Why have the number of trekkers from Australia dropped?I don't really buy (pardon the pun) the GFC argument. Unemployment is still low, and notwithstanding the hits to older people's super in particular most people have more disposable income because of reduced mortgage payments. Aussies are travelling in record numbers: http://www.heraldsun.com.au…[Read more]

I've got to say I was disappointed with the program on ch7. I was looking forward to it.No doubt a fantastic achievement for Kurt, and no criticism of him, but the camera crew clearly only stuck with him for a day (no more than 2) at both ends of the track. If you missed it (and like I) was keen to see Kurt battle the track and relive it to some…[Read more]

Agreed Crowie – travel insurance is a must in a place like PNG and a very good idea otherwise. You should note though that most travel insurance policies will only cover for expenses incurred overseas (which can be substantial) plus some one-off compensation payment but would not necessarily help with the ongoing care back in Aus.

Rob – you ask why did people go:I went with my 62 year old father earlier this year. Dad's father (pop) served in PNG – not seeing action on the track itself – but in and around the lae area. He was injured physically with shrapnel and bullet but also suffered mentally from the whole thing. My father raised the idea of doing the track to get an…[Read more]

Craig – a lot depends on such things as:- What time you start (getting to owers can be a problem, the road is average)- What trekking company you use- The planned length of the trek- The speed of your group / injuries / etc- Weather…As such you won't get guarantees about where you'll stay each night (I'd be very wary of companies that try too…[Read more]

If every forum had threads with interesting titles like: "I Have The Itchies" I'd be online a lot more…Just to add to Eve's comments it's possible you picked up a fungal type infection, though that doesn't explain the whole legs itching it may explain the inner thigh redness. I'd slap on some canestan or similar to be on the safe…

KIM, the gateway is good I managed to check it out but didn't actually stay ther. Very handy for pickups and close to the airport, a good complex. You'll find most people stay at the gateway.I stayed at loloata island – about a 20 min drive out of moresby + a short boat ride. Loved it – you can snorkel, take little walks and relax. Moresby itself…[Read more]

I can only talk about personal experience. I have mild asthma – took the puffers – and didn't use them. I will stress though it's not usually exercise induced (more food and illness). All you can do is take your medical advice fluppy. As thorough as you seem to be, I'm sure you asked all the right questions of your doctor.I agree with Peter – the…[Read more]

Short answer – no.I used the sports blister pack things, after developing some blisters on my heels. (they are meant to stay on for a few days but I had to replace them daily). I found these good. I didn't need to treat the blisters, other than anti-bacterial/iodine cream.

FTR I won't argue at all that the stool was 'needed', but I was told about it by a previous trekker as a tip and feel somewhat compelled to defend the stool's honour as 'practical'.Personally – I hate sitting on the ground and find it very uncomfortable, maybe I'm not flexible enough, (not to mention the wet, mud, etc). On a couple of nights…[Read more]

FTR I won't argue at all that the stool was 'needed', but I was told about it by a previous trekker as a tip and feel somewhat compelled to defend the stool's honour as 'practical'.Personally – I hate sitting on the ground and find it very uncomfortable, maybe I'm not flexible enough, (not to mention the wet, mud, etc). On a couple of nights…[Read more]

If it fits in Fluppy, and you've got a porter, who cares if you take more than others? You do need to leave some space for them for their gear though don't forget. If you have too much to fit in – prioritise according to your own needs and cull. If you can't do without the book/cards, do you really need the ipod/ ice-pack/salt. (I didnt encounter…[Read more]

I'm a bit funny about my passport fluppy and took it with me. You will need to take care with it though or as Pete suggest it could get ruined. Mine was safe and sound in multiple ziplock bags. (I left everything else I didn't need)

Oops – I confess the environmental status of my soap did not even enter my mind in preparation. I took a couple of those little squeeze bottles of liquid soap, but I may well have killed off those tadpoles Peter was talking about.

Hi Fluppy,I agree the advice given by others here. The only thing I'd add is that I took individually wrapped barley sugar type lollies and found the bloody wrappers would stick to the lollies. If I was desparate enough I'd chew the lolly and spit out the wrapper as the only way to get at it. Personally, I'd go for the little packets of snakes,…[Read more]

Hi Kim,Exciting times for you – train hard, but you'll be OK. The track is used to (and mostly copes pretty well) with the wet. It's sticky, muddy, slippery, etc but I was surprised that after heavy downpours the track is still passable. From the Owers end the mud is like clay and alot of the water runs off …probably because it's so bloody steep…[Read more]

Kim, I went in late April this year. It was just after the "official" wet season (dec – mar) though I was told it was a long wet season this year. It rained most days late afternoon / night, quite heavy twice. I can only guess that it'll be wetter than that in January.Creeks would rise in a hurry when raining and just after but settle down again…[Read more]

Thanks Mrs Moo…

Thanks Mrs Moo…

Hi all, my first post so please be kind… I'm trekking with KTL soon and have noticed you get a wooden pole to trek with. I'm wondering if there are any 'tricks' to getting this back through customs – it would be devastating to have to leave it in Port Morseby. I noted that Brian didn't seem to have any difficulty which was encouranging but are…[Read more]