Last night and again this morning, we met up with our latest group of trekkers who headed out this morning from Owers' Corner. This group were recommended to trek with us by Brian Beamish a regular contributor to our forum. Brian suggested they request Wallace Lemeki as their guide and Brendan Buka as a personal porter. There wish was granted and today Kevin would have been introduced to Brendan who is famous in these parts for winning several of our races and the current record holder in 16:34 from Owers' to Kokoda.

Trekkers walking in the group include :

• Kevin Woodward – porter – Brendan Buka
• Alice Bennet-Alder – porter – Chris Lahai
• Sybil J Dwyer – porter – Hobert Keke
• Margaret Low – porter – Winnie Pore
• Frank Dwyer – porter – Evan Myosi

Food Porters: Wayne Urina; Kennedy Buka; Deshon Harika; Hensley; Michael Havu; Fresser from (Sairope)

Last night at the Gateway Hotel, Kevin read out the following poem:

KOKODA PRAYER:

It is with great humility and intrepidation that we begin this journey today, always mindful of the sacred nature of the track where many Australian soldiers gave their lives for our freedom.

We not only do this in memory of them, but to experience in some small way the difficulties that they encourntered.

God give us the strength and mental energy to complete this trek and to do honour to those who gave their lives for us.

Amen
Trek 590

Photographs: taken at the Bomana War Cemetery

Kev,

Looks like the Karate Kid is fit and well.

Hope the trek is living up to your expectations.

Alan W