Thanks 39thdecendant. Good idea about hooking it onto you pack to dry too.

Simple really – he mentioned another trekking company. I was fortunate enough and had the good sense to save the link to my favourites straight away KTL are the people providing this forum for many of us to use. They are a source of invaluable information, advice and up to date info on how the current trekkers are going. Why would they want…[Read more]

Thanks Pathfinder. At least now I know I'm not the only one…A guy at our local camping store suggested I take two poles for trekking to help with this problem, but I don't want to be bringing excess baggage with me and also, what happens if I need a hand from those precious, priceless porters? If I have two trekking poles and then I need a…[Read more]

Thanks Pathfinder. At least now I know I'm not the only one…A guy at our local camping store suggested I take two poles for trekking to help with this problem, but I don't want to be bringing excess baggage with me and also, what happens if I need a hand from those precious, priceless porters? If I have two trekking poles and then I need a…[Read more]

Thank you so much for your advice/suggestion/information Boss Meri and Mrs Moo. It has been most helpful. Boss Meri, you had me smiling with the axe story and the seat belt guy. You never know… the guy in the seatbelt might've asked the guide (had he'd not been busy) to cut him free with his axe

Thank you Miss Moo. Saved the link in my favourites and had a brief glance through. It seems most declarations need to be made if you are intending to reside/work in PNG for 6 months or more. Nothing about if you're only going to be in the country for 10 days So I think I will need to investigate a little further…

Thanks all for your comments. Almost a year on and hubby has not only relented to hiring a porter but has also quit smoking for the last 4 months!!! Yay!! What a win! He has also agreed to be enrolled in our local gym for a program suitable for training for Kokoda.He was actually quite surprised that I kept pace with him when we went for a…[Read more]

Thanks to both of you for advice/comments on wet-weather gear. Brian – laughing about the digging the holes bit! Not really that you need to prepare for (anyone can dig a hole!) but more so the smell lol!

Hi BrianMay I ask what brand of wet weather jacket you purchased and how much it cost? I will be trekking Kokoda in October next year. As it is a month after September, I am expecting it to rain but have no idea on which wet weather gear I should purchase. If they wern't so heavy and bulky – I'd invest in a Drizabone – but these are much too…[Read more]

Just looking at the photo of the Isurava Monument grounds.It looks so serene and peaceful. Who would have known that one of the most bloodiest, fiercest battles of Kokoda took place here? *tries to imagine, but doesn't even come close* How would you be walking through there knowing that hundreds of footsteps have gone before you in the very…[Read more]

Wow! These photos are amazing! And what a beautiful day it is! (Do blue skies happen very often in that part of PNG – or do you just not see them often because of the dense jungle?)Anyway, Ian, I hope you feel better soon. How unfortunate that you are not well. Thoughts are with you even though you do not know me and I do not know you. Know…[Read more]

Hi Gail & Russell,I haven't trekked with you guys, but have been a member of the forum for almost a year now and must say this forum has been an absolute Godsend with the information and updates of the trekkers.It has helped me immensly with my preparation of my trek answering a lot of questions and really opening my eyes as to what it is like.…[Read more]

Thanks Boss Meri. They look amazing!

Thanks all for your input. Kokoda is pretty much a one-off. Besides the historical aspect, I am also walking to raise awareness for autism. So I won't be needing anything too fancy. I am also hiring a porter, but am buying the pack to fit me and packing it as if I were carrying it.Phantom, thanks for the confirmation about One Planet – as this…[Read more]

Thanks Geoff. As usual, you have provided useful and informative information. Where would we be without you?!

Thanks Phantom. Do you suppose it's the same for number 2's – duck off, dig a quick hole, do what you need to do and then back onto the track?

Thanks Geoff. I was initially going to take the hootchie to sleep under as opposed to a tent (to save space in/on my pack) but it worked out better if we took the tent for the pair of us and the hootchie for the packs. That way, his pack would take the tent and mine the hootchie.

Thanks Geoff

We are planning on trekking with Kokoda Spirit. Is this your group or is it another company?

Hi Karen – and where would one be able to buy this fine grade NZ wooly underwear? I am interested in this as I will be needing to buy some for when I trek Kokoda.