The brothers didn't really have much choice. It was a 'do or die' situation for them as they had to be at Kokoda Station in time for the Airlines of PNG Flight back to Port Moresby on Wednesday 28th April. One brother Raphael arrived a day early to prepare food and other items with their guide Kingsley Boropi a guest house owner and guide with…[Read more]

What was he thinking! 'The only thought that came to mind was that I had to beat the time, Osborne has said when interrogated by this writer a year ago. Osborne was sponsored by Pacific Expedition and his story was published in the overseas runner's magazine.However, the Blum brothers had other reasons. It was not Osborne's track record that…[Read more]

In 1982, Osborne Bogajiwai, from the Oro province ran from Kokoda and arrived at Owers' Corner within a record time of 28 hours, 14 minutes and – this was 3 hours, 46 minutes and 30 seconds short of his target time of 24 hours. The then 20 year-old Osborne was wearing a pair of Dunlop joggers when he ran his along the trail. Twenty years later,…[Read more]

What a great way to spend a school term holiday, out on the trail with international trekkers, away from home and enjoying every minute of it. All overseas tourists spoiled him rotten and he enjoyed every minute of it. At night he would join the other porters and guides and sing the trekkers to sleep as is their custom.To Kingsley it was a break…[Read more]

To do it again and perhaps often would be like taking after his father?s passion. Asked about his dream job, he said the only thing that was in his mind. ?I want to be just like my father.? Only time will tell but Kingsley sure wants to carry on the Kokoda dream. He is only a fourth grader at Kokoda primary school and soccer has become his…[Read more]

?I was so happy when my father finally told me to accompany them. This is something I always wanted to do and now that I did it, I am very happy,? Kingsley said.When asked about his trip, Kingsley said: ?I enjoyed it (trekking) very much I want to do often.? The dangerous terrain and steep slopes of Kokoda, didn?t even seem to bother him once, his…[Read more]

Since the age of 7, Kingsley had yearned to follow his father on the Kokoda Trail every time he went out with a group of trekkers. His father however, was too afraid as he was too small to do the trek. It was only this year and not until he turned 11, that Mr. Eroro decided that Kingsley should tag along.And young Kingsley did just that. He…[Read more]

This comes as no surprise, since kids in their growing stages tend to idolize their father and many would come to the sudden conviction that they will follow in their father?s footsteps. Kingsley has just begun to take his learning steps and already he dreams to carry on his father?s legacy one day.Kingsley?s father, Russell Eroro has walked more…[Read more]

But that is just one side of the story. What seemed even more remarkable about this journey was the presence of a young lad who accompanied the team from Kokoda all the way to Ower?s Corner. Eleven year old Kingsley Eroro who hails from Kokoda Station, Oro province, is probably the youngest PNG trekker ever to have walked the whole Kokoda Trail.…[Read more]

Message from Chris Baker: Hi Gail,Thanks for the quick message. I know you're really busy, but I wanted to send you a big thankyou again for your hospitality while we were there, and especially for the effort you went to, putting on a bbq and making me (two!) birthday cakes for my fortieth birthday. It was a different but very warm experience,…[Read more]

Russell Eroro also seen here congratulating the younger of the two brothers – Dr Marty Blum whose idea it was to walk the kokoda track:Russell___Marty_at_Gateway_.jpg

Russell Eroro was on hand to congratulate Dr Raphael Blum and to hand him his well deserved certification of completion:Russell___Raphael.jpg

Raphael & Marty Blum looking mighty happy that they successfully completed the trek in 4 days!Left to Right, Dr Raphael & Dr Marty Blum. This photograph taken 28th April, 2004 on the night directly after they returned from Kokoda.These guys even chose the harder route by walking from Ower's Corner to…[Read more]

Two Australian brothers – both doctors head out on the trail for an endurance trek Friday 23rd April. They are planning on making it to Kokoda in time for the flight Kokoda Port Moresby on Wednesday 28th June.5 Nights & 4 days….and heading from Ower's Corner make this truly a trek to check on….Stay tuned for further updates.The burning…[Read more]

Aussie trekkers make it back home: Emily Barr (Melbourne), Colin Mitchell, Garth Tuckey (Central Coast), Andrew Diduszko – Sydney, James Roach (Brisbane Triathlete), Murray Jones (Brisbane – Team Kokoda), Stacey Chesworth, (Alstonville) Chris Baker – Sydney Australia, and their team of guides and porters.100_0181.jpg

Trek 3 Update Monday 19th April: We have heard by two way radio that one male trekker has decided not to continue and will return to Kokoda and fly back to Port Moresby on Wednesday. Apparently he got as far as Alola Village 2nd night when the decision was made. Will keep you posted as to which male member of the team this message refers to as…[Read more]

TREK 1 for APRIL, makes it back home: Matthew Bollinger, Peter Garforth, James Joiner and Levi Broughten-Rouse seen here at Ower's Corner Friday 16th April, one day earlier than expected…..perhaps Matt was in a hurry to get home to his girlfriend Amanda who he left behind in Port Moresby!Note from the editor: We've just received this message…[Read more]

Trek 1 Update:All guys are trekking ok so far and no problems at this stage.Trek 2 – took off for Kokoda this morning at 6am – all very excited and ready to go: 21/04/04 Update: Trekkers are ahead of schedule and will come up at Ower's Corner around 8am 22nd April, 2004. They should be back in Port Moresby before noon tomorrow. According to…[Read more]

Trek 2 – April update 19th April:So far everyone on this trek is doing ok and are not experiencing any problems.Trekkers have already arrived for our second April trek which heads out Wednesday 13th April.Some of the trekkers are seen here on arrival at Jacksons Airport 11th April.Left to Right:Andrew Diduszko – Sydney, Garth Tuckey, Colin…[Read more]

Dear Gail It's been a while since I came back here and resumed working. It feels like a long-time-ago trekking we had only a few weeks ago. Sayaka and I have looked at your web page with almost a daily basis and we really felt strong anxiety for Russel and his co-trekkers. The winds really have brown off houses and trees? Messages you updated…[Read more]