- This topic has 7,617 voices and 17 replies.
- Posts
Today we said goodbye to trek 323 a group of two males from New Zealand and two females from Victoria. They were picked up around 7:30 – 8am this morning and driven down to the Tropic Air terminal to book in for their flight to Kokoda.
Another company were booked for an earlier flight but the weather was not kind so it forced our flight to run late leaving Port Moresby approximately 9:30. I heard on the radio they went to the creek for a swim and then later heard they were being driven around Kokoda.
Our guide Paul Esiko is in charge of this trek and sounded really excited today knowing his trekkers had arrived and he was soon about to start another trek. Trekkers include :
Brent Smith, John McLeod, Barbara Hutcheson and Margaret Bowden-Bouchard
Photograph: Group Pic taken next to the aircraft hired by us to take them to Kokoda Airport:
On arrival in Kokoda here they are standing next to a traditionally carved sign stating 'Welcome to Kokoda' and the words ORO ORO ORO which translates into Welcome, Welcome, Welcome.
DSCN0666__Medium_.JPGThe guy who took these photographs flew over on the flight with them and was off the plane ahead of them in time to snap three trekkers as they departed from their flight.
DSCN0663__Small_.JPG
DSCN0664__Small_.JPG
DSCN0665__Small_.JPGUnfortunately the radio network is down and we were not able to get any updates today. Do not worry however, as they have a sat phone with them. If something was wrong they would have called us.
DSCN0661__Medium_.JPGWe have heard that trekkers are doing really well. They passed through Isurava and headed for Eora Creek. As they are now down low its hard to get out a signal. They do have a sat phone with them in case of an emergency.
As soon as I receive an update I will post for you as to their latest progress.
Photograph: Eora Creek – just one of the man creeks they will have crossed by now.
Eora_Creek_Crossing_1.jpgUpdate 5th September: Sorry trekkers have been down low and with the weather of late its been hard for our guide to contact us by two way radio. However, today he was able to call in to inform us they were at 1900 and heading for Efogi where they would spend the night.
So good news, they have reached the half way point!
Photograph: tonight they will get to shower in a tank (background) and get to wash some clothes under a tap should they wish to do so!
Efogi_Guesthouse__Medium_.jpgPhotograph: Efogi Guesthouse – the dining room is on the right:
IMGP3045__Medium_.JPG
Copy_of_Efogi_Mattresses__Medium_.jpgUpdate 6th September: Trekkers have made it to Menari but John is doing it tough today and has started vomiting. He will make a decision tomorow as to whether he wants to continue or get airlifted off. Have suggested they spend two nights there instead of one to see how he goes.
Photograph: Menari Village
IMGP3026__Medium___2_.JPGUpdate 7th September: Turned out John was ok today and all trekkers have now made it to Nauro Village where they will spend the night.
Seems like the women are pumped up they are heading for HOME and took off ahead today!
Photograph: A look inside Nauro Village Guesthouse:
Day_3_Doug_Matt_and_Jack_in_Trekker_guest_house_New_Nauro__Medium_.jpgTrek 323 did very well yesterday and came out today as planned at Owers' Corner. Here they can be seen at Bomana War Cemetery on their way back into Port Moresby:
DSCN0753__Medium_.JPGAnd earlier today at Rouna Falls:
DSCN0749__Medium_.JPGDo not know what they drive around in back home but today they were in our truck commonly known as its two way radio call sign – KTL 2:
DSCN0747__Medium_.JPGLater tonight we met up with them at the Gateway Hotel where we all shared pizza's and drinks and presented our trekkers with their 'Certificate of Achievement':
John McLeod being congratulated by their guide Paul Esiko:
IMGP4650__Medium_.JPGMargaret Bowden-Bouchard receives her 'Certificate of Achievement' from Paul Esiko:
Barbara Hutcheson was full of beans and was really excited like Margaret to have completed her trek:
IMGP4652__Medium_.JPG
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.