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We met up with our two trekkers Bryn Watson and Tamara Graham from Mt Isa on Tuesday night at the Gateway Hotel and welcomed them to PNG.
They were booked to fly over to Kokoda with Airlines of PNG on their RPT flight which was unfortunately delayed until 4:45pm.
Our truck met them at the airport and took them to Rusty's Kokoda Family Block where they were looked after by their guide, porters and family.
Last night they would no doubt have met up with our 7 trekkers who had just finished their trek and who fly back into Port Moresby today.
Photograph: a typical scene at Rusty's block when our trekkers sit and mingle under our tent:
They would have been offered beautiful fresh fruit grown on the property such as shown in this photograph.
Trek_272_010.jpgToday they were taken up to the Kokoda Station in our Toyota Hilux to have a look around the monument area.
Kokoda_Monument_Area_1.jpgUpdate 10:30am 4th May: Have just heard from Kokoda that our hilux dropped the two trekkers up at Kovelo and now they are heading for Isurava Village where they will spend the night:
Similar surroundings that trekkers will experience today on their first days walk:
Deneki_6.jpgUpdate 5th May: Sorry have not heard from Tony their guide but this is not unusual as they are down quite low and he might have trouble getting us to hear him on our two way radio network. We are comfortable however that nothing is wrong as on all our treks we carry a sat phone and he has not had to phone in for help. Will update something as soon as we hear from our guide.
Update 6th May: We heard from our guide today saying they had reached the half way point of Efogi and that both trekkers were doing just fine. So far no problems whatsoever and everything is on target for them to finish this coming Thursday.
Photograph: Efogi Guesthouse area:
Trek_272_143.jpgUpdate 7th May, 2007: Trekkers have made it safely to Nauro where they will spend tonight. Tomorrow they will work their way down to Ua'Ule Creek. Our guide said they are doing really really well, which is great news! I am sure they will be excited when I catch up with them on Thursday!
Photograph – Nauro Village:
Nauro_Village.jpgUpdate 10/05/07: Have received confirmation from our guide Tony that trekkers will have completed their trek and will arrive at Ower's Corner around 12:30pm today. Our vehicle is now at Sogeri and is heading out to Ower's Corner to pick them up. They will stop at Bomana War Cemetery on the way back into Port Moresby and should be back in their hotel room by 3pm this afternoon.
Photograph: Ower's Corner
Archway_Ower__s_Corner.jpgOur trekkers arrived ahead of schedule at Ower's Corner at midday, check out the photograph are they happy trekkers or WHAT?
000_0016.jpgResting in a 'Win Haus' at Ower's Corner enjoying something to eat and a can of COKE:
000_0017.jpgNot long after they were about to hop into my prado for the drive into Port Moresby via the Bomana War Cemetery:
000_0015.jpgTamara and Bryn at Bomana War Cemetery 10th May 2007:
000_0019.jpgNot long after they were dropped off at the Ela Beach Hotel where we caught up with them again tonight:
000_0021.jpgJust look at my car, shows you what the road is like at the moment to Ower's Corner:
000_0022.jpgTonight when I caught up with Bryn and Tamara I was handed a note written on Coral Sea Hotels letterhead which I will share with you now.
Gosh!, Where do I begin!
Firstly, Gail, I would like to extend our thanks to you and Russell for your absolute professionalism from our first enquiries into doing Kokoda to the completion of it. You (KTL) covered every possible need while remaining absolutely flexible with all our requests – thank you.
The Kokoda Track far exceeded any expectation I had considered, physically and psychologically and I began to realise by about the third day, that it becomes less and less about the Kokoda campaign and more about the struggles you face within yourself (although due respect and acknowledgement should be given to the diggers).
Kokoda forces you to go beyond all boundaries, limitations you set for yourself and pushes you right to the very end of your trek – I personally am taking with me so much more than just a difficult hike!
As for our three beautiful angels, Tony, Roland and Waima, these are some of the most warm-hearted, humble and gentlemen I have EVER encountered in my life. We came together as strangers but are leaving as friends. I have learned so much by watching and listening to these guys – Tony with his wonderful insight into life (always good campfire conversations), Roland and his ever present smile and wonderful voice – sort of a father figure on this trip – knowledgable and protective) and Waima, the shy guy in the group but always made me smile with his cheeky grin and great sense of humour (extremely motivated man).
Without these guys, Kokoda would not have been the same.
Gail, in summary, this was by far the best trip of my life and I really do owe it to yourself, the company, but especially Tony, Roland and Waima. I leave a piece of my heart, my spirit with them – until next time!
By the way, if I do come back to do Kokoda again – I would love to be able to trek with these guys again. Thank you for a truly life-changing experience.
Humbly yours,
Tamara Graham – Trek 365
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