6.00 ? We started weighing ourselves on the scale. The guys jokingly starts getting on about the ?heavy?weight champion? thing. I figure they were trying to check out who weigh the most in kilograms. (I think Geoff was, Ha! Ha!)Team_Book_In.jpg

5.16 ? I find myself in a car heading towards Port Moresby Jackson?s Airport. We check in at the Airlines PNG counter and are waiting for the Airways guys to turn up. Gail is starting to worry as it?s going towards 5.30. At 5.30 they arrived. Steve first, followed by John, Ross and then Geoff. We all start to laugh our heads off as John relates a…[Read more]

DAY ONE ? KOKODA TO HOISunday 28th September 2003 ? A WELCOME SURPRISE ?Today is a day full of fun and surprises!?It is 5.00 am, I am up early getting prepared for the flight out of Port Moresby to Kokoda. I packed the necessary items I needed on the trail into my day pack a day before. John, Steve, Ross and Jeff are probably getting ready ? they…[Read more]

We had five personal porters and four food/group porters. There were 11 porters and guides and five of us with Justice as our security escort. All in all there were 17 of us in the group. We then left the airport for Kokoda station and so began our fateful journey. None of us knew what lay ahead but there was no turning back now.As promised, below…[Read more]

At the exact time of 7:45 am we touched down at the abandoned Kokoda Terminal and at the presence of few locals who were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the aircraft. Being over enthusiastic I was the first one out of the plane trying effortlessly to capture Steve, John, Ross and Geoff?s entrance out the aircraft onto my roll of film. The…[Read more]

Wednesday, 5th November 2003 – Source: Sunshine Coast Daily Newspaper'He left such footprints on my heart' Coast mourns death of cancer fundraiserWHEN Richard Thompson was diagnosed with terminal cancer eight years ago, he set out to live every day to the fullest.By the time he passed away peacefully at his Coolum home on Monday, he had touched…[Read more]

Hi GailJust a quick note to thank you for all your efforts in making our Kokoda Trek such a success. I've certainly been telling everyone what a great time we had and what a great experience it all was and how we went with a really professional company.At the moment I'm organising my photo album of the trek and would appreciate it if you could…[Read more]

Message received from Jeff Harvey:Hi GailJust a quick note to thank you for all your efforts in making our Kokoda Trek such a success. I've certainly been telling everyone what a great time we had and what a great experience it all was and how we went with a really professional company.At the moment I'm organising my photo album of the trek and…[Read more]

Pic 5 Pam_Christie_5.jpg

Pic 4 Pam_Christie_3.jpg

Pic 3: Pam_Christie2.jpg

I replied to Pam and asked her for a more detailed detail of her trek, this is the reply she emailed me today:quote:Hi GailI will be writing up a report on the grade of this track within the next couple of weeks, so will send it to you.My observations are at this time is that technically it is a very difficult trek. I would not recommend this…[Read more]

Hello Gail Like you I am just so shocked. I went to your website this morning and am devastated to hear that Richard has gone. I only met him once in the office but obviously he was a very special person who will be missed by so many. I suppose I was initially upset that he could not fulfill his dream and walk the trail himself but being the…[Read more]

Hi mum,thanks for leting me know about Richard.. pretty sad hey, I hope his family is taking it well but I'm sure they are happier that he has some peace now.. I hope he got to see the mural before he passed away.love NathanEditors Note: Nathan, my son actually got to meet Richard. After I spoke to Richard on the phone at the Wesley Hospital I…[Read more]

I just found out on the website this morning about the death of Richard Thompson. I felt a sense of loss as I have in my own little way been involved with the Steve Ovett trek. Regards, Malum NaluFeatures WriterSouth Pacific Post LimitedPO Box 85, Port MoresbyPAPUA NEW GUINEAWebsite http://www.postcourier.com.pgEditors Note: In Friday's edition…[Read more]

Message from Alison Anis our journalist to Ross Eason:I am deeply saddened by the news of Richard's passing away and am regretting the fact that he has never had a chance to glance through the diary – I was wrong….. it took me so long to complete. Now that he's gone…….I actually feel really bad – that was one last thing I wanted to do for…[Read more]

Dear Mani, John and family,I was informed by Steve that Richard passed away today and I am shellshocked as I was really pulling for him. Our sincere condolences to eachand every one of you as I can really feel for you right now. When I sent myearlier message on Sunday I had no idea he was as sick as he was until Rossand Steve emailed me back…[Read more]

If you would like to keep Richard Thompson's dream alive, why not donate by logging onto the following website:http://www.bloomhill.com.auContact Bloomhill…Please feel free to contact them for any reason.If you require their services they have a 24 hour telephone help line:0438 611 867Bloomhill Cancer Help is located at:58 Ballinger…[Read more]

Although I have never met Richard, it feels like I knew him really well.Earlier this year I was contacted by Richard in connection with the 'Bloomhill Cancer Care Help Centre. Richard informed me he was trying to raise money for the centre and asked for details and a reference of someone who used our services in relation to the Kokoda Trek.At no…[Read more]

Hi Gail ; arrived home and had the film developed, most of the photos came out, so I was vary happy about this. Will have copies made in the next week and send to you. The snow had melted buy the time I arrived home and we are having an indian summer. Had some strong winds that did some damage to my rentals so between reglar work and working…[Read more]