Awesome. Thanks Gail. I want to pat the duckies!!! (if they'll let me!). It is sounding so good that I almost want to cancel my extra night at the Gateway in favour of OroHaven!!Editor's Note: The ducks are really big and fat and just so PROUD. They fly and walk around like they are making out they own the retreat! In fact when you wake up of…[Read more]

Great handy hints. Here's another one: Avoid using any form of talcum powder 'down there' as this can harbour bacteria and be a breeding ground for all sorts of nasties.Underwear: I've heard woolen underwear works very well, but this can be expensive. Bike pants, Skins and the like would also suffice (however, depending on what brand you…[Read more]

Hi Andy,Welcome to the forum. You will find this place absolutely full of fantastic information. Don't ever give up on your dreams. I was 14 when I first wanted to trek Kokoda as I had a fascination with all things military. This led to a deeply humble respect for our soldiers who fought for the freedom we now have today. I joined up in my…[Read more]

A friend of mine sent me an email as she couldn't get onto me and thought I was on that plane. My friend's sister had also rung concerned about the same thing. I assured them I was not on that plane, not travelling with that company and wasn't leaving for Kokoda for another 10 weeks.All the same, it has made me very nervous and I am wondering if…[Read more]

What can I say but WOW! WOW! and WOW again! This was a great read and I thouroughly enjoyed the update. Thanks for taking the time to post not only the update, but the photos as well.fluppy

Hi Charisse, I am fluppy (Brooke). Welcome to the forum. I have found this place to literally be my 2nd home. It is full of great advice, helpful people and amazing stories. You will learn much from the people on this site – I know I have. Cheers.

QUOTE(dan @ 25 Oct 2008, 05:30 PM) [snapback]8711[/snapback]Pronouncing Village Names and handy words/phrases:Poroman – My friend (male)Poromeri – My friend (female)Long long – Crazy!Lik Lik Mangi – Young boyPek Pek…[Read more]

A special hello to Peter from the forum. Can't wait until you get back with what it's like (as if I haven't read enough on the forum ). Take care – all of you.Fluppy

I have a set of skins and will be buying another before I go. I swear by them too. My hubby on the other hand hates them. Says they are too uncomfortable for him (we bought him the shorts). Each to their own I guess.

Thank you for the link Brian. I have saved it into my favs and will also be printing it out to take to Kokoda with me when I go. I know all too well (being a retired gymnast) how important stretching is. I guess because it's winter here at the moment, I find it difficult to do so for fear of pulling a muscle and not being able to train…

Thanks Peter. That'd be great. Wishing you all the best.

Thanks guys

Brian "I certainly will make full use of it…'As will I (& my partner) when we trek in October of this year (even though we are regrettably with another company). Sad to hear the news after so much hard work & dedication (without thanks or pay) has been put in, but elated to hear that because of the dispute/s that you have continued to provide…[Read more]

For full packs, our Carribee packs (75-80L + 85-90L) have held up well carrying around 20kg in plate weights + gear during our hikes and 3 day camping trips. My husband and I will be trekking Kokoda in October this year, so that is when the true test will come. The full packs came with their own little detatchable day-pack, but by the time we…[Read more]

"…that was probably way too much info…….."A little, but we're all family here right?!

Wow, Mike. Your poem gave me goosebumps. I was almost crying just reading it – and I haven't even trekked Kokoda yet. Truly have some talent there. May I have your permission to print this out to frame and put on my office wall? (I understand if I don't – poetry is very personal…)fluppy

Thanks. We are looking into Columbus Direct and I have their website saved into my favourites.Peter – thanks for the info on CGU. Will check them out also.

QUOTE(Brian @ 12 May 2009, 02:37 PM) [snapback]9502[/snapback]Hi Again ChampoI personally believe that $399 and more so $499 is perhaps an over kill for boots although at that price you would expect them to be very good.Brian Agreed. It is a bit of overkill. I did not pay the full price of $399 for my boots – as they were at the back of the…[Read more]

Hi Champo,I located the thread for you as I have saved it into my favourites. I am trekking Kokoda in October and have bought and worn in for the last 3 months, Zamberlan boots from Silk Road in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. Had I paid full price, they would have been $399. But they are terrific. Full one piece Italian leather. My Partner…[Read more]

Hi all, I received Mike's dvd quite some time ago now and can highly recommend it. Absolutely brilliant with a good idea of what it's REALLY like. Love the map that came with it as I was able to refer to it at various points in the dvd. Think I might even laminate it and take it with me when I trek Kokoda in October. The only thing I thought…[Read more]