Perhaps not so much as a response to this particular post, but more as a response to un upcoming Trek, itimised in the calandar for the 23rd April 2015. It brings back wonderful memories of another similarly names "ANZAC at Isuarava" Trek of mine in 2005, some 10 years ago.

Good luck to all you 2015 Trekkers for this Trek, I'll be following your progress every day, reminising on my own trek 10 years earlier, as you climb the 'Test Hill' on the first day, a back breaking journer from Kokoda through Hoi to Kovello (say hello to Rod Ori there), then on to Deniki, wher e you can look back down to Kokoda Airstrip and then continue to climb after lunch to eventually isuarava Village and you think you have made it, only to find that you have another hour to go to get to the Battle site.

The next morning you will be brought to tears as the dawn unveils a panoramic view over the Isuarava Memorial, flanked by the Isuarava Ridgeline on your left and the Abuari Ridegeline on your right. then it is off furthe South to Alola Village, but look out for the 'operating table', a large rock which was used by our Medics on injured soldiers and look out also for the resting place of 'Butch' Bissett. then to the pretty little village of Alola and then onto Eora Creek, the site of a vicious battle as Australians advance back towards Kokoda in october 1942, then to templetons II and then across Templetons and then finally to the top of Mt bellamy, the highest point on the Track at 2190m.

Then through Kagi and onto Efogi, which is a really beautiful village. Then past Mission Ridge on the way to Brigade Hill, which will evoke many memories of 70 odd years ago, then down (and what a decline) Menari (the site of Lt. Col. Honnors famous address to the men of the 39th battalion) also if you have the energy, you may be invited for a game of Touch Footy on the Airstrip, which will really ensure that you sleep well that night. and you will need it as you tramp though the swamps the next day before ascending the Maguli Range to Naura and don't be fooled by the 9 false peaks, again you will sleep well at Nauro, where you may be lucky to get first choice of the 2 inch mattress, which will feel like you are sleeping on a cloud after the usual bamboo flooring. then a heart stopping descent down to Ofi creek and a daunting clinmb back to Iorabaiwa, the Southern most point reached by the Japanese advance, next morning it is off down to cross the Brown river at Va-Ule creek, before another afternoon climb to the Imita Ridge, which was the Southern most point where the Australians first retreated to before starting the push back to Kokoda. for you though the last day dawns as you head off to Uberi before crossing the last river for the last climb up to Owers Corner, where you will be overcome with emotion with what you have just achieved.

A life changing experience, that you will never regret in doing it. You will learn to treat people differently, you will have a different outlook on life, you will appreciate what your ancestors did for you and perhaps more importantly you will love and respect the locals who trekked with you, who cooked for you, who carried your gear for you and who always offered a hand of help in difficult situations, always take that hand, it is offered when they know that you could be in danger. enjoy the experience with Gail and KTL, it is something you will never forget.

Good luck, my thoughts, prayers & Heart will be with you on your journey

Best regards

Waza – trek 83 & Trek 792

Hi Brendan, Horace, Jessie & Gail & Crew

Good to see you enjoyed this Trek as well, Jessie, you seem to have grown quite a bit since we were there. I have a magazine and photos to send to you all, but not sure of best option to get them to you.

Best regards Lara, Grant & Waza

Hi Jonas

Did you ever do the trek and how was the experience?

Waza

Hi Gary & Tony

How were your trips last year? All good I hope and if you trekked with KTL, then I'm sure your experience with Gail and her Company would have been excellent. I have trekked twice with Gail and Gail saw us off at the Airport to fly to Kokoda and met us at Owers Corner when we returned 0n our 1st trip (although we had to travel in the back of the truck and not the Tarago because we all smelt so badly) and then on our second trip Gail took us to Owers to start walking and then again when we flew in from Popondetta. On both occasions, Gail also welcomed us when we arrived at Jacksons.

The Gateway was a fantastic place to stay, both in '05 & 12.

waza

All I can say is "What fantastic advice provided by Gail!"

Gail has been so involved with the Kokoda Track, the History, her staff, her community imput, her business parteners, especially Russell, her Sons, Nathan & Shane over so many years that her advice is just so solid and would be trekkers should just print this out and adhere to it, it is GOLD.

regards

Waza

Perhaps this would be a good option, as we took an alternative site, a 'motel' in town and it was quite poor and we checked out for our last night in Moresby and had a wonderful night courtesy of the Gateway.

But as I said, perhaps the Sogeri before you head off for your trek.

Waza

Hi Brian

I can only agree with Pete on your choice. I have trekked twice now with KTL and have only the highest praise & regard for both our teams on those two treks. The Personal Porters were genuinely the most caring and helpful people I could ever wish for, with Maurice back in '05 and Jimmy, Brendan & Horace last year, absolutely superb. The Guides were just so knowledgeable and helpful. Justus back in '05 and I formed a great friendship, rekindled at the conclusion of my second trek when we reached Kokoda. Arnold, on the second trek, had spent hours reading Bill James' book, 'Field Guide to the Kokoda Track' to study more and more about the history of the Track. And who could forget the wonderful Food Porters.

Obviously both options have Food Porters and you can elect to hire a Personal Porter, but my choice would again be a local Guide. Shane obviously also has the runs (treks) on the board as well as he has done a few and his knowledeg is continually growing also.

Best of luck on your trek next year and I will follow it with interest as I do with all the treks, remembering my own wonderful experience as they pass through familiar landmarks.

Waza (Treks 83 & 872)

Too late to wish you Good Luck Colleen, but by the time you see this you will have completed a wonderful experience after trekking the Kokoda Track with KTL.

I'm sure everyone starts off scared sh*tless, so don't worry, you will enjoy yourself.

Regards from a fellow trekker.

Waza