Sunday, 28th September 2003, is when our adventure began. We left Port Moresby for Kokoda Station where we began the first leg of our trekking journey back to Ower?s Corner and then Port Moresby ? the normal pattern for average trekkers.Our team as we left Jackson's Airport on an Airlines of Papua New Guinea flight to Kokoda. Steve Ovett…[Read more]

It was also an end to another fundraising event for Sunshine Coast?s Bloomhill Cancer Help Center ? an idea formerly initiated by Richard Thompson, who is courageously battling cancer at his home town in Australia. Sadly enough, Richard, because of his condition was not able go on the walk though he wanted so much to be part of the team. However,…[Read more]

No doubt Alison will have lots of stories to tell, so STAY TUNED!Photograph: Booking in at Jackson's Airport:Book_In.jpg

It was at this instant that I suddenly realized how significant this was for him ? given his condition ? in achieving that dream. So even before anyone knew about it I already had my hand up to walk in his place. Yes I volunteered and simply did so Richard could be able to have something to smile about ? that though he was not able to walk, he did…[Read more]

However, I am indeed both very privileged and honored to be the one walking in his place and not only that, but I am also to wear his T’- Shirt and write a diary for him every step of the way.I volunteered to take Richard’s place on Kokoda Track after I heard of his appalling condition. Prior to this, I have already known that he was suffering…[Read more]

But his dream soon to be achieved through his team of four trekkers who have realized the significance of the trek. And while he battles cancer at his hospital bed in Australia, former English Olympic champion runner Steve Ovett, Ross, his brother John and myself (Alison Anis – volunteered to walk in his place) will take up the challenge of…[Read more]

Hello Jane,I have just got a booking from a father and daughter wanting to trek in April, 2004.Would you like to join this couple and others on the Anzac Trek?If so, please let me know by sending a message via http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/contact.html

We picked Joe's brain to see how the other trekkers were fairing.Seems, George's gift that he brought up with him went over well with children at Isurava Village. George is doing ok the last time Joey set eyes on him two nights ago.Shane O'Connor graised his head when he ran into some roofing iron but is ok.His mates from Cairns are breezing home…[Read more]

Joey bids farewell to his trusted friend Rod who helped push him on to the Ower's Corner FINISH LINE:Joey_on_verandah_at_Yacht_C.jpg

Be it known that Joseph (Joey) Fitzpatrick has successfully completed a crossing of the Kokoda Trail on the 1st October, 2003.We recognise a successful traverse of the Kokoda Trail cannot be made without an uncommonly high level of physical stamina and mental fortitude. In completing a crossing, Joey has joined the select group who have…[Read more]

Joey with his faithful companion, Rod at the Yacht Club Wednesday, 1st October, 2003:Joey___Rod.jpg

Joey seen here checking and answering emails, Wednesday, 1st October, 2003Joey_computer.jpg

This is the 'after' photograph taken tonight at the Royal Papua New Guinea Yacht Club:Joey.jpg

Dear Gail,We'll look forward very much to your material for the Frankfurt Book Fair. It will give a unique flavour to our stand which, I'm sure, visitors will appreciate.So far as I'm aware, there will be no identifiable PNG stand; but there will be at least 66 explicitly Australian stands and some others with a dual personality. The Australians…[Read more]

Malum Nalu (ex Tourism Promotion Authority) and now back as a feature writer with the Post Courier) seen here with Steve Ovett at Friday nights function at the Holiday Inn. Leading up to Steve coming to PNG, I was at the Yacht Club with Malum and other previous trekkers when Malum got a little tipsy or as they say here in PNG, spaked, and if he…[Read more]

The Photograph below was taken on Friday night at the Holiday Inn during a Fundraising dinner for the PNG Athletics Union: Left to Right – Ross Eason, Tony Green shanking hands with Steve Ovett:Ross__Tony_Shaking_Hands_wi.jpg

Dear Gail,You really have done wonderfully. It is much appreciated.Editors Note: This was in reply to me putting the book on both my http://www.pngbd.com website and this website on Kokoda.The kids back sixty years ago – I wonder how many of them/us still survive? -will or would be excited and simply amazed that you and others still remember what they…[Read more]

Kokoda Trek Contact FormFrom: James CumesEmail: cresscourt@chello.atSubject: Kokoda and Frankfurt Book FairHeard from: from a friendAt the Frankfurt Book Fair, from 7 to 13 October 2003, a book called Haverleigh will be exhibited in which the Kokoda campaign is a central feature. You might like to exhibit, on the stand, material about Kokoda, the…[Read more]

Editors Note: Tonight I received an email from James Cumes advising me of the Frankfurt Book Fair, from 7 to 13 October 2003. His book called Haverleigh will be exhibited there in which the Kokoda campaign is a central feature. He also added that I might like to exhibit, on the stand, material about Kokoda, the track and our adventure trek. I…[Read more]

James served in New Guinea, of course, during the war.http://www.crystaldreamspub.com/bios/authors/A-E/cumes_j.htmhttp://VictoryOverWant.orgJames_Cumes2.jpg