I didn't take a groundsheet Scott, nor did anyone on our trek. We had quite a few nights of rain… but the tents remained dry inside. The porters dig little trenches around your tent in heavy rain, to drain water away. Enjoy your trek …. I'm sure you will.

Hi Joseph,Peter and Brian Have pretty much summed it up, but I'd just like to add a couple of observations from my trek in June last year:I didn't see any trekkers attempting the hike without guides.The only food I found to purchase were bananas, Twisties (a type of snack, like a crisp) and warm soft drinks, such as Coke Cola. Maybe once a day at…[Read more]

Great idea Peter. i'll put one together on my day hydration pack for women…. in the Trek Preparation section.

I too hope your health improves Brian… walking is a wonderful pastime. Also enjoy the Tamworth Country Music Festival.I'm heading to Peru next year ( Inca trail, Sacred valley etc, Amazon river jungle stay and then to Lake Titicaca). In I'm hopint to trek in Nepal/Tibet and the Everest Base camp, so Wokabaut Meri I'd love to hear a 'trip…[Read more]

Happy Christmas… and here's wishing you all more laughter, more happiness, more luck and more rain in 2010 ( well, maybe not those of you living in PNG!!). Cheers all, and look forward to catching up early next year.

It's a shangai Gail… illegal in NSW, though the little buggers in Bourke etc carry them…. mainly for hurling missiles at cars and trucks!! Not their intended use at all.Our porters were constantly trying to fool us with animal sounds too, and yes, even young children carried machettes on the track. My boys at that age carried Tonka toys,…[Read more]

Yep, I put my hand up … this forum is a daily ritual for me too. I would never have thought before trekking Kokoda that the whole experience would have gotten into my system so badly.In a few years I'd like to trek Shaggy Ridge and the Black Cat trail too. Gail, do KTL do this trip?? It would be the 'icing on the cake' in so far as following the…[Read more]

Rabbits??? – the ONLY animals I saw for my entire trek were chooks and dogs in the villages, cows after Owers Corner… and one tree kangaroo… that shinnied up to my shoulders, drawing blood!! I heard a couple of pigs and of course birds, but didn't actually see them. It actually surprised me, the lack of wildlife in the jungle. My porter said…[Read more]

Geoff makes a good point, however from my experience they even take their own wheelchairs back before you reach the aircraft. My youngest son was run over by a tractor about 10 years ago, necessitating a lengthy stay in ICU and hospital in Sydney. On our return flight home I booked and was given a wheelchair. HOwever they took it back BEFORE we…[Read more]

I had to have a chuckle on the track. For those of you who've trekked Kokoda recently… remember the hole in the ground covers? A piece of wood roughly shaped the same as said hole in the ground with a wooden pole coming out of the middle of it? The first time I spotted one of these I thought " how nice, the local villagers are giving us…[Read more]

Yeeee Haaaaaaaaaaaaaa – you did it girl!!! There's no looking back now Fluppy, ever. You know you can do whatever you put your mind to. Well done.Lorna

I'm so pleased to hear your report on Fluppy. I've been thinking about her most days.. .wondering how she's going. She's had a lot of setbacks in her life but appears to be full of grit and determination. I hope she posts a photo of herself at the finish line!! By the way, which way is she trekking?Cheers all,

I wonder how they keep the grass so neat Peter? Only place I saw a slasher was Effogi… and it obviously hadn't gone for a very long time!!Wonder how Fluppy is getting along. She is full of determination – equally as important as the fitness side of things. Good luck to her… I'm sure she'll ace it in.

Yes, it most definitely is personal preference Crowie…. however I think a tent is the best and easiest option on the Kokoda Track. All campsites on the track are cleared, grassy areas, not your regular jungle terrain. And I'd have to say I didnt' notice many ( if any) tress at these campsites.

Presuming yu can find two trees the right distance apart to hook it to!! Might prove difficult on the track.

Have a wonderful trip Fluppy (and Hubby) – it will be a journey you'll never forget. Savour every moment.Look forward to hearing from you,Lorna

Peter, I guess you could also feed your potato to any shark that was looking at you a little too closely!!. I dived in Bootless Bay, from Loloata Island, after my trek. It was the best diving i've ever done. Most days there was just me, two local dive guides and the boat driver out on the water. Absolutely pristine, and not like Pitt steet during…[Read more]

I doubt it works with Deb pototo.. what you'll most likely get on the track!!

Potato isn't something I carry in my dive kit bag Pete!!! Ha, sounds like something out of Martha Gardner's home hints!!