Kokoda Trail | Mel | Activity

Mel replied to the topic Recommendation For Poncho in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 06:44:05 +1000

Hi guysRecommend something that will keep you dry around camp. No need to have anything while you are walking. The rain is warm and you will only sweat anyway. At camp though you want to be dry. We didn't bother with our gortex, but took lightweight jackets. The brand we bought was Rainbird, aviaable from any camping store.Hope this helps.Mel

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 03:28:45 +1000

Hi guysHaven't logged on for a few days so thought i would ad my two cents worth in regards to the thermals. I think that even in November you could potentially need them as you are at 2100 near Kokoda Gap so if you stay near there is will be cold We went in Sept and Alola and Templetons were cold overnight. I took 3/4 length pants for night…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Video Cameras in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:21:48 +1000

Forgot to mention a couple of things above:Even though hubby carried the camera in a bum bag, when it was raining (not spitting, but really raining) we would put the camera in a waterproof bag in our backpack as we weren't going to be taking photos anyway! At creek crossings, if it was out of the bum bag it was always strapped around his…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Video Cameras in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:15:18 +1000

We took our camera which has a 20x zoom. As stated above it was well waterproof – double bagged. My husband carried it on his waist in a bumbag – you don't fall flat on your face, it is normally on your bum, so best to carry your camera in front than behind.I think some of you have forgotten the fact that travel insurance is just for the purpose…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 02:45:21 +1000

Hi guysI agree with Libby about the medical requirements. Now that I have read her post it confirms what we had – had forgotten everything. We used Bushman's repellent as it has a built in sunscreen 30+. (reduces what you have to carry too!) Don't forget that the anti-malerial tablets give you greater susceptability to sunburn, although having…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Video Cameras in the forum Trek Preparation

Fri, 13 Jul 2007 03:51:36 +1000

HiWe took a Canon that was not waterproof, however it did have anti-shock, anti-vibration. My husband carried it in a waterproof bag (like they use in kayaks) and put this in a bum bag so that it was easily accessible. The last thing you want to do is have to get into your pack to get out the camera when you are completely exhausted. We took a…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 05:39:46 +1000

Hi everyoneI saw the Compass show last night too. I thought it was great and showed a realistic view of what the trek was like. Having said that, hubby and I both commented how dry it was. Austin – we walked Owers to Kokoda also – the finish in the other direction seems much more "spectacular" in terms of walking through the arches at the end,…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 00:40:53 +1000

Commiserations to the West Coast fans out there. I am going to enjoy giving everyone some stick tomorrow!Justin I guess every trip is different but on our trip it rained for 2.5 days straight and it was supposedly the dry seaon! Our first afternoon saw us stuck on one side of a swollen river with half of the porters on one side (with all our…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 06:05:08 +1000

Hi Galen/AustinI am sure you'll be fine with your bush poles – maybe you're right I am chick so wussy! But, don't say I didn't warn you :-)In terms of footcare and blisters there were two things we did and they were both prior to the trek. We walked for 9 months every 3 out of 4 weekends for 3-4 hours a time, so our boots were well worn in.…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 06:31:57 +1000

Btw, meant to ask why you guys are thinking of taking a knife?It is not something you need – I didn't even use a pocket knife!One thing that is particularly useful (especially if you get one in the Kathmandu sale) is a walking pole. The guides will cut one for you however your hands rub on tree trunk and you will definitely need a glove if you go…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 06:28:05 +1000

Hi AustinYeah, I am 31 years old – although age is relative 😉 My fitness before I started to train for Kokoda (and since) was really poor as I was running my own business, working ridiculous hours and doing no exercise. Kokoda was an incentive to get fit and after 9 months of training 3 weekends out of 4 it paid off. For Kokoda I carried a…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 03:54:54 +1000

Hi thereMy husband and I walked the track in Sept 06 and thought I would write with a few words of advice after our experience. We lived in Qld at the time and now live in WA, so if you want to give us a call anytime reply to this site and I will give you our details.A camelbak (or similar) is absolutely essential. The last thing you want to be…[Read more]

Mel replied to the topic 14 Trekkers Head Out 5th July - Trek 76 in the forum News

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 22:36:47 +1000

Please pass on a hello to Paul Cooper from Tim and Mel. We hope that he doesn't have to get up too early to tape his feet before everyone else gets up! http://developer2/board/upload/style_emoticons//rolleyes.gif” style=”vertical-align:middle” emoid=”:rolleyes:” border=”0″ alt=”rolleyes.gif” />