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On the 25th March Shane met up with his father and son trekkers who arrived in from a flight from Australia. Not long afterwards they headed out to Bomana War Cemetery and then on to Sogeri where they spent the night at the Sogeri Lodge owned and operated by Warren Bartlett.
This morning their porters were driven out to Sogeri to meet up with them for the commencement of their trek. We arrived at Sogeri, met up with Shane, Paul and Hayden and were soon heading towards Owers' Corner the drop off point.
As this is the first trek for our staff in 2010 they were really excited when they arrived off the plane from Popondetta yesterday knowing they had a job. So you can imagine, they did not sleep much last night it seems due to the excitement and the fact they had a TV to watch.
Photograph:
Paul and Hayden Chow at Bomana War Cemetery.
More photographs can be viewed by CLICKING HERE:
P3250616__640x480_.JPGThe photograph below was taken when we stopped at McDonald's Corner.
McDonalds_Corner.jpgOn the way out to the drop off point of Owers' Corner, I asked whose idea it was to walk the Kokoda Track. Turns out it was Hayden the 14 year old son who encouraged his father to walk. In any of the photographs I think you can tell that Hayden looks really excited as he takes on the adventure of a lifetime!
The photographs were taken shortly before they commenced their trek. I took note that Ramsey Idau Paul and Hayden's personal porter, already has his arm on the young lads should and Haydens arm was wrapped around Ramsey's back….yes, already bonded so can only get better from here on in!
One group of trekkers remarked that they were quite sure Ramsey could carry a pack; play his uke'ule and sing under water such was their recommendation of this porter. He is also one of our favourites based on trekker feedback and was hand picked to accompany these trekkers.
We have so many porters who fall into this category but Ramsey is definitely in the top 10% of highly recommended staff.
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Group_Pic.jpgThe photographs of Hayden and Paul was taken a few minutes after arriving at Owers' Corner while they waited for our staff to be ready to move off. (refer pic below).
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Porters.jpgFor the first time ever, packs are now weighed at Owers' Corner. The pack weight averaged out around 19-20kg. Shane now has his pack down to 9kg so Duggie his porter was able to help shoulder some of the other boys weight and offered to carry some of their own personal gear so in the end his too was close on the 18kg mark.
Weigh_Inn.jpgAt 9:15am the trek departed Owers' Corner archway and headed off down to Goldie River.
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Heading_to_Goldie_3.jpgbye bye trek 599:
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Heading_to_Goldie_2_resized.jpgUpdate 3pm: Heard from Shane that they were at Imita Ridge and were heading to Ua'Ule Creek where they would overnight. Everyone was doing just great.
DSC_0296__Small_.JPGHi Hayden, you are looking good mate Teish showed me how to find you. Love that you are smiling in the photos – Enjoy yourself handsome, I am so very proud of you take care LOVE YOU MUMSIE X
Hi Trekkers,
great to see you both and read the updates – looking forward to receiving more updates on your adventure.
Have a great time, look after each other and enjoy the experience!
Miss you…
XX+xUpdate 27th March: The group have now reached Naoro Village where they plan on spending the night. Both Paul and Hayden are pushing along obviously quite fit. One of our porters has taken sick by the name of Guyford suffering from an upset stomach.
It is hoped he will recover overnight and be fit enough to carry on tomorrow. Each day their packs will get lighter as well which helps when you are feeling down.
Shane said they were all enjoying the trek.
Photographs: Naoro Village area
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DSC_0326__Small_.JPGUpdate Sunday: Have just spoken to the group and it seems they are now at Menari. Clive one of our porters has slipped and hurt his leg.
As for Paul, Hayden and the rest of the group all are going strong it seems. Just passed on your messages to Paul and he said to inform you all that they are finding the track challenging but also very rewarding at the same time. Tomorrow they will reach the half way point of Efogi – its all down hill from then on … only joking as quite a few challenges still await them.
He said our porters are taking good care of them and that they are enjoying the walk. Paul said to say Hi to everyone for them.
Photographs:
Menari area:
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Nice_Shot_3.jpgMaps of the route they are following:
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