Hi Gail,My best wishes are extended to participants on Trek 531 for a safe and enjoyable crossing.I am often pleasantly suprised to notice with some trekking groups, past work and sporting club friends of mine trekking with KTL., Al & Ambrose Swindon, & Brian Quarrell (The Bucket List)With this latest group I have noticed the possibility of one…[Read more]

Hi Gail,Thank you for sharing with the forum, the background of Efrat. Clearly she is a most talented photographer. The photos on her web site blew me away. I look forward in great anticipation to her photos of her overall trip though PNG and the Kokoda Track in particular. I am sure many past trekkers would be interested in purchasing a selection…[Read more]

Hi All,Peter is correct, any contribution to the forum is always helpful for someone. I seldom see anything on this forum that has been anything other than sound and helpful advice.The circumstances of the participant on current Trek 550 having to abandon his trek is most unfortunate and has prompted me to share again my own experience.As someone…[Read more]

Hi Shane,Excellent info. I always thought KTL would have been ever mindfull of this issue and make arrangements accordingly. Well done.Cheers, Geoff Hardie.

What a shame it was that group decided to skip visit to Bomana War Cemetery.In my opinion, a visit to the cemetery before or after your trek is important in capturing the spirit of Kokoda which is what trekking Kokoda is all about.Cheers, Geoff Hardie

Hi Everyone,For those contemplating going alone, an article in this last Saturday's Fairfax Newspapers Good Weekend Magazine titled "Death on the Track" is worthwhile reading.Cheers, Geoff Hardie

Hi all,There are many who have trekked Kokoda and who have contributed to this forum with a genuine account of their experience. I have not encounted any report embelished with "hype or B/S".All who take the time to read this forum and have shared the experience will, I am sure, agree.Geoff Hardie

Hi EveG, I believe your business idea very good and worthy of further evaluation.As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, I was fortunate to undertake my preparation to walk Kokoda in Aug 2007 with Ross Clover, a major consultant to Bill James book, "Field Guide To the Kokoda Track".Ross of course had already trekked Kokoda a number of…[Read more]

Hi James,Not much more I can add to the advice on boot selection already given in direct answer to your query and previously posted on the forum. As mentioned by Brian, time is running out for you to properly "break in" new boots. Do not delay your decision too much longer.You indicated you reside in Victoria and your group certainly appear to be…[Read more]

Hi Nettie, (39th Descendant),Congratulations on your excellent posts which reiterate many very important issues you have raised frequently in the past. Your contributions should be required reading by ALL intending Kokoda Trekkers, not only those trekking with KTL, in particular, those contemplating the Trek as their first experience of overnight…[Read more]

Anthea,Best wishes for your trek, Given your thorough preparation I am sure you will only need minimum "luck" to succeed.I am not sure "fun" is an appropriate word to be associated with trekking Kokoda. Your crossing will be a challenging, and above all, a most memorable and very emotional experience. Enjoy!Cheers, Geoff HardieEditors Note:…[Read more]

I wouldn't wear elastic sided boots either on the Kokoda Track or in any prior preparation.With respect, I believe Les Hiddon's knew exactly what his boot requirements were for the work he did in "The Bush Tucker Man" TV series which now must be over 10 years ago. Walking Kokoda has very few comparisons with what was intended from this TV series,…[Read more]

Peterh13,A worthwhile suggestion, except as I have previously mentioned, make sure no food is left outside your tent at night for the benefit of wild animals who will devour anything if undisturbed,inside or outside your pack. Not much fun when you are half way into a 9 day hike to have your food fouled by animals as has happened to a hiking…[Read more]

I agree with Pete, It is all about what level of "insurance" you personally feel is adequate and what future use you will have if you choose to consider the expensive option. The bugs Pete mentions can be permanently life changing if one is unfortunate to pick them up. I personally relied upon Kataden Micropur tablets which I found far superior to…[Read more]

Hi Gail,Attempted twice over the last weekend to add some additional info regarding Dean's poem.Each time message received was that post would be "screened" before posting . Is there a problem?Basically I had suggested to Dean that he might like to consider a verse dedicated to the wartime efforts of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.Cheers, Geoff…

Hi Everyone.I emailed Dean to congratulate him on his magnificant Poem and suggesting he might like to consider, if he thought appropriate, a verse in dedication to the wonderfull Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels.During our crossing in August 2007, I and my two sons, it was our pleasure to meet personally, and thank two of the surviving Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels at…[Read more]

Hi Everyone,I emailed Dean congratulating him on his most insightful poem.I made a suggestion that a verse with reference to the heroic efforts of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels maybe a most worthwhile addition if thought fit. It was our pleasure, myself and my two sons, to meet in person during our crossing in August 2007. two of the the original Fuzzy…[Read more]

Hi All,At the risk of unnecessarily prolonging this debate, in my view all contributions have been very worthwhile and I am sure no criticism has been intended by anyone. 39th Descendant's contributions on many subjects are most valuable based upon her extensive life experiences in this beautiful Country to our North.I have observed for some time…[Read more]

Hi All,At the risk of unnecessarily prolonging this debate, in my view all contributions have been very worthwhile and I am sure no criticism has been intended by anyone. 39th Descendant's contributions on many subjects are most valuable based upon her extensive life experiences in this beautiful Country to our North.I have observed for some time…[Read more]

Sorry to be "hoging" the forum pages at this time.Early last week I received my copy of "The Good Guts" the official newsletter of the 39th Battalion Association. Dean's poem was proudly published therein along with some background notes.I too was very moved emotially in reading the poem. It certainly brought back many of my thoughts I experienced…[Read more]