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Update 03/07/07: Both treks re 362 A & 362 B are progressing ok. Nathan in trek 362 A had his moments but our boys shared around his gear and then he was ok.
Trekkers this morning were heading towards Templeton's area but were not too sure where they would stop for the night.
David Clark (trek 362 B guide) called in from Kagi. He said Jim was up and away this morning and said he was fit and was going to make it to KOKODA. So once again has his confidence back and with his porter Paul Esiko, I have a feeling he will make it.
All other trekkers are doing ok and on a home run now heading for Kokoda. Not long now and they will all reach Isurava. At this point I am pretty sure the boys smell their home cooked meals as they get really pumped up and on a roll. This causes excitement in the trekkers as well as they too know they have almost made it to Kokoda at this point.
The plan is for both groups to meet and spend the night at Isurava Village and walk as one large group into Kokoda.
Photograph: 1900 Campsite:
1900_Campsite_tents__Medium_.jpgUpdate 3:00pm:Just received a radio message from the track. Trek 362 B will spend the night at 1900 along with two other of our treks heading in the opposite direction. Trek 362 A have moved on to Templeton's 1.
Photograph: Templeton's Creek Crossing:
Templetons_Crossing__Medium_.jpgHi Gail,
Can you let the boys and girls know that I am really proud of their efforts so far and especially let Jim know I can't wait for him to finish.ok Laurie will do.
Update 7:45am 5th July: Trek 362 A moved off early and are now heading for Eora Creek. The plan today is to reach Isurava Monument Area.
Trek 362 B – are on the move from Templeton's II heading in the same direction to Isurava Battlesite area. Jim is still coping ok. I know the boys point out to the trekkers Kokoda in the distance coming down from Mt Bellamy and state WE ARE NEARLY HOME! It should be all the inspiration he needs to make it to Kokoda…..now won't he have some stories to tell!
Photograph: Eora Creek Crossing:
Eora_Creek_Crossing_1.jpgDear Gail– this is just so exciting and we're only observing from the study!!!!, – they must all be so proud and excited to see 'home' in sight – I'm sure your KTL guys have been very instrumental in getting them all thru – please pass on a Mother's "HUGE" thank you !!!!!!!!!!!
Editors Note: Are you feeling more relaxed now? Hopefully Clark will have heaps of things to tell you on his return.
I had a laugh yesterday when our guide David came on the radio and said those in charge of the trek were having a great time and said they would put in a good report and … wait for it …. 26,000 cadets might follow!
I didn't want to make him feel embarrassed but if 26,000 cadets ! ? ? ?
This goes out to Scott. The families in Minnesota, Canada, So. Africa, and Australia are watching your progress and wishing you the best!
Thanks for the updates we all cherish the news.Update 6th July:Trek 362 A: Trekkers spent last night at Isurava Village.
Trek 362 B: Trekkers spent their last night at Isurava Monument area. This morning they walked down and met up with Trek 362 A and walked out in one BIG GROUP this morning into Kokoda.
When we spoke to David our guide with 362 B he said everyone was crying at the monument, trekkers/porters it was so emotional it appears.
Photograph: Isurava Battlesite Monument Area:
Isurava_Monument__Medium_.jpgDavid sounded so excited today when he spoke to me that he got ALL of his trekkers safe and sound into Kokoda. I expect Jim will be the one with the standing ovation as he has had to dig deep but hey he MADE IT!
They plan to have a look around the station and will slowly walk down to Rusty's family block around 1pm where they will spend the night. They will be welcomed in true ORO PROVINCE style with a SING SING (Traditional Welcome) and the words ORO ORO ORO which means WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME.
Wallace is planning on getting back to me once they reach Russell's family block.
Photograph: Kokoda Station Monument Area:
Kokoda__Small___2_.jpgMessage from Jim to Laurie … he wants to come back again and do it with you! If I heard right, this is amazing … he does it tough and wants to return again!
Photograph: there are various different sing sing groups but the traditional dancers will be dressed something similar to this group:
Trek_272_003__Medium_.jpgMY GOD !!!! I'M CRYING TOO !!!! To think I was initially pushing Clark to get to the gym !!! now he's walked KOKODA !!! Please if you can tell him his Pop would have been SO proud……. Congratulations to EVERYONE….think I'll have to do it too!!
Gail KTL Guides and Porters,
Yes there are 26,000 cadets in Australia!!!!
Once the word gets around that the trek is achievable by everyone then the enquiries will flow.I am sure that you should get some more interest as I will pass them to KTL
And yes planning is under way for the next trek already…..
Well we did it, 362 B made it with plenty thanks to the help of david and the KTL boys. The trek was the most amazing experience of my life, it was hard, but definitely worth every moment, im definitely coming back again sometime soon!
Its good to see on the home-front our trek had so much support from not only gail but also mothers and friends of the trekkers.
CPL Sean Mckeever
yes, you all did extremely well, now for some pics: Pic 1:
IMGP4076__Medium_.JPGPic 2:
IMGP4077__Medium_.JPGPic 3:
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