on the 16th April.
Photograph: Our Tropic Air chartered plane in which the group flew to Kokoda 11th April, 2007:
IMGP3345.jpg
Airport.jpgWe heard from our base in Kokoda that our trekkers walked around the station yesterday looking at the monuments and museum.
Kokoda Monument area:
IMGP3336.jpgThey also experienced their first swim in a creek on Russell Eroro's family block:
Photograph: creek on the Eroro family block:
Picture_095.jpgThe plan was to commence walking from Kokoda at 6:30am to Isurava Village where they would spend their second night. Today they will experience their first hard day of walking as they head up what is considered 'test mountain', but looking at these guys they all appear quite fit so should be ok.
Hoi Village creek crossing. Please note, this photograph taken last year and posted here so you have an idea of the area they walked on today:
100_0002.jpgUpdate from the track 12/04/07: David Clarke radioed in tonight saying they had made it to Isurava and that all trekkers had eaten and were about to turn in for the night, yes early as it was around 6:30pm when we received the call. Apparently Phillip did it the toughest today but all trekkers are safe, and looking forward to tomorrow which is only a relative short walk to Eora Creek.
Tomorrow morning they will walk into the Isurava Battlesite Memorial area around 9am.
At Isurava Monument Area they will see a plaque dedicated to Private Bruce Steel Kingsbury, VC. His Victoria Cross was the first gained on territory administered by the Australian Commonwealth. It was also the first one awarded in the South-West Pacific Area. :
If you would like to read more about Private Bruce Steel Kingsbury, please CLICK HERE:
IMGP0191.jpgNot long after they leave Isurava they will walk into the village of Alola where they will be offered fresh fruit.
Village of Alola:
IMG_Alolo_Village.jpgMessage for Nick Forde and Danny Burns:
Not sure if these emails get back to the guys but the kids wanted to send a message.
Hi from very hot and sunny Raymond Island – we have been to every skate park within a 100 km radius. Cath and Fran need a big HOLIDAY!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!! Bali here we come.
Hope all is going well – enjoy and have funlove always
Cath , Lewis and Ruby
Fran , Ben , Zach and Will
Amy from TassiLove you
Have passed on the message to Nick and Danny. The message came in broken but from what I could hear on the two way radio all is well with them. Phillip is 110% today he says and they have already reached the village of Alola. They will now move onto Eora Creek where they will spend the night.
Hi Alex, hope it's all going well. Luke, Ryan and I are watching that website – it must be a fantastic experience! Hope you're getting lots of video footage. From Fea (Luke and Ryan have just left to go to the footy and watch Essendon thrash Carlton – their prediction not mine!)
Nick and add, hope all is well and you are enjoying yourselves. I thought you may be interested in football. Collingwood went in undermanned with 3 1st gamers. they were welldown in first half but kicked 13 goals in 2nd half. New boys were great. Tell Alex I just watched the most amazing comeback by Carlton down by 48 points they got up by 3 points.
Well were hoping to see some pictures on the website.
Love Mum and Dad
Editors Note: Unfortunately we cannot bring you pics direct from the track but we will make sure we get their group photograph at Ower's Corner.
I will pass on both messages as soon as I speak to our guide again. I heard Russell speaking with David today and was informed they were doing just fine and everything was going according to plan.
Hi everyone, sorry, its been really hectic around here these past few days with our Anzac trekkers arriving and heading out on the track.
Today we heard from David but at the time were at the airport with our latest group that headed out to Kokoda today so could not pass on any messages.
They are however all ok and at the time were having lunch in Kagi before heading down to Efogi where they will spend the night, at what our trekkers refer to as 5 star!
Will keep you posted if I hear anything more from them later in the day.
Update 2:35pm 15th April: I read out the messages and they were really happy….they asked DID CARLTON WIN???? as they were confused!!!! well, did they win and what was their score??
Update 16/04 – thanks for passing on the info received ie Collingwood won by 25 pts, Carlton by 3 – was out away dropping off trekkers this morning but will pass on tomorrow when they radio in again.
Trekkers have reached the half way point of Efogi, well done they must be feeling really proud of themselves.
Efogi_2_Guesthouse.jpgMessage for Adam Forde on Trek 301:
Hi Adam We are thinking of you and missing you, especially little Lach who asks about you every day! I hope the chaff isn't too bad!!! See you soon. Love Jo, Callum & Lachie XXX
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Hi Guy's
I guess you are about half way and starting to wind back Nick as we all know he struggles at the end ( tortise and Hare). I have suggested to the girls they take a well deserved 2 week break upon your return as you will no doubt be well rested(Kokoda Ha Ha) I won't tell anyone you are on a fishing trip.Wootty
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