I attached a piece of elastic to my glasses that went behind my head to keep them from slipping down/off. This worked well. I also got the de-fogging stuff from my optometrist, but can't remember what it's called just at the moment. I used it every morning and had no problems with glasses fogging up.We had no rain on our trek, but I did have a…[Read more]

Hi TegsProvided you are trekking with a reputable company (eg KTL) and staying at a reputable hotel with transfers (we stayed at the Gateway and they were very good), I can't see any reason for you not to travel alone. In PNG you will need to be very security conscious, and not leave the airport building unless with the hotel busdriver. Security…[Read more]

Trek 429 3rd-11th August 2008I am a 55 year old female, soon turning 56. For me walking the Kokoda Track was the most fun I've had with my boots on. We were very lucky to have an entirely rain-free trek, which I have to assume made a big difference as our guide, John, said we were fast.I trained for 18 months before my trek (in the beginning I…[Read more]

With regard to the weather, I was told to expect high humidity but no-one told me how COLD it would get in the highlands. First and last day were more difficult due to humidity. However, being a Queenslander, nights at Kokoda, Isurava, Brigade Hill and Nauro were very cold for me. I wore my thermals at night, and at Brigade Hill I slept in…[Read more]

Yes. If you can hang on until smoko or lunch, it is much easier to duck into the bush then, and you don't have to "catch up" to the group. I have a pretty "cheap" bladder, but had no problems along the track. I just told someone that I was ducking behind a tree so that they didn't leave without me.

I have been unable to procure K5 notes, as they were not even listed on the order form at my bank. I have a good supply of K10 notes to take with me, so hope I can get change from someone.

Thanks all.See you soon Gail.

As a regular bushwalker, I find I need a pole for steep downhills to save my knees. However, if you don't take one with you the boys will cut you one from the bush if required.

That sounds like a good idea.I actually sewed myself a zip bag that holds my pack – tested it on a trip to NZ and it worked fine. It kept all my pack straps contained so that they didn't get broken in transit. But if you don't sew…

Geoff got me a bit worried, so I have phoned Columbus Direct and spoken with Andrew, who was very helpful. I explained to him exactly what we would be doing and where. He assures me that if we have an "unforseen" occurance (such as exhaustion, dehydration, injury) we are covered for airlifting out.I also asked if it was necessary to pay the extra…[Read more]

I have taken insurance with Columbus Direct. A friend who took sick in Ireland and spent 49 days in a Dublin hospital was paid up no problems by this company, who are underwritten by Lloyds of London.The fine print takes a bit to wade through, but I believe I am covered if they have to airlift me out. You can read it all for yourself online in…[Read more]

I chuckled when I read about your log practice – I had the same fear, and can now walk all the way around our park without putting a foot on the ground. It was interesting first time I tried it with a pack.I identify with your apprehensions, as I am 55 and trekking in August, but I feel confident I will drag myself over the track because I hate…[Read more]

Should we take our passports on the track, or leave them in a hotel safe box?

Hi NeatI have worn my Hi Tec boots for nearly a year now, up and down mountains, through creeks – you name it. They are excellent. I am hoping they will see me right for Kokoda as well. However I will still take half a roll of Duc tape in my pack "just in case". It has held many a boot together in an emergency.

Hi BrianLike you, I will also have glasses problems when I trek in June. Following Eve's advice, I asked my optometrist and she says yes, she does have something to spray on the lenses to prevent fogging. I also asked about something to stop my glasses slipping down my nose when I sweat, and she says she has pads or something for that as…[Read more]

Hi KezLike you, I come from the tropics and can't handle the cold. (I also got strange looks in Geelong when I had my jumper on all day). I am trekking in June, and am taking thermals which I purchased at a trekking store (Campco). Cost about $30 per piece (top/bottom) from memory. I wore them when camping last winter, and found them great.…[Read more]

Hi BrianMy daughter is in the army and her CO (who has walked the track) advised us to wear the short ones that keep the mud out of your boots only. I will be going with his advice, because living in the tropics as I do, I can tell you the knee-length ones would be really hot and sweaty in the humidity.CheersMrs Moo

Wow, I'm glad I asked! Thanks for the warnings, guys. I will cross Comfort Inn off my list. Hopefully I will be able to book at the Gateway, as I am not trekking until June (or even later, depending on my daughter's change of jobs!)I appreciate your answers.Moo

Thanks for your advice. Looks like the Gateway may be the best way to go after all.

Hi HeatherYou don't really need hills to train on if you have a stairwell – preferably in a multi-story building. There is a good DVD by Lindsay Kelly that he made after he did the trek last year. All his inital training was done in a stairwell. Took him 4 months to get where he felt ready, then did a trek in the Blue Mntns and decided to do a…[Read more]