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Last night I met with the three trekkers who headed out this morning to Popondetta. Unfortunately for them it was an early start as their book in time was 5:50am. Turns out today the flight into Popondetta goes, POM/PNP then PNP/TUFI then back to PNP. As we also had trekkers arriving back in from the same direction, they could not be left in case something went wrong with their flight and they ended up stranded there.
All went and the flight came back from Tufi and picked them up allowing our vehicle to drive into Popondetta. As our base in Kokoda 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' is operated by a genset, it was imperative they collect a drum of diesel as they ran out of fuel on Saturday and had to purchase locally for three times the price. Interoil the base in Popondetta decided to have a 'safety' meeting and would not allow them to pick up the fuel as the gates were locked.
The end result was they did not get away from Popondett until around lunch time and arrived in Kokoda mid afternoon which made it a long day for them. Dinner should be served around 6pm to allow them to get an early night for their walk commencing tomorrow.
Their guide tomorrow is Ernst Jinga who has walked for many years on the track and who is looking forward to walking with them across the track. Robert was supposed to have Andrew Tom as his porter but we were informed Andrew went to Popondetta looking for permanent work so a substitute porter was found to take his place.
Trekkers walking with Ernst Jinga include :
- Robert Kirk
- John Davey
- Rhonda Leersen
Turns out Robert is a doctor and Rhonda is a nurse.
Have just heard trekkers have eaten and retired to bed. No doubt they will be looking forward to tomorrow when they commence their walk up to Isurava Village.
Photographs:
Orohaven Kokoda Retreat
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Orohaven_Guesthouse_1.jpgUpdate 31st August:Trekkers got away around 7am this morning so are now on the track heading towards Isurava Village where they will spend the night.
The photographs below were taken in Kokoda this morning and emailed to me by my son who is presently at Orohaven.
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P8300218__800x600___640x480_.JPGBye bye trek 635. As you can see, it was pretty overcast this morning in Kokoda so if it does not clear up, they could experience some rain today.
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P8300224__800x600___640x480_.JPGHi trekkers. Especially Rhonda. Looks overcast but not pouring, I hope all those walks up Earl Hill, the Blue arrow and the Pyramid are paying dividends now. So proud of you.
DermyHi everyone, sorry no updates until now but it took until today to hear from the track. Turns out, one of the gentleman has been doing it tough and has not been getting into camp until late which has caused Ernst not to be able to get a signal when he has tried on the sat phone to call us. Anyway, today his brother Trevor heading in the opposite direction just phoned at 5:30pm and said he ran into the group and that tonight they were heading to Agulogo which is the other side of Menari and that they were all ok.
Tomorrow night they plan to overnight at Ioribaiwa and the last night before they walk off the track they will be at Goldie River.
Tomorrow they will have a tough day as they pass by Nauro and walk up Maguli Range. However, I am sure they will know they are on the home straight now so that will be inspiration in itself to push on.
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SDC10547__640x480_.JPGIts 7:00pm and I have not long got off the phone after talking with a guy by the name of Dudley who says they have reached their destination for today and that they are all ok. He apologised for not getting in touch earlier but said they have had quite a bit of rain and found it hard to get a signal out whenever they tried after getting into camp each day.
Update Sunday 5th Sept: Trekkers have now reached Goldie River where they are spending the night. Tomorrow morning they will walk up the last climb to Owers' Corner and will be picked up by ourselves and driven back into Port Moresby.
On the way back to Port Moresby, we will take a detour off the main road into the Bomana War Cemetery and should have them back at the Gateway Hotel around midday.
DSCN0195__Small___Small_.JPGMy apologies as I thought I have updated this thread. As planned trekkers were picked up from Owers' Corner and returned to Port Moresby via the Bomana War Cemetery.
Later in the afternoon I met with them again around the swimming pool area. Robert had by then got some colour back in his cheeks, John was in good spirits sunning himself poolside and Rhonda, well she could not wipe the smile off her face!
Last night I posted all the photographs taken on to our facebook page which can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
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