Thanks Pete & Peter for your comments much appreciated whilst my health for my age is great I am still doing some less strenuous training with the hope that I can make it back to Kokoda in 2010. The old bank balance is not in the same healthy state and being on the age pension, not that I am complaining, leaves very little to save. Maybe Kevin…[Read more]

I agree with Geoff the elastic sided boot would be difficult on the track as I believe the first lot of mud you passed through would leave a boot stuck there besides I personally believe the elastic sided boots would give little ankle support.I have a couple pairs of boots one Hi-Tech and the other the Aussie made Rossi boots am happy with…[Read more]

I agree with Geoff the elastic sided boot would be difficult on the track as I believe the first lot of mud you passed through would leave a boot stuck there besides I personally believe the elastic sided boots would give little ankle support.I have a couple pairs of boots one Hi-Tech and the other the Aussie made Rossi boots am happy with…[Read more]

HiWhilst I trekked last September/October if there is anyone in the Brisbane/Logan area who is thinking of going and wants someone to train with them I am only too happy to step in as the training will do me more good than harm whilst helping to keep the weight down. Besides it sure beats sitting around watching the black box etc.Brian

Hi Craig and PeteWould love a Steri-Pen myself but at $250 plus a solar charger IF required, I can buy hundreds of puratabs and have cash to spare. When or if the price ever comes down a Steri-Pen will certainly be the way to go in the mean time though I will stick to puratabs.Craig I purchased my main pack at Anaconda when they a had a sale on…[Read more]

Hi CraigFirstly I must say that I did trek with KTL and cannot say how other companies work the reason I say this that I had every opportunity during lunch or other stops to have access to the pack my porter was carrying for me. I did not though other than the odd once or twice have any need to do so. Even along the track had I really needed to…[Read more]

Hi MikeWhilst I really do not recomend "Going Alone" over going with a recognised trekking company you may find the site below of some help.Also whilst it may be possible if there are vacant seats available in charter flights coming back if you are lucky and there are some you possibly will be able to buy seats on them. But saying this you may…[Read more]

Hi GaryI am on this site just about every day and do not know how I missed your most interesting post.I did look at the site you have given us in your post and found your articles there on Jim Cowey and the Manusu family most interesting indeed.One must wonder how many more similar stories are now lost to us and our history.I recommend that anyone…[Read more]

Kevin, Brendan Buka my porter carried my main pack for me whilst I carried a Camelbak 2 litre hydro pack myself in each of the side pockets I carried a 1 litre bottle. I drank at least 4 litres every day. Whilst I did not add Gatorade to the water I carried I did at least twice a day make myself a drink with it.One of those on our trek had…[Read more]

Hi KevinI can only reply from my personal experience as I much like you will be doing trekked in late September early October.Question 1: The malaria – with medication and a good repellent/net on your tent, how high are the risks?Answer: Yes correct medication that your doctor will prescribe for you along with a good quality repellent is certainly…[Read more]

Hi GailDean is agreeable with you printing out his poem only to hand out to your boys to read to thier trekkers along the track.Wallace returned home yesterday together with a copy he certainly will be telling his family and those in Saga Village about it.Dean is a really wonderful chap to meet and chat to hearing him recite the poem at the awards…[Read more]

Geoff 100% spot on the $12 Crocs at Kmart are ideal and all that you will ever need crossing the two rivers and around camp at nights.I saw an advert on "Rivers" on the TV last night saying that they have a 4 day sale, on now I think, with the same Crocs for $4 a pair.For those reading this and Geoffs post take our word the $12 Crocs are all you…[Read more]

Hi PedlerI trekked with KTL and found my guide Wallace Lemeki quite knowledgeable we also had a previous trekker Andrew who together with Wallace kept us well informed.When "signing up" with KTL I was sent a package that included the Field Guide to the Kokoda Track by Bill James which also includes a waterproof trek map I studied this book…[Read more]

Hi AllWell Wallace has is now on his way back to Kokoda via Nathan's home on the Gold Coast after we arrived back from Tamworth we certainly needed a rest from the full on activity there but we still together with Wallace managed a Kokoda talk at a local library, shopping, walk with friends at Brisbane's Southbank, a BBQ with family and friends,…[Read more]

Hi LornaI agree 100% with Geoff fortunately I do not normally suffer with a blister problem but on the very last day of my trek I guess having wet socks on I did get one blister even though my feet are very used to wearing boots.When I buy a new pair of boots I wear them where ever possible shopping, work and even out at nights for at least 2-3…[Read more]

HiWell we all returned to Brisbane today after a really wonderful time with Wallace at the Country Music Festival with part of our enjoyment being with Wallace whilst he saw and experienced things for the first time in his life.We would normally drive straight up the highway to Brisbane about an 8 hour trip but on reaching Tenterfield we decided…[Read more]

HiI purchased a cheap pair of Crocks from KMart with the idea of throwing them away at the end of the trek they served the purpose well and I am still wearing them around the yard. Saw them there the other day still $12.95 whilst others elsewhere were 3 times that price but looked the same and same quality to me.Brian

Wallace is still having a real exciting time seeing and hearing many things for the first time in his life.We were able to get virtually the last tickets for the Rodeo tonight, Saturdays were already sold out, and whilst Maureen attends another function I am taking wallace there for his first every Rodeo.Tomorrow morning we have the Festival…[Read more]

HiWell we are all having a ball at Tamworth particularly Wallace as we have been attending many shows here. Wallace was invited to sing with the Davidson Brothers Australia's leading blue grass band but declined as it was too much for him. But when my mate Graham Rodger and his wife Dierdre asked him to come on their show he did and whilst very…[Read more]

Hi MozeroI trekked with KTL who have previously taken Japanese along with other natonalities, mostly Australians, trekking along the Kokoda track all no matter what nationality are treated with the same courtesy.I actually asked my porter and guide what they felt about doing so neither mentioned anything that gave me the opinion that you would be…[Read more]