Personals (excluding toilet wipes): Soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and an i-Poo (small shovel for digging holes for #2's ):[attachment=8538:Personals.jpg]Unsorted day-pack stuff (excluding water, my asthma puffers & munchies) – Toilet wipes, Bushmans repellant/sunscreen, antibacterial hand wash & hand wipes, pen, journal, sudoku book,…[Read more]

Thanks everyone for your insight. Valuable as always. I took photos of some of our gear the other day when we did a test-pack. Looks like a bloody awful lot of gear if you ask me! I guess once we get through customs, we will be able to remove a lot of the medication packaging which will no doubt help heaps. I will post the photos when I have…[Read more]

I agree with Brian – do not attempt this mountain alone. It was excellent training – best I've found yet given the area we live in, but it is pretty tough. Good solid boots are a necessity as is adequate water & food for the day and sunscreen is a must. My walking pole was invaluable on the way down (although in some parts I spent quite a good…[Read more]

Thanks everyone. I went to my GP today who also specialises in sports-related injuries as well as alternative therapies.He did an ultrasound on my thigh and will continue to do some ultrasound therapy for a few sessions (next session again in two days) to help speed up the recovery process. Also he suggested something that had me a bit confused…[Read more]

Hi Lou, Welcome to the forum. You should find plenty of advice for blisters on this forum if you go here:http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index…amp;hl=blisters

Gail, this has been such an amazing piece of your life's journey to read. I had no idea you had such an extensive family! Congratulations to Nathan & Kate (Nate & Kate?!). You must be so proud!Brandon must be chuffed. Can you imagine him doting on his new soon-to-be little brother or sister and holding them in his arms with a grin bigger than…[Read more]

Mike, here's a good start (DIY) if you want to see how it would turn out:http://clickonprint.com.au/I will be using this for my photos of when I trek Kokoda and am doing a practice run with our trip to Girraween National Park (Granite-belt – border of QLD/NSW).

Wow. That is long! Mike, have you ever considered collating all your poetry and writing a book? Would be well worth looking into. I would be the first to buy it. Seriously. flups

Thanks guys. Once again, you have all been so helpful. With 5 weeks to go (this also being my very first o'seas trip), I am getting excited Nervous, but excited. Also, when should you register with Smart Traveller.gov.au? Should I do it now or wait another week or so?

QUOTE(peterh13 @ 12 Sep 2009, 05:44 AM) [snapback]10290[/snapback]I think that poetry like this is a good way to learn and remember history. Agreed.

Thanks Johnnycash and Mrs Moo. Sometimes I think I'll be fine and other times (like today when on my day off I was sore all over from a pump class and woke up with a headache) I think I will struggle. I guess consistency is the key for me fluppy

Where's a good place to train in QLD – Brisbane – Ipswich way?? With only 6 weeks to go, I would like some ideas please!!So far have tried: Mt Cootha, Mt Mitchell, Cunningham's Gap, Mt Tibrogagan & Mt Ngungun (Glasshouse mountains for the last two). Where else can I go?MTV – I wish I was near Sydney – where you picked is absolutely ideal…[Read more]

Digital voice recorders – my husband reckons it's a waste of time & money and will only add extra weight.Peter – If I come across your boots, I'll be sure to bring reinforcements to help me attach a sign to them saying, 'Watch out – they bite!'

Peter – would you like to me bring your boots back? I'll take a photo for you if they're still there A dictaphone thingy. Hadn't thought of one of those. *waits patiently for Monday to go hunting for one* Thanks all

Wow Mike. This is fantastic. Really captures the essence in a nutshell. 39th Decendant – Your father's poem moved me greatly. Also captures the spirit in a nutshell – or should that be 'bombshell'? fluppy

Hi MTV,I am trekking Kokoda in just under 8 weeks now. (18th -28th October 2009) and I have to second Peter with the Deuter brand choice. I have had mine and with all our training, it has stacked up very well. The 'raincovers' are to put over your pack whilst you walk.Regarding packs, here are the best brands I've found (in no particular…[Read more]

Yes, I suppose I will sweat a lot of it out. I surprised myself the other day by drinking just 2 litres. I have a hydration pack while I'm at the gym and just sip it the whole way through. I went through it within 2 hrs (I'm not usually a fluid person – naughty me, yes I know *sigh*)Gotcha about the liners. I will be getting my hair cut, so…[Read more]

Lorna – 8-10 Litres of water per day??? OMG!!! I struggle with just 3-4. Is 10 Litres per day really possible – I'm in shock – how will I manage that?Eve – It's too bad I live in QLD – I'd be the first to sign up to your program. Seriously. Also, where would I buy underwear liners from?Mrs Moo – Good thinking re; Canisten. I wouldn't have…[Read more]

Hi Eve, I can't really comment on this given I haven't gone yet, but here is a post I wrote on another forum for Asperger's Syndrome:21 Aug 2009, 12:53Hi all,As many of you know, I will be trekking Kokoda in a little under 9 weeks. Mr Fluppy (husband) is worried about the culture shock with me. I, however, feel the opposite. Papua New Guinea…[Read more]

Wow! What an amazing experience!! I'm flabergasted and lost for words at the least! Really does show that these boys really can do anything. I think the rebellious nature of a lot of teens today could do with spending some time over there with your boys!Edit: OMG!! Poor dude with the truck!!! Made me gasp, but also made me smile thankful it…[Read more]