Update 22nd September: Heard from Shane earlier this morning and he said everyone was ok. The first night on the track they spent the night at Ua'Ule Creek. Last night they were at Ofi Creek and today when they called in were at Jap's Ladder.Tonight they are planning on being somewhere in the Menari area.DSC02657__Small_.jpg

On the way out to Owers' Corner we found out that he has already been in PNG for awhile and has travelled to the Sepik River on a 4 day visit and Rabaul. Just before arriving in Port Moresby he attended the Goroka Show.So as you can see, he has managed to fit in a lot during his visit and is now on the Kokoda Track to add to his list of things to…[Read more]

Walking with the group is Sione Orasambo along with his guitar. Garni Bore who came in off a track last week and is now turning back to walk home. With them is Clement Harika who loves talking about the history and Ramsi who is normally a personal porter however on this occasion is walking as a food porter.In this photograph left to right are as…[Read more]

On arrival at Owers' Corner Shane addressed the trekkers before they departed down their first hill.IMGP2589__640x480_.JPG

Roughly 15 minutes later they were at McDonald's Corner.IMGP2587__640x480_.JPG

Hi Pam We are so proud of you. Pleased you have arrived saftely. Have a beer for us. All our love Sheryl Brian

Later in the afternoon Kingsley phoned up and I got to speak with Pam somewhere around the Deniki area. She was joking away and see the boys were really looking after her and that she was going well. I joked back that she had not hit what the boys call 'test' mountain as yet and that she would soon walk up her first big hill. Up until then she…[Read more]

Update 9th September: No doubt you have heard that they are all safe and sound back in Port Moresby including Peter. Its been an interesting day which started for me with a 5:30am start to go to the airport to make sure the aircraft left for Kokoda to pick up Peter.Despite being put down for a 6am start, it was delayed for awhile and finally got…[Read more]

Update 8th September: Good news, Peter is now at Orohaven having been carried off the track today. I spoke to him and he said it was quite an experience. He sounded really happy and in good spirits despite having been stuck at Eora Creek for two nights. Tomorrow a fixed wing aircraft will fly over to pick him up leaving here around 6:30am.…[Read more]

Outdoor gas hot water shower on offer at Orohaven.DSCF1625__640x480_.JPG

Photographs: Orohaven Kokoda Retreat – situated adjacent to the airstip in Kokoda.DSCF1676__640x480_.JPGNew_Bar_area.jpgP9030233__640x480_.JPGP9020230__640x480_.JPG

Update 8th September: Congratulations are in order for Trek 659 as they walked off the track earlier this morning and at the present time are relaxing at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. I just spoke to my son Shane over there and there was lots of talking and laughter in the background so assume they are one happy group of people at the moment. As for…[Read more]

Hello again Leah Isaiah and Bronco,Just got home from the late shift at work and have been catching up on al the messages. Wow there are so many. Sorry to hear about Peters injuries, hope the evacuation goes ahead smoothly. Year 7s performed a great assembly this morning. Liberty took part and did very well. The assembly focused on being…[Read more]

Update 5:30pm 7th Sept: With regards to the trekkers, they have now reached Hoi Village where they are spending the night. Tomorrow as planned they will walk off the track. I have spoken to both Amy and Leah and they both informed me that everything today, whilst sad, all went ahead as planned and was a very special moment at Isurava for them…[Read more]

My apologies as I thought I have updated this thread. As planned trekkers were picked up from Owers' Corner and returned to Port Moresby via the Bomana War Cemetery.Later in the afternoon I met with them again around the swimming pool area. Robert had by then got some colour back in his cheeks, John was in good spirits sunning himself poolside…[Read more]

Update 1:30pm: The chopper pilot has just spoken to Russell and my son on the ground in Kokoda along with Paulo up on the track and has decided to give it another go.ok, an update on the other trekkers. Roughly an hour ago they had a service at Isurava and the group left for Isurava Village and then on down to Deniki to meet up with John who…[Read more]

Update 1:15pm Have just spoken to Paulo who informed me he is presently between Isurava Memorial area and Isurava Village heading back down off the mountain with the trekkers. He also confirmed that Peter is still at Eora Creek along with our guide Trevor Jinga. He said it rained last night and that the weather was still not that good today. I…[Read more]

Update 1:10pm. Still no luck as black clouds surround the area where Peter has to be picked up. With helicopters they have to remain visual so this is the problem we are facing at the present time. Another option we are considering is carrying him off the track. If the chopper does not go back for a second attempt we will arrange for 12 boys…[Read more]

Hello Isaiah and Mrs Engler, Isaiah we are thinking about you all the time. We think you have both done really well. Isaiah you are sensational, we are very proud of you and your mum. It is good to see how much courage you have and that you havent given up. Isaiah you must be very fit to be the first one in each day.We went to see Andy…[Read more]

Hi again, its 5:49 and the chopper pilot has just phoned to say he is about to take off for Eora Creek and informed me he should be back around 7am. However, I was talking to Kokoda before that and was told its raining over there, so here's hoping the pilot can get in to land and pick Peter up. Will try and get a photograph of him if I can to…[Read more]