Trekkers spent the first night at Uberi and tonight at Va'Ule Creek. The idea is to take them quite slow, a little each day said Rod their guide. However some villagers panicked today and sent a message to another of our treks further up at Peter Malik's guesthouse area that Mark was sick.Their guide Rod phoned in later to say it was a false…[Read more]

On top of Mark's surgery, he is a diabetic and seemed to rattle off a whole lot of other things that he has suffered from over the years. They are however, both well travelled and I feel it will only be the terrain that could overcome their desire to finish their walk.Our guide and porters have been instructed to take it easy and give them short…[Read more]

What makes this trek even more remarkable is the fact that Mark had bowel cancer and if he can walk to Kokoda he will become the first person we are aware of that has walked following such major surgery.However, he has come well prepared. He has all the medication needed, is retired now so can take it at his leisure even if it runs into a 12 day…[Read more]

Editors Note: As Clive is about to walk the track again this coming weekend, I will not have a chance to see him for another 11 days so please be patient if you wish to order this book.On his return I will discuss in length how I can obtain copies and will post the details on our website.If you would like to show interest interest in this book,…[Read more]

INTRODUCTION:Writing in 1970, R. Skinner director of the Civil Defence Services in Port Moresby, made a very insightful comment about the trek:Over the year the Kokoda TRack story has become part of our national heritage and as long as the Track is there, it will constitute a challenge to people with a sense of history and to those who wish to…[Read more]

An added surprise for my business partner Russell Eroro was the back cover of this book which shows a picture of him, his son and Clive Baker. Russell worked for Clive along with his brother John Derrick Eroro.When I first met Russell the name Clive Baker was often mentioned and I knew immediately how much respect there was between the two of…[Read more]

To all future trekkers, we cannot emphasise enough the need for you all to see your doctor before coming to PNG to ensure you are fit enough to walk.We would also like to plea that you hire a personal porter to carry your pack as unless you are 'super' fit, to walk the hills of Kokoda and carry your pack is a big ask. Plenty of people have done…[Read more]

Ian did not hire a personal porter, so our food porter Colin doubled his load and carried his pack along with Ian's pack.Other members of the trekking party also took various items to help ease Colin's load. After our boys had reached Kokoda last Tuesday along with the remaining five trekkers, we brought them all back into Port Moresby by…[Read more]

AAP – Source – The National – Thursday June 22, 2006.Kokoda Memorial for Australian Trekker:A SIMPLE memorial has been erected on the Kokoda Track to mark the death of an Australian trekker who wanted to walk in the footsteps of the World War II diggers he admired so much. Ian Andrew Bergman, 35, of Blackburn in Melbourne, collapsed and died on…[Read more]

We were all hanging out on the radio tonight as we waited to hear if Mark was going to reach Kokoda in time to spend the night and fly back in tomorrow.However, we need not have panicked as he arrived safely and according to other trekkers by sat phone he went to sleep very early tonight as he was really tired and exhausted by his 5 day trek.Mark…[Read more]

Good News: all trekkers have arrived at Kokoda and tonight when I was talking to Craig by sat phone he was really excited.They will fly back into Port Moresby tomorrow and should be back in their hotel around mid afternoon if not beforehand.

Dear Gail, as you know we all survived and really enjoyed the experience. We also enjoyed the 'boys' support and companionship. The uniforms are also distinctive and add to the professionalism of the Company and the porters. I think they feel pride in the uniforms also, especially when they come across another trekking party.The way we did the…[Read more]

Message for Darren:Melb 16.15 111/Ess 10.15 75Haw 16.9 105/Rich 8.16 64Adel 123/St K 60Frem 52/Geel 118Love Caroline and Phoebe.Editors Note: I advised Craig of these scores to pass onto Darren yesterday Sunday.

Received a message from Craig this afternoon to say they have made it to Templeton's Crossing 2 where they planned on spending the night.I asked how Justine was going and Craig joked that she is out in front everyday and its hard to catch her.Tomorrow night they the plan is to stay the night at Isurava Battlesite Monument area and then move down…[Read more]

Received a sat phone call from John Derrick Trek 143A to say they were spending the night at Uberi and that they would be up around 11am tomorrow at Ower's Corner.Trek 143B is spending the night a Va'Ule Creek and should arrive at Ower's Corner around midday.

Jackie,Have had trouble contacting you. Hope you get this in time. We have all been thinking of you everyday, wondering how you are going and giggling every time we go to the toilet wondering how you have coped. Leah says to say "keep going old yellow" and Mum and Dad say "Go girl you're a star!!". Dan, Lili and I are so proud that you have…[Read more]

Trekkers preparing to move out:IMGP1466.jpg

Photograph: Ian McCormick and Steve Evans at Ower's Corner:IMGP1467.jpg

Photograph: Darren Cotton and Justine Fisher shortly before they commenced their trek from Ower's Corner:IMGP1471.jpg

Craig today sent in some messages with Neil and Donna as follows:Message 1: Justine says hello. Nic…book me in for a massageMessage 2: Darren sends his love to Caroline and Phoebe. Very hard, feet sore, but having a ball with the locals.love DarrenMessage 3: Hi to Natty and Nathan – see you soon.love CraigPhotograph: Trekkers seen here at…[Read more]