https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/members-3/Mrs-Moo/activity/ Activity feed for Mrs Moo. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:44:53 +1000 https://buddypress.org/?v=12.0.0 en-US 30 hourly 2 ffd0f2b343c29d85dac6844730d10c1b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/first-time-in-april-am-i-fit-enoughtips/#post-105734 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:25:04 +1000 Hi DanielleThe best advice that I can give is to walk up hills, hills, hills – the steeper the better. When they are too easy, start adding weight. By the time I did the track, I was walking up a steep track on Mt Archer (Rockhampton) with a 16kg pack without difficulty. While I didn't really struggle on Kokoda (well, there WERE a couple of…[Read more]

]]> 428999330f6700424f795985804be5ce https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/65-or-older-testimonials/#post-103599 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:13:34 +1000 Good on you Brian, you are an inspiration. Sorry to learn that you will require dialysis – that's bad luck. You have such a good positive attitude to life, I'm sure it won't slow you down too much.Best of luck for the future.RegardsMary (Trek 429)

]]> bc61167346e832ef0d76e0de8284f203 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/walking-poles/#post-105283 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:21:58 +1000 GailI love my "mass-produced" carved stick, and will probably bring it back with me to PNG rather than get another one!CheersMary

]]> 1827f2854bfb457fcb2c616e1c6d8181 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/looking-at-augsep-2011/#post-105281 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:16:37 +1000 Hi RachelSally and Gail have given you sensible advice. My daughter was 32 and fit when we walked the track, carried her own pack and she had no troubles whatever. However I did notice that when it came to creek crossings etc, she had no hand to hold except on the occasions when my own porter helped her across. Also, when coming down steep…[Read more]

]]> d886604b8a1015b452c17e46290e6264 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles-4/#post-104911 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:50:10 +1000 They wouldn't get one of those back into Aus because it would not be varnished etc, I shouldn't think. I'm really proud of my varnished one and am glad I trekked when they were available!

]]> bba9b176c009b69622969bb031d1b995 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles-4/#post-105069 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:04:31 +1000 I trekked with KTL and they provided the absolute best pole as part of the package. It was perfect for the job, and now sits at home as a souvenir of my trek.Gail, do you still provide walking poles for your trekkers?CheersMary

]]> 04148ee36a2a360fc1cae8c428282f1c https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekon-rations-packs-ceased-trading/#post-104967 Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:10:35 +1000 Gail, you have done a brilliant job. I am noted as a "big eater", but I had rations left over every day (mind you, fewer leftovers towards the end!). I loved the hot chocolate before bed, but I also loved the beef jerky to snack on when we got into camp. It also helped to keep salt levels up.When I go on long walks now, I fashion my own ration…[Read more]

]]> def2276347bdc8375f591df59be647b3 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/qlds-courier-mail/#post-104930 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:36:27 +1000 Thanks for alerting us to the link … I've just read the article. I actually found it quite funny, and not so insulting as I had thought it would be.He's probably right about "If they want some street cred, Kokoda trekkers should embark on a famine a month before, give themselves a dose of dysentery, only attempt the journey at the height of the…[Read more]

]]> 0885774d6b4ebd8556cad275a908cbab https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/qlds-courier-mail/#post-104929 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:22:54 +1000 Well said, Dave. The reality is that the amount of training required just to get over the track is more than most people are prepared to do. Therefore the 'overweight middle aged person' is likely to die in the attempt, or as in my case, lose a large amount of that extra weight in the training!Let us know if he responds …CheersMary

]]> 7fdd9e3fd2470cc3c66d47d4c3118866 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/qlds-courier-mail/#post-104927 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:07:36 +1000 I haven't seen the article, but take it that it is a little insulting(?) to Kokoda trekkers? I don't think anyone who hasn't been there can possibly judge the physical and emotional affect that the track can have on trekkers. Just seeing the remains of the weapon pits, and old shells and helmets along the way, can give rise to quite strong…[Read more]

]]> 369d5205ac35c1f0d23e2b3472c19af1 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/11-august-2009-plane-crash/#post-104645 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:00:31 +1000 My thoughts go out to Russell, John and the Eroro family for the loss of Kingsley one year ago today. Gail, please convey my deepest commiserations to them.To the families of the trekkers who died, my thoughts are with you also. It is two years today since our group walked off the track, and so I feel for those who did not get to enjoy the…[Read more]

]]> 120d8ad169faac81b5e043c28761cca3 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/accomodation/#post-103966 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:06:05 +1000 Jack, you can book with KTL on this very website (choose your trek dates from the list of treks provided), and pay by credit card. You will also need to book your hotel (we stayed at the Gateway) some months in advance. That way by the time you get to PNG everything will be well and truly organised.

]]> 7c6a3eb794abb8fc50ac71ebe917f70e https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/backpack/page/2/#post-103942 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:42:21 +1000 I tried to convince my porter that he would be much more comfortable if he used the waist straps, but he didn't want to. Considering that they take the weight of the pack off your shoulders and onto your hips, I can't understand why they don't use them …

]]> 575916b219170d48d1f9389cc8764012 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/introduction-norm-n-maz/#post-103922 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:24:03 +1000 Hi Marion n NormWelcome to the forum. You will find lots of good advice in these pages.As you haven't settled on a provider yet, I would strongly encourage you to trek with KTL. We trekked with them in August 2008. I have spoken with friends who have trekked with other companies, and they were amazed that we didn't need to take extra rations (I…[Read more]

]]> 4f263176a2db3e9b0cd528235b24a5d5 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/seasons-greetings/#post-103791 Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:40:44 +1000 Seasons Greetings to all of you from me, too. Especially to Gail, Russell and the KTL team – I hope 2010 is a great trekking year.May everyone on the forum and their families and friends have a wonderful year ahead!

]]> 399ea0227028f221d4079534c40306fc https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/off-peak-season/#post-103768 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:19:27 +1000 My name is Mary, and I'm a KTL addict … is that how it goes? I was so obsessed with the Track before I went, I expected that after I came home it would be "out of my system" No such luck.Apart from checking this site everyday (and putting in my 2 cents worth), I'm already planning to return to the Track. I wonder if there's a cure?Merry…[Read more]

]]> fddcd29e90857859eab486266e33c34e https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/ktl-2-our-toyota-dyna/#post-103758 Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:55:17 +1000 QUOTEMy porter said the local villagers had eaten everythingGlad they aren't cannibals then …

]]> 667b5bd03aa94555d628cd19e00c0630 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/ktl-2-our-toyota-dyna/#post-103754 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:47:17 +1000 So what's the transport now for trekkers reaching Owers Corner to get back to PM?Editors Note: This year the truck was hardly used as in the beginning the road to Owers' Corner was so bad that we only used our 4WD's. After it was finally graded, it was the time of year when trekker numbers only warranted smaller vehicles. As a result the…[Read more]

]]> 5b30749d289b4d0ec64c7cd0860bfb6c https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/kokoda-track-authority-5/#post-103739 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:31:34 +1000 Fluppy, like you I was horrified by the mention of footbridges on the track. I have just sent off an email to the KTA at the address listed above, to that effect. Maybe if we all lodge a protest, they might decide it's not such a bright idea.Mary

]]> 804b011f18dacceb0ecd6223172050d4 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/kokoda-track-authority-4/page/2/#post-103738 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 21:15:24 +1000 Hi Peter,Yes we did it this June just gone. It is a fantastic walk, as each night you get to camp beside pristine waterholes with rapids and waterfalls…wonderful. We had to carry all of our rations for 6 days because there is little or no access to most of the track. As a result we carried 20kg packs. Two people slipped in creeks on…[Read more]

]]> 64cf9b0a2b00664fd99363f5781dc3b7 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/kokoda-track-authority-4/page/2/#post-103716 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:16:16 +1000 Many of the Great Walk tracks in Australia limit the number of people allowed on the track in one day. The Jatbula track in NT only allows groups of 10 on the track each day. The new one at Carnarvon Gorge is only going to allow 6 people per day on the track.I know this is not feasible in PNG with the number of different operators running treks,…[Read more]

]]> cc5927e26b84bb5ec1ee17c1a87a6872 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/kokoda-track-authority-4/#post-103708 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:54:17 +1000 QUOTEThey would have billboards along the track "This section of the Kokoda Track proudly sponsored by The McDonalds corporation' and then a fast food shop further along that sold MyFuzzy Wuzzy or McDigger burgers.Heaven help us !God forbid it should ever come to that! I was disgusted enough by the amount of litter along the track and in the…[Read more]

]]> 22c287a32bf9166486d8125d5825a84b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/travel-insurance-3/#post-103614 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:30:40 +1000 QUOTEOf course we opted for the adventure package for KokodaI also used Columbus Direct. I rang them and quizzed whether I need the "adventure" package, but they assured me that for trekking Kokoda the basic package was sufficient. They were cheaper by far than the company I used to trek in New Zealand.

]]> f3e9ca7608ed73c5f35be5ccb8b64254 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/preparing-for-kokoda-the-average-joe/page/4/#post-103516 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:07:38 +1000 Good luck. All you need to do now is find a toilet seat to put it on!

]]> f0691fb862602a634223e73c5cbd7141 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/greetings/#post-103508 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:07:15 +1000 Hi RobAnother book you may find useful is Paul Ham's "Kokoda". It is probably only available in the library these days, but is a comprehensive and very easy read. I liked it better than Fitzsimon's book myself.Personally, I walked the Kokoda Track for two main reasons: as a pilgrimage to try to understand what the Diggers went through in that…[Read more]

]]> 145070066ce229e5276c0d1945d2293b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/website-statistics/#post-103465 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:34:13 +1000 GailCongratulations to you and your team for creating such a wonderful website. I think the number of posts in the "Trek Preparation" forum show that many people have questions and doubts before setting off, and many others have been happy to share their own solutions to many of these.I found this site invaluable before my trek, and even now I…[Read more]

]]> 79e2f68500f78fbe3ba9cc6cc40a9dee https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/sleeping-gear/#post-103430 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:23:08 +1000 QUOTEYou sure must feel the cold Mrs MooBrian, I can't even blame it on my age when talking to you! I must just be so hot-blooded that I feel the slightest drop in temperature.But I would still advise people to take thermals and sleeping bag on the trek, especially if they feel the cold like me.Mary

]]> a4e7f6fad79e7e5e0cb0921ab9b5c10e https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/sleeping-gear/#post-103426 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:49:59 +1000 As a Central Queenslander I guess I feel the cold more than Victorians. I froze at Brigade Hill, and wore thermals most nights from Isurava to Va-ule Creek. At Brigade Hill I wore thermals, socks, trackky daks, windproof jacket with hood all zipped up, got into my sleeping bag and tried to breathe down inside my jacket to get warm.

]]> 21f37ed2090ced4f43a1907ae1631ecf https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/tent-bivvy-or-other/#post-103425 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:36:31 +1000 QUOTEI wonder how they keep the grass so neat Peter?At Isurava monument area I saw people (including kids) slashing the grass with their bush knives. Not sure how many people it would take to clear Eora Creek campsite this way – it was fairly extensive!

]]> 942f1d0991141e838409e02b3daba9cd https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/prescription-glassesbifocals/page/2/#post-103404 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:07:55 +1000 Brian, my optometrist ordered the Fog Off stick in for me. Not sure where from, but maybe your optometrist could do the same?Mary

]]> 82f922343d8c8fbf9f8aca21ebb94118 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/prescription-glassesbifocals/page/2/#post-103398 Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:31:10 +1000 QUOTEmake sure they are attached somehow to your gearI tied a piece of hat elastic (the small round stuff) to the ear pieces, across the back of my head to stop mine from slipping down my nose with sweat. Worked a treat. As I said in an earlier post, I also used Vu-clear Fog off stick which was quite good. My biggest problem was the sweat…[Read more]

]]> 4e853210b2aada537deb3ab4f3eb2a11 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/nathan-kates-wedding/#post-103201 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:48:52 +1000 Hi Gail,What lovely photos. Congrats to Nathan and Kate. I have spoken with Cheree on the phone, and she has certainly inherited your "go the extra mile" genes. You must be very proud of them all.I might print off one of the photos of you, as in the one I took at the Gateway you closed your eyes! Never mind, I'm planning to return in 2012 and…[Read more]

]]> f13c0ace3967b6c7eb27b0a1c16646be https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/practice-trek-perrys-to-lockleys/#post-102911 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:51 +1000 Fluppy, from memory Mt Mitchell is mostly stairs (I think we counted about 200) so would be a good training place from that point of view. I don't think it matters if you don't have somewhere to train where it takes 2 hours to climb – just going up and down gets the right muscles working.Executive Excellence train their trekkers on Mt Coot-tha.…[Read more]

]]> 3664af38e147b1a2d3e3865cf017fa2a https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trek-617/#post-102889 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:39:52 +1000 In January I would expect the creeks to all be in flood, the swamps to be extremely yukky, storms and heavy rain to pour down every day. Are you sure you want to trek in the wet season?

]]> ed89a34ef6fd66f66744fa933c50097a https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/did-anyone-keep-a-journal-on-their-trek/#post-102888 Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:34:57 +1000 I wrote notes every evening, but some days I couldn't remember if it happened today or yesterday because I was too tired to think. Sometimes I forgot to write stuff we'd done that morning. However it was helpful when I came to "write-up" the story of my trek when I got home – it did serve to jog my memory.I wish I had taken notes as I took…[Read more]

]]> c656d5b27ea99b8b159d4df508fe8a2c https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/quick-gear-questions/#post-102827 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:36:45 +1000 Hi MTVGaiters are great, not only for snakes (there were 3 on our trek – not that I saw them, as the boys up the front killed them before I got there), but also for minimising the mud in your boots. They help keep your socks a bit drier and are easy to clean in the creeks.I have a DVD about Kokoda in which they say "real walkers wear gaiters".

]]> 56507e99561585048036ff81c975bd0f https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/female-health-and-hygiene/#post-102777 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:28:27 +1000 Fluppy, I think by underwear liners she just means the little panty liners you buy at the supermarket or chemist.

]]> e0199e4ac2fa452f858b9fd9275cf448 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/female-health-and-hygiene/#post-102702 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:41:11 +1000 Like Nettie, I used only anti-bacterial wipes instead of loo paper. (They come in handy little pocket-sized packs and are also good for cleaning loo seats if they are provided). Personally, I preferred the squat loos where I didn't actually have to sit on anything.I also wore bike pants under my shorts, which certainly made wet shorts feel more…[Read more]

]]> c83f28a58d67511159da34242f1299f4 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/eroro-family-in-mourning-our-big-boy-is-gone/page/2/#post-102659 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:03:11 +1000 Dear Russell, John Derick, and the Eroro family,All members of trek 429 are deeply saddened by your loss and on behalf of all of us I extend our deepest sympathy. I know that Evo has also extended our condolences in a separate email, but I just want to reiterate how sad we all are feeling for you.John Derick was our guide on trek 429. He gained…[Read more]

]]> e084437cb352f7d916418ed5773bf402 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/plane-missing-in-png/#post-102619 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:15:50 +1000 Fluppy, please don't take it as a sign not to go. I think all ex-trekkers will agree that this is a very rare occurrence and you would not want to cancel the wonderful adventure of walking the track because of it.When I heard the news I very much had a "there but for the Grace of God go I" feeling, but it will not prevent me from doing the track…[Read more]

]]> cf0aca2f0120c5ecad9967cfa1392d46 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/pack-weight-2/#post-102443 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:29:43 +1000 My daughter carried her own pack (about 15kgs) and had no trouble, but she is in the army and EXTREMELY fit.When we came to creek crossings, she mostly had to make her own way without the helping hand of a porter (except on the more dangerous ones, where the guide gave her a hand). She also had to negotiate the steep, muddy downhills without the…[Read more]

]]> daa1a0182d022002a3f5f7c065773922 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/travel-insurance-4/#post-102169 Wed, 13 May 2009 21:59:49 +1000 I used Columbus Direct travel insurance. It cost much less than quoted above, and I did not need any extra cover for trekking in a remote area. I was covered for helicopter evacuation should I have needed it.

]]> 14ac413f1cb646f113c0c140d90dba59 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles/#post-101745 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:01:01 +1000 So long as you clean all mud off it, and declare it as a "carving", you will have no problems at all. It will go through as a "long item" so will not be on the carousel when you land – you will have to go to a different pick up point to get your stick (not too much hassle – I managed OK). Customs hardly looked twice at it.

]]> 14ac413f1cb646f113c0c140d90dba59 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles/#post-101745 Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:01:01 +1000 So long as you clean all mud off it, and declare it as a "carving", you will have no problems at all. It will go through as a "long item" so will not be on the carousel when you land – you will have to go to a different pick up point to get your stick (not too much hassle – I managed OK). Customs hardly looked twice at it.

]]> e89e832c652198107313ab58c952ea3b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles/page/2/#post-101838 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:59:25 +1000 I was on the same trek as Evo, and none of us used our Leki poles. In fact, I left mine at the hotel in Moresby, because Russell Eroro told us that he has seen them snap under pressure.The poles provided by KTL are not only decorative, but very functional. They are much better for that terrain then the lighter telescopic poles. Next time I go,…[Read more]

]]> e89e832c652198107313ab58c952ea3b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles/page/2/#post-101838 Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:59:25 +1000 I was on the same trek as Evo, and none of us used our Leki poles. In fact, I left mine at the hotel in Moresby, because Russell Eroro told us that he has seen them snap under pressure.The poles provided by KTL are not only decorative, but very functional. They are much better for that terrain then the lighter telescopic poles. Next time I go,…[Read more]

]]> 1ad53de859d407101e1761eff21bd2d3 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/prescription-glassesbifocals/#post-101706 Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:47:42 +1000 Yes, that's the one I used. Cost about $10 from memory.

]]> 583009b3d8047fed67989774ea274fdb https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/socks/#post-101652 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:44:29 +1000 I took two pairs of liner socks (Coolmax) two pairs of outer socks (Columbia) and another pair that I wore at night as my feet got cold! That was plenty.

]]> 6354a5eb9c00ae7f01ba4a0f7ac96c57 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/prescription-glassesbifocals/#post-101651 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:32:55 +1000 My optometrist ordered me a stick called VU-KLEAR fog-off stick. It worked really well for me, but I have to mention that we didn't actually get any rain in the daytime during our trek.I also wear graduated lenses, and didn't really have any trouble except, as you say Brian, I have to stop before looking around when I'm walking. The biggest…[Read more]

]]> 4b02c32690ee77b3dd928fedb7b1f3bb https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/unpleasantries-of-bowel-motions/#post-101621 Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:26:26 +1000 Hi fluppyI notice no one has come in to advise you on this topic!Firstly, I don't know too much about IBS, but I had worried a bit about constipation on the trek. However, I had no trouble. Maybe it was the muesli we had for brekky every day, or even the squatting position as opposed to sitting on a seat, but I was regular. I think walking all…[Read more]

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