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Trek 533 was collected from the Gateway Hotel around 7:30am this morning and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Last night when I met up with this group they were all keen and eager to start their trek. Trekkers in this group include two brothers and a couple of mates.
Dean and Brett Oakley; David House and John Tauschke all the way from Saudi.
IMGP0575.jpgApproximately 8am the group arrived at Bomana War Cemetery on the outskirts of Port Moresby where they took the time to walk around the area before heading out to Owers' Corner for the commencement of their trek.
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IMGP0580.jpgOn arrival at Owers' we took some photographs of them while they were getting ready to commence their walk:
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IMGP0583.jpgTime to head out so a few more pics…
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IMGP0586.jpgBye bye trek 533. We are not sure were they ended up tonight but they were going to try and reach Ua'Ule Creek. The guide on this trek is Winnie Pore who comes from Kokoda.
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IMGP0590.jpgUpdate 27th August: Sorry, did not get a chance yesterday to put anything up on the internet as we were at the funeral of Kingsley Eroro followed by attending the home where close family members and friend gathered at what is commonly referred to here in PNG as the 'haus krai' (house cry).
Whilst at the family home I received a sat phone call saying the group had spent the first night at Ua'Ule Creek.
Last night they were at Agulogo and today are heading to Efogi. All trekkers are doing extremely well and are on target to walk off the track as planned as no problems it seems whatsoever with this group.
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IMGP3970__Small_.JPGUpdae 29th August: We have heard that this group spent last night at Templeton's I and today will push on to Isurava Village and will as planned walk off the track on Sunday.
According to Winnie Pore their guide, everyone continues to do well with no problems whatsoever.
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IMGP4101__Small_.JPGThis morning they will cross over Eora Creek and walk up to Alola Village before an hour's walk down and around the corner to the view of Isurava Memorial. When you walk from this direction from Owers' to Kokoda this is a big WOW factor and trekkers often comment, the highlight of their trek.
They will stop here to pay their respects before heading on to Isurava Village.
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IMGP0191__Small_.jpgHeard from the track around 3pm this afternoon that they had all reached Isurava and were looking forward to walking off the track tomorrow.
On the way they will walk through wild choko fields and may eat tonight what the locals commonly refer to as 'greens' which means choko leaves.
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woman_with_choko_leaves__Small_.jpegUpdate 30th August: Congratulations are in order for trek 533 as they walked off the track today and as I type this are resting at our base in Kokoda, Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
They will have to be up bright and early however, as they are to catch a ride to Popondetta and the truck leaves at 4am in the morning.
One trekker is catching the 1:50pm flight from Popondetta back to Port Moresby and the other three are heading out to Gona where they will overnight before flying back in on the 1st September.
IMGP0041_Orohaven.jpgJohn Tauschke has arrived in Port Moresby on this afternoon's Air Niugini flight as pre-arranged and the other three trekkers are spending the night at Gona. Tomorrow they too will fly to Port Moresby while John will be heading back home.
We met up briefly with John mid afternoon and he was all smiles as he recalled how they all had a great time; no problems whatsoever; the staff were great and so forth.
Unfortunately they had an early start this morning as they were up at 4am to catch a ride down to Kumusi River. He added it took some two hours to get to the other side as there was a lot of people and they all arrived in Popondetta around 10am.
Those choko fields were an amazing sight. Do you know if they got to try the leaves? I have to admit I was skeptical, but those were nice!
It's great that you post pics of the trekkers on their journeys.
Earlier today we picked up from the airport the remaining three trekkers. According to them everything went like clockwork. In one day they experienced a PMV (Public Motor Vehicle ie an open back truck) ride; a boat ride and the flight from Popondetta back to Port Moresby.
Not long ago we met up with them again at the Gateway Hotel and they talked about their experiences; the highs, the lows and their highlights. Seems walking from Owers' Corner; finishing at Kokoda and overnighting at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and the big finale of the trip to Gona/Sananada was awesome according to these trekkers who may come back again and do it all over again!
Thanks again guys for choosing to trek with us. You toughed it out carrying your own packs yet still enjoyed your time on the track and in PNG.
On behalf of our guide and porters, bye for now, have a safe journey back home.
Gail & the gang at Kokoda Trekking
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