During all the years Russell used to trek he said trekking companies would pay him off….give him an 'open' ticket back home and it would then be 'his' problem to find somewhere to stay…money for PMV (bus) rides back and forth to the airport, meals etc until he finally he managed to board a flight back home. In fact when I first met Russell he…[Read more]

Unlike in Kokoda, living here in Port Moresby, iron bars have had to be installed on all windows plus flywire to keep out the mozzies. A steel door is yet to be installed on the back door. Stage II will be as mentioned above have a verandah on the left hand side all the way around to the back of this building which can be sealed off.Stage III…[Read more]

At the moment a carpenter is working on a win haus (lockable verandah area/kitchen and big open area) where the boys can sleep…watch TV…cook…play their uke'ule's…have a beer whatever after their trek:The Carpenter working on the foundations before tomorrow laying the bearers and floor boards. The same plumber who put Russell's showers and…[Read more]

Quite a contrast, the Kokoda Trail from where Warren resides:Port_MacQuarie.jpg

On one such training session he met up with a couple of our trekkers who were also training for their own trek:Other_trekkers_training.jpg

Warren Turner sent me this photograph while he was training to walk the Kokoda Trail. Whatever training he did was obviously ok coz he did really well and finished his trek.Warren_training.jpg

Trek 55a – peter & scott Dear Gail, now that our trek has long since finished we have had time to reflect on what has turned out be a life changing experience for us both. We have been so impressed with the png locals that either accompanied us on the trek, or we met in the various villages, that we want to assist them in some small way. One of…[Read more]

"The inquisitive mind of a child"Why are they selling poppies, MummySelling poppies in town today.The poppies, child, are flowers of love.For the men who marched away.But why have they chosen a poppy, MummyWhy not a beautiful roseBecause my child, men fought and diedIn the fields where the poppies grow.But why are the poppies so red, MummyWhy are…[Read more]

Another Poem sent to me which is really touching:I saw a kid marchin, with medals on his chest.He marched alongside Diggers marching six abreast.He knew that it was ANZAC Day – he walked along with pride.He did his best to keep in step with the Diggers by his side.And when the march was over the kid was rather tired.A Digger said, Whose medals,…[Read more]

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels – full versionMany a mother in Australia,When the busy day is done,Sends a prayer to the AlmightyFor the keeping of her son,Asking that an Angel guide himAnd bring him safely backNow we see those prayers are answeredOn the Owen Stanley track,For they haven't any halos,Only holes slashed in the ears,And with faces worked by…[Read more]

Lots of people bring all kinds of stuff up and I have not heard anyone complain that they have had it taken off them so if it happens to you, it will be a first.You would have to delare it but the worst case scenario is they could reply you do not have a permit.A permit costs K110.00 which is around $50 – we could arrange this for you if you wish…[Read more]

Footnote: It was indeed a pleasure emailing back and forth with Warren so he too could realise his dream of walking the Kokoda Trail. Only yesterday 1st June I was browsing through our local newspaper, the Post Courier SPORTS area when I came across an article about Warren Turner as follows:quote:Night to relive good old days – by Numa AluWANT to…[Read more]

His personal Kokoda Trek on the Kokoda Trail will stay with him for the rest of his life."Since returning, all of us feel decided different. We have found it hard to settle down and get back into our routines. We are still on the Kokoda Trail.""It will stay with me forever. I have some truly wonderful memories and it is the best thing I have ever…[Read more]

On the sixth day they headed for Nauro, the mountain with nine 'false' peaks where you keep thinking you have reached the top, and then there is another climb ahead.On the seventh day the group reached Ua-Ule Creek, the southern most point the Japanese ever reached in their push to Moresby before the Australians started to push them back. It is…[Read more]

"It was so emotional with our guides singing and I was able to recite the poem The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels"'May the Mothers of Australia,When they offer up a prayer, Mention those impromptu Angels,With the Fuzzy Wuzzy Hair' it concludes.The Trek on the Trail continued and they stayed in the Menari Village where locals came out and sold and cooked for…[Read more]

Because of the tough first day, some did not make it in time for the service.The trek on the trail continued. It was a relatively short trip on this day to Bora Creek. Warren was assisted on the rapid climbs and descents by his trust climbing and walking pole he had fashioned from a piece of hardwood he found on North Brother Mountain. In places…[Read more]

Nothing was to prepare him for that first day."What we were to encounter on that first day was remarkable. I have never been so confronted by anything so difficult both mentally and physically."What was to happen on that first day was to rise in Port Moresby at 4.30 am and to fly direct to Kokoda with the help of Airlines PNG. After taking initial…[Read more]

Warren booked air fares with Air New Guinea and then set about 'getting ready' for what was to be an unbelievable adventure.To prepare, Warren calculated that he should train by climbing the biggest hill in our area, North Brother Mountain. He did exactly that, 20 times to be precise, receiving great support from Sandie and Chris Sanfoad who live…[Read more]

Planning was required. Warren came into contact with Gail Thomas of Kokoda Trekking who conducts the biggest operation of its type in Papua New Guinea."Gail was fantastic. Not only was it very economical, the whole operation was so professional," he said.Just two of our many Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of today – our Kokoda Trekking Porters who helped…[Read more]

It was an interesting childhood."He became involved in electronics in the RAAF and came to Port Macquarie in 1977 and established an electronics store. He has remained here ever since and has been involved in various enterprises including car rental, touch football and now marketing.He had returned to Papua and New Guinea only a couple of times in…[Read more]