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I did lots of training at the 1000 steps in preparation for my trek (I trained at other places too of course!). Because the steps are so busy and I was carrying a pack my training partner and I used Lyrebird track next to the steps quite often. The day we did it 4 times to the (very) top and back was when we felt we were ready (20km, and no flat bits!). I wish we'd done the steps more because in some places on the track there are 'cut outs' in the dirt which are like stairs, so it might have helped.
The other things that helped in my training was after hitting the gym (couldn't bush walk more than once a week) finding a set of stairs and doing them. After a long session on the treadmill at the highest incline, then biking, then walking again the stairs were tough. But I think it did my legs good to get used to moving even when they were tired. The other thing I did was wear ankle weights while I trained. Normally I think they are a bad idea (the are marketed to runners sometimes, and running puts enough stress on the body), but I think they stimulated the feeling of walking with tired legs and made me stronger. If you try this make sure the weights don't rub on your boots (mine hit the fabric inner lining and rubbed it away – damn!). I trained most days and was tired, although no pain (except those associated with other injuries…). Never felt sore while we were treking though so it was worth it.
Hi All,
Well we made it back safe and sound. We both had the most awesome time. It is the most incredible thing, although feels somewhat sureal now. The gym I belong to is arranging some Kokoda treks later this year and I'm already trying to work out how I could fit this into my budget! Do I buy a house or walk the track again?!
We started from Kokoda, and up the first long hill I was in a bad way really. I was sweating buckets (even for me), and felt dizzy and light-headed. We passed a plaque for the man who died in 2008 and I thought about stopping. But I'm not that kind of girl. We stopped shortly after for morning tea, and after I had something to eat and drink I felt a lot better. I didn't have any problems for the rest of the trip. I also never got blisters(!), although my friend Judith got some horrible looking blisters (one on each big toe), and some less horrible looking blisters, and a black toenail. But she was a real trouper and never complained.
Our porters were just incredible. The first crossing of Iora creek was incredibly difficult as the creek was flooded and the bridge had washed away. It took around 2.5 hours just for the porters to get a rope across, but they did it. We went hand over hand across the rope, with a porter with ther arms around us, so if we let go of the rope they would have grabbed us. They are absolute supermen! I guess the major bonus of going in the wet season is that there are no other groups around, and so we always had guesthouses to stay in and it was very peaceful.
Anyway, I'd just like to say thanks to all for all the advice, it was one of the most difficult (and yet not so difficult, which I know doesn't make much sense!) things I have ever done and I will remember it forever!
Cheers,
KimI feel like half my pack is made up of blister bandaids and tape! I'll take the duct tape, and hope for the best. I'm hoping anything that I don't have now is stuff I don't need, so I'm feeling pretty good.
I'll drop in once we are back to let everyone know how it went.
Cheers,
KimWell, not long to go now. I have (nearly!) all my stuff, and it is mostly packed. I am really hoping I haven't forgotten anything, although if I have it's probably not too important. I hope…
After breaking my boots in for a couple of months (I had to change boots and the orginal pair I had were just not right), they are finally giving me blisters. Not happy, but the blisters should be healed by the time we leave and I'll just use the blister band-aids right from the start.
Just wanted to say thanks for all the good advice I've gotten on here. I may not have posted heaps, but I certainly have read most of the info on here. Thanks Fluppy for asking all the questions I would have asked!
Cheers,
KimHi All,
Thanks for the replies. Loloata Island looks beautiful and might be a nice post trek retreat! I also like the sound of Ela beach purely because I think seeing more of the country sounds nice. I'll speak to my tracking partner and we can make a decision soon.
Cheers,
Kim (already excited and nervous!)Brian – your story is a little bit inspirational!
Mental toughness at it's best.I was looking at booking hotels pre/post trek. Does anyone have any suggestions? I think I've read that the Gateway is good, but I any other places people would suggest?
I have read in here somewhere that it takes a while to get track information from the company when you book, can anyone give a bit of a time line for this? There is soo much to do, I'm not sure how it will all get done in time! Eek!
Cheers,
KimThanks Rocky and Peter,
Re the wet weather gear, you have confirmed what I more or less thought. I have found a waterproofer for my boots so if can't hurt to do that. If there is anything I've learnt from this forum is that the dry feet and good foot care is criticial. So I'll keep on that!
Anyway – I'm out of questions for now. But I'll keep reading the forums, and when the next issues pops into my head I'll post again.
Thanks for all the responses so far, it's really good to have somewhere to post when you are having a minor freak out! Not that I''m freaked out
Cheers,
KimHi All,
Mrs Moo – we have already booked for January, so no backing out now! Really is the best time for us in the work that we do. The fact that it's the wet season is just lucky
Rocky – it there anything you would suggest (in terms of gear) that would be particularly helpful in the wet season? A friend who has done some hiking suggested waterproof pants (oh, the jokes that could be made…), but I'm thinking with the humidity that this would be pretty uncomfortable. Would you agree? I've read to take a cheep plastic poncho, but again with the humidity (and hence sweating) I'd imagine this would be fairly sticky.
Peter – guess I'll hold off on the Marino long johns then!
Seems like people mostly wear shorts (based on the photos I've seen), but I think this website recommends long pants. Does it really matter?
I bought some shoes that are a suede / Cordura upper and NGX liner. Is it worth using a waterproofing product on these also? I know they'll just get (and stay) wet the entire time, but would further water proofing improve their life span? I've tried looking this up online, but haven't been able to find any info about this really. Anyone with experience? I'm not fussed if the waterproofing changes the colour of the boot, just if it will cause any damage.
Alright – I'm off to train in the urban jungle!
Kim
PS. Thanks for all the replies, really appreciate it
