On 14 August 2002, the Prime Minister's of Australia and PNG officially dedicated the memorial. I feel privileged to see it and have found the experience quite a moving one.There is also a tribute to Private Bruce Kingsbury, who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and one can see the rock where he paused from the battle and was killed by…[Read more]

The memorial is a magnificent structure with four pillars of black granite from South Australia. Each granite pillar has a word inscribed on it, Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice.A description of the memorial from an information board reads:The four sentinel stones represent the resolute commitment and sacrifice of those Australians who…[Read more]

As heavy rain falls, we set off again to walk a further hour to the site of the famous battle at Isurava. The track is extremely muddy and slippery and I am glad of the walking stick cut for me by porter Robin.Arriving at Isurava the cloud lifts revealing a panoramic view of the mountains and valley. In respectful silence, everyone visits the WW…[Read more]

After a second steep climb, we arrive in New Isurava and stop for lunch, a hearty affair of local village food including bananas, taro, yam, sweet potatoes and corn. Dry biscuits, canned corned beef, vegemite and peanut butter are also on the menu.During the morning, we met a group walking from Port Moresby to Kokoda. They were being escorted by…[Read more]

We set off along the track just before 7.00am and are soon climbing the Owen Stanley Range. The first section is uphill and strenuous.Our porters carry machetes (bush knives) like we carry mobile phones. They use them for digging holes, cutting firewood and walking sticks. I even saw a two year old child playing with one in Hoi. On the steep…[Read more]

MONDAY, 28 JUNE 2004 – ISURAVAAt 5.00am, Eric does the rounds of the campsite, blowing his whistle at each tent. During the night it has rained heavily. Our tent stayed dry, although we were glad of the trench that had been dug around it by the porters.We have a light breakfast of pancakes. Daybreak is at 6.00am and already there are local…[Read more]

Enjoying a cup of tea under the thatch roofed kitchen with open sides, we are surprised to see an athletic Papuan walk into our camp with a black, 12-gauge, pump action shot gun smeared with mud, slung casually over his shoulder. Our tour guide, Eric, explains he is a policeman doing a patrol due to an apparent problem a few weeks back when a…[Read more]

We cross several small streams and after passing through Kovello arrive at Hoi. It is around 3.00pm and it has been an easy walk of only 2 hours. Our porters help us to erect the tents and boil the billy. Lunch is a modest affair of cheese, tuna and biscuits – about two each. I am left with no doubt that I will loose weight on the trip!Lunch…[Read more]

In Kokoda, we are shown the war memorial museum where James and I sign the visitor's book. There are several monuments with plaques commemorating the fallen – Japanese and Australian.From Kokoda we head off along the famous track.Picture_023.jpg

After 45 minutes, the pilot decides we should try and land at Kokoda. The fog has lifted and we succeed. Porters are assigned and we are soon walking into Kokoda village, where we receive a traditional welcome from Papuans dancing and singing to the rhythmic beat of their drums. They form two lines and escort us into the village.The men are…[Read more]

We start up a game of frisby, which the children timidly participate in. However as their confidence grows, many more become involved and it is refreshing to see them enjoying this simple game. The game is played in their school yard, which is fenced by wooden sticks staked in the ground in an overlapping diagonal pattern.The people of Asimba…[Read more]

Villagers – men, women and children pour out of the bush and a very large and inquisitive welcoming party assembles. They all bear the signature cheery smiles of the local people. By Australian standards they are dressed in rags and the children's skin carries sores and other signs of health problems. I notice that most of the girls have faint…[Read more]

SUNDAY, 27 JUNE 2004 – HOI VILLAGEAt 5.00am we are transferred by mini bus to the airport. It is still raining heavily and our flight is delayed.Looking around the airport one is struck by the number of travellers carrying axes and machetes. Although all intending plane passengers are subject to security scans, their main purpose is apparently…[Read more]

Hi Boonie, I have not long walked myself so can now give you my thoughts.In May it should be ok as this year it did not rain much. Mostly on the trail it rains in the afternoons but on a 9 day trek you are mostly at your campsite by then.Ower's Corner to Templeton's Crossing areas we did not need sleeping bags but the night at Eora Creek it was…[Read more]

Bob McDonald's diary – recommended by both Bev & I as a great addition to your trek:Diary_200.jpg

Hi Muppie, Alison & Jessie, I guess I surprised YOU ALL by completing my trek.Yes, I admit it scared me as well thinking I may not have prepared myself enough for what lay ahead and I told myself I was going to walk no matter what and I did just that.On the night of the first day I remarked I hope I make it to Kokoda. Russell replied by saying,…[Read more]

Hollie Kerwin seen here on the Kokoda Trail during her two day hike 7th & 8th December, 2004:Picture_013.jpg

Time for a break….just take a look at Jim's shirt…yes thats what happens out there….no matter what you wear, you end up working up a sweat in no time! Picture_012.jpg

Jim Kerwin & his daughter Hollie seen here outside Ua'Ule Creek Guesthouse, isnt this the most beautiful photograph?Picture_011.jpg

Hollie Kerwin walking over a creek bed on her way to Ua'Ule Creek Guesthouse area where they spent the night:Picture_010.jpg