Kokoda Adventure Trek – Kokoda to Owers’ Corner

Date: 8th May 2019 – 16th May 2019

Commencing in Kokoda on the 8th of May and finishing by walking off the track at Owers’ Corner on the 16th of May. Trek 1127

Itinerary:

Day 1 – 8th May : KOKODA – ISURAVA
Day 2 – 9th May : ISURAVA – IORA CREEK
Day 3 – 10th May : IORA CREEK – TEMPLETON’S CROSSING
Day 4 – 11th May : TEMPLETON’S CROSSING – 1900
Day 5 – 12th May : 1900 – MENARI
Day 6 – 13th May : MENARI – NAORO
Day 7 – 14th May : NAORO – VA’ULE CREEK
Day 8 – 15th May : UA’ULE CREEK – GOLDIE RIVER
Day 9 – 16th May : OWERS’ CORNER – POM

Update 7th May 2019

Lee Ralph a single trekker has arrived in PNG and will head over to Popondetta tomorrow morning to commence his trek.

Update 8th May 2019

Update 9th May 2019

Trek 1127: This group are now spending the night at Isurava Memorial. So far so good, they are taking it nice and slow and tomorrow are heading to Eora Creek for the night but not before walking through Alola Village.

Update 10th May 2019

Trek 1127: Harold called by sat phone to inform me they have now reached Eora Creek. He said its really dry at the moment and assured me they were all ok.

Update 11th May 2019

Trek 1127: This trek has reached the foot of Mt Belamy having arrived there around 2:30pm this afternoon. Earlier today they walked off the track to view some war relics around Eora Creek which apparently the trekker did not get to see on his previous trek with a different trekking company. Tomorrow both treks should meet at the half way point of Efogi.

Update 12th May 2019

Trek 1127: This trek find themselves in the village of Naduri for the night. Each day they have been reaching their destination ahead of time with no problems being experienced whatsoever. Tomorrow they will pass through Efogi the half way point.

Update 14th May 2019

Trek 1127: Last night was spent at Menari Village. Today was a short day as they are now spending the night in Nauro Village. Tomorrow night their last night on track will either be at Ioribaiwa Village or they might push down to Ua’Ule Creek. This trek is expected to walk off at Owers’ Corner between 1-2pm on the 16th May. Harold said they are all ok with no problems whatsoever which is good news.

Update 15th May 2019

Trek 1127: Harold just called to say they are now at Ioribaiwa Village. Its been raining he said since yesterday so it was wet and slippery today as they made their way down Maguli Range. Everyone is looking forward to walking off the track around 1pm tomorrow afternoon.

Update 16th May 2019

Trek 1127: Congratulations are in order but Its been a big day as this trek walked off the track at Owers’ Corner around 6:15pm tonight and the vehicle has just returned to Port Moresby at 8:30pm. The track has been wet and slippery so a couple of long days. Well done to everyone from all of us here at Kokoda Trekking.

Update 28th May 2019

Message received from Lee post trek :

May 2019 was my second trip to Kokoda. As it turned out I was a lone Trekker on Trek 1127. Initially not sure how I felt about it, I was quickly put at ease by Nathan. He and his crew assisted and guided on the extra accommodation I wanted and helped me put together the trip itinerary which was 9 day trek going north to south
The admin was smooth with no question being too trivial. On arrival at Jackson’s Airport I was greeted and taken to my accommodation where I was briefed on the coming trip. My first ration pack was delivered that night and I could only gape at the amount of food that was supplied.

The next day i was taken on a tour of Port Moresby and the Nature Park. Not part of the original structure but very welcome and a great touch to get a look at the real Port Moresby
After an early flight and arrival at Poppendetta I was greeted by Harold Hauro who very quickly impressed me with his calm demeanor and undoubted knowledge of the Kokoda Track.

A trip to the village of Kokoda saw me meeting with Trevor and Solo who completed our group of 4. After a brief admin stop in Kokoda, it was through the arches and on our way to Deniki. Suffice to say, I could not have been in better hands than I was placed in. Absolute professionalism, a wicked sense of humour and encouragement were the order of the day and subsequent days.

The one thing that really stood out for me was the intimate knowledge the guys possessed which was really able to make the track and it’s history come alive.
A fact here or a story there, pointing out both sides gun positions, ammo dumps and how various battles were fought and won or lost. It is one thing reading about it in a book or watching a doco. Having it explained in real life was an absolute privilege and added immense value to the trek.

I could go on about everything that occurred but I will keep it short by saying that I could not have asked for a better group of people to share my Kokoda experience.
As mentioned before, their knowledge was immense, their friendship easy and valued and they know exactly how to look after their trekkers. They are extremely keen on keeping the Track History alive and this comes through in everything they do to help and guide the Trekker, be they alone like me or in a group.

In summary, The Kokoda Track is not easy. Throw in the inevitable rain and it can become dangerous and make you feel very small. My trek finished in the dark in a tropical thunderstorm. One of the proudest moments of my life. During my trek, I saw unimaginable views, learned so much, re-engaged with the ANZAC culture and physically and mentally pushed past what I thought I could do.

Full credit to Harold, Trevor and Solo for getting me there and supplying the lessons (not just history) along the way.
I cannot think of another company or group of people that I would want to do Kokoda with on future adventures.