Kokoda Trail | austin | Activity

austin replied to the topic Comfort Inn in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:41:36 +1000

Hi Mrs Moo,In october i did the trek and before we started i stayed at the comfort Inn…….MMMMM very interesting. I found the rooms dirty, the shared bathroom accomodation disgusting and the breakfast VERY ordinary, in fact it should be named the "uncomfort Inn". I had no choice as the tour group i went with had this place for our pretrek…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Camping Hammock in the forum Introduction

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 07:00:18 +1000

Ive also just returned and i would completely rule out the hammock idea !! We got rain overnight on several occasions so if your prepared to get wet – go for it. The weather, generally was good, hot and humid during the day (which i expected) but cool and sometimes cold in the nights. I had a sleeping bag (rated at +5degree) with a liner and it…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic I'm Baaaaack! & Survived As Well! in the forum General Discussions

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 15:46:07 +1000

Hey nettie,so you survived, sounds like your flight schedules were a nightmare. Im booked for the early morning flight coming home and have to get back to perth, i will spend a night in brissy though so i have all day to get back !!!What about going over, was that "on time". I might be cutting it fine as my flight is scheduled to get to PNG at…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic We're Back And We Made It! in the forum Introduction

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:20:35 +1000

wonderful to hear you guys made it this time and all was well, sounds sooooooo exciting and am full of anticipation for my trek in early october. well done and congratulations austin

austin replied to the topic Travel Documents in the forum General Discussions

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:16:07 +1000

hey jafa,with regards travel docs and other important things, the guys im going with give us a safe to put all our unwanted gear and things in the place we stay the night before we leave. We then return back to the same place once we finish for one night. perhaps the guys you are going with offer the same service !! It would not be a good thing…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic How Important Are Skins/bike Pants in the forum Trek Preparation

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:59:14 +1000

Hi david,skins are excellent as they stop any chaffing. Ive been told that in humid temperature, chaffing is easier to occurr therefore, skins would be beneficial. I use mine (long and short) all the time at home and they not only help in chaffing but assist in recovery after a long day on the trek. They are light weight and crunch up to…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:32:17 +1000

Hi Nettie,yes kokoda day would have been something, especially if you have a family member who was so closely involved. The CD would be great to see so yes, i would love to have a copy of it. Can you believe its only 2 and 1/2 weeks for you to be there WOW !!those that i have spoken to also say that the trek is a life changing experience and is…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Thu, 02 Aug 2007 23:23:45 +1000

Hi nettie,you dont wanna go to the big cities, if ever your travels bring you to WA, you gotta come down to the south west – its much much nicer and much more to see.My injections are the same as yours jafa. NOT CHEAP EITHER !! my sister is a pharmacist so they helps i guess !!!A mate of mine who knows heaps on nutrition is looking into energy…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:02:53 +1000

am having hell's own problems getting thermals, every man & his dog must have bought them in the cold snap here, and the only size I can get are HUGE,have you tried Ranger camper – oconner on stock rd – you are in perth arnt you !! was in this store last week and it seemed that thay had lost of thermals. I already have skins, both short and…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:56:01 +1000

hi 39th – its weird calling you by number !!It would be good to know how much your pack weighs. The guys im going with make us carry our own tents, so pretty much everything we need, we carry. Im sort of thinking around 12 – 15kg max would be pretty much right.Ive been busy getting my injections organised and have it done now – finally. All i…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 06:51:05 +1000

Question – how much should my pack weigh while training. I have it packed to 18kg and its bloody heavy after 10 mins. Im thinking it wont be that heavy, surely !! Did a long trek in the sand dunes today – 4 hrs and man i was buggered after that, i think my pack may be a little heavy, what does everyone else think.on another note……..good…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 05:00:21 +1000

39th, that is funny, I want to know where you got your back pack for only 80 bucks – thats a bargain. So your off in august eh ! must be getting pretty excited by now.get the glucosomine with joint formula tablets – they are much better and do away with the fish oil tabs if you like. sounds like you have some seroius knee noise happenin their…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 23:38:50 +1000

hey jafa,My pack arrived today – so I can start training with it.excellent mate.i recieved my bag today in the mail, big suprise as i forgot that i had purchased it !!! went with the one you sent me the info on. Its a plus 10 degree very light weight, am wondering wether its gonna be warm enough !! i think it should be OKI also am finding that…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Recommendation For Poncho in the forum Trek Preparation

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 03:50:08 +1000

I reckon what would be good is a poncho that covers both you and the pack. Dont know if there are any such things but i think it would be handy.Went for a trek today with my pack in the pouring rain (purposely) and found that the water gets in between you and your pack – not nice – so is there any such packGalen, your the whiz on camping gear -…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:21:58 +1000

BLOODY KNEES !!!!I to have suffered the wrath of broken knees. Have had ACL reconstruction and three arthroscopy ops on the one knee. At present its fine and "normal" but would anticipate some wear and tear over the coming months/year. To strenghten the knee you have to build up the muscle surrounding the knee so weighted leg extensions, light…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 18:00:11 +1000

Hey wazza,aietto@bigpond.net.auwould appreciate any info on the geari go in october and have pretty much geared myself up – any advise would be thankfullon another note ………THE MIGHTY EAGLES ARE BACK – HOW GOOD IS OUR BENNY BOY !!!!Austin

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:07:02 +1000

hey guys,to help with muscle recovery and also to keep you warm at night, invest in a pair of long "skins", they are really great and very lightweight. They may look a little dicky but were not out there for fashion stakes !!I have a pair of short leg and long leg, i will be wearing the short legs during the day to avoid any chaffing and the long…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:12:16 +1000

gday galen,i to was gonna buy a deuters but decided against it – cant remember the reason why !! I wouldnt think that you would need thermals or a polar fleece zip up but i could be wrong. The only "warm piece of clothing i will be taking are 1 pair of light pants (sports tracky pants) and a rainjacket. I would think that in nov the temperature…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Video Cameras in the forum Trek Preparation

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:53:43 +1000

Im thinking of taking a couple of disposable waterproof cameras – havnt looked into it yet but this was my initial idea. I have a video camera which is really good but am not prepared to take it on the track as i think it will definately get ruined and the last thing i want is to have to worry about my camera.I think you can try any waterproof…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Kokoda Pictures- 1942 in the forum Introduction

Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:39:43 +1000

Priceless !!!!!these photos are something else, well done and thanks for sharing themaussie

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 15:49:04 +1000

Nettie,thanks for your help, will search today for further information. cheersAustin

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:55:56 +1000

Appreciate that nettiecheers austin

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:54:20 +1000

hey jafaexcellent to hear that you are in training. The main reason for me doing the track is also to challenge my fitness (both body and mind). Over the past 6 months i have lost a total of 26kg. My goal was to lose weight and get really fit and healthy, i have achieved this and man i feel unreal. Once you reach a certain fitness level, you…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:58:08 +1000

hello Nettie,im wondering if your dad ever spoke of a monseignor cummingham on the track – he was the army chaplain and was a bit of a legand in kokoda. I grew up knowing this man and found out that he served at kokoda and was very well regarded and respected. He recieved a bravery award and also was recognised by the queen for his services.…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Adelaide Trekkers? in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 14:15:18 +1000

Hey Justin,doesnt look as though there are to many south aussies out there who have been on the trak – come over to WA – I will give ya a couple of killer hills to train on. I find that any sandy steep hill will do no matter how high it is, just come back down and go back up several hundreds of times – even run up and down them, thats what im…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 04:25:29 +1000

Wahoooo, went training with my new back pack for the first time tonight – found it easy going but didnt venture to far into the bush. Im just getting used to having the pack on my back – so far im really happy with it. Its comfortable and easy to handle. I had about 15 – 18 kg packed in and aim to carry about 25kg in the next weeks. Used my…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:19:21 +1000

Galen,footy is almost a religion in our household !! In fact im even thinking of taking a footy with me on the trek!! Austin

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 08:08:23 +1000

Bloody eagles – they need a trip to kokoda i think !!! and they can do it barefoot !!There was a good show on the ABC – Compass this evening titled Crunella to Kokoda – showed a group of youngens doing the track – looks pretty gruesome but was an excellent insight into what to expect. If you missed it and can get a copy of the show, its worth…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:29:27 +1000

Hey Mel,thanks for those tips on blisters and feet. Ive had my new boots now for a week and have been wearing them every day since and guess what – ive got 2 blisters – ouch !! I am wearing them in so come october there shouldnt be a problem ( i hope)Never heard of the metho trick – will take your adsvise and try it though – Mmmmmmm advise from…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 22:18:00 +1000

hey jafa, if you want the name of another reputable company (the one im going with) who do the trek – let me know and i will forward the details on to you – they have been very very helpfull thus far !!austin

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Wed, 04 Jul 2007 04:18:45 +1000

Hi mel,thanks for the advise on the walking stick – i think i will get a stick from the bush and skip on the high tek ones – besides ive got TOUGH HANDS. Through my work my hands over the years would withstand the constant rubbing – dont forget – we cant compare a "mans" set of hands to a "womans" now can we !!!!! See ya at Subi on…

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:40:35 +1000

Hey Jafa,Went shopping today !!!!! Broke the bank account but hey – you only live onceBought my pack – Mountain Design TELLUS 70LtrBought my matt – THERMAREST Regular – really light weight and bloody expensive – I will try and be as comfortable as possible without being to rediculous as i figure a good nights sleep will only benefit the next days…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sun, 01 Jul 2007 03:47:08 +1000

hey Jafa,have you tried this pack or are you just looking at it ? Price wise its about the same price as the others ive looked at – bit dubious about buying on line, site unseen though. Im probably going to go to mountain design in town and get one from there similar to this, at least i can actually try it on for size before i take the…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 07:43:39 +1000

Hi Mel,thanks for your post, so let me get this right, if your going in 9 years time and you will only be 40, that makes you 31 now and you did the trek last year, at the age of 30 – youve got 10 years headstart on me already !!! Thats gotta be an unfair advantage !!!With regards training, i think ive got that down packed – some really steep…[Read more]

austin replied to the topic Boots in the forum Trek Preparation

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:25:48 +1000

yes im intrigued with the "tie your hike boots" comment as well – i to would like for you to elaboratecheers for that phantom

austin replied to the topic Brand New Trekker in the forum Introduction

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 06:15:36 +1000

Hey Galen,I would buy a hunting knife from here and put it in your luggage (not hand luggage). From what Ive heard, Port Moresby aint a place to go shopping in !!!Im into drinking whey protein mixed with Glucoden for energy before and after my training sessions and ive found it to be really good. It also hepls with recovery of sore muscles as…[Read more]