https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/members-3/petedowling/activity/ Activity feed for petedowling. Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:26:09 +1000 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 13f35628fe8da3d08c2b2cb74d794074 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/dome-swag-v-tent/#post-105433 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 07:03:07 +1000 Double dome swag sounds way too cumbersome for Kokoda. Think light or ultra light weight tent, good quality waterproofed material,well seamed. You should look for something with a weight no greater than 2.5 kg all up including fly cover and pegs.Enjoy.

]]> a30772d719f47b5d3cf4d6d39c9ea057 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/kokoda-track-safety-package/#post-104357 Sat, 05 Jun 2010 06:38:17 +1000 Congratulations to the Kokoda Track Authority and to the Governments of Austalia and PNG for funding the study of such an important area of research. Well done to the researchers for such an innovative project. Evidence based research on such an important topic has been needed and has the capacity to give important information about the health and…[Read more]

]]> 80f2e4128a7ecbedaec8ad781c4694f1 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/another-death-on-the-track/#post-103255 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:44:39 +1000 Any commments regarding the actual cause of death in the latest incidents that have occurred on the Kokoda Trail are indeed premature and inappropriate until coronial inquests are held.Having said that, sudden cardiac death happens every day in every major city in Australia. Deaths occur at safeway, at the railway station, at borders, at the…[Read more]

]]> 1c2c0cc9045373cdebb58f1e85b3d1ec https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/munchies-along-the-track-what-did-you-take-or-what-did-you-wish-you/#post-102924 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 05:59:40 +1000 hi fluppy I took some jelly babies and jelly snakes in about six mini plastic seal bags. not a lot probably about 300 grams. As we went through each village fresh fruit was plentiful and we would each put in about 5 kina and you had more fruit than you could imagine. and also the odd can of coca cola was able to be bought . meals were good and…[Read more]

]]> cdb562f99a620b1e96d01203585d9cb1 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/plane-missing-in-png/page/3/#post-102753 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 22:45:18 +1000 In response to Eve, I too have been on one of Charlies treks and whilst his treks have a good military historical perspective to them, the size of the group can be a problem. If as you say, the basis of a large number of trekkers is to create a platoon size, remember that there are almost double that number as well in porters and carriers .…[Read more]

]]> fc352de1586ac17950e8cf4bba4731e2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/eroro-family-in-mourning-our-big-boy-is-gone/#post-102638 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:54:25 +1000 We would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of all of those killed in this terrible accident. Like all the people who have trekked Kokoda , I believe there is a wider sense of family and comaraderie shared by all who come to such a beautiful place to walk the track. When a tragedy such as this happens we all project our…[Read more]

]]> 19115e0a4bc38bce726efaa7762315fa https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/going-it-alone/#post-102260 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:53:13 +1000 hi kass, I think that you should reassess the strategy of walking the trek "carrying everything on your back" and "picking up a carrier/porter when you arrive". Confidence is a good thing as is independence, however Kokoda is not your average walk/ trek and there are good reasons to put a bit more planning into it. Have you thought about the…[Read more]

]]> 216b04a7f13f628abdca2092d23abca0 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/innoculations/#post-102118 Wed, 06 May 2009 05:56:34 +1000 g'dayjapanese encephalitis is a viral disease spread by infected mosquito . It is not transmitted person to person. It is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia mostly in China Korea SE Asia and Indian sub continent There have been a few cases in the Torres Strait Islands and Cape yorke peninsula. PNG is not a high risk area but…[Read more]

]]> 16ac49f3b2d4c0ace74a08898fc23b57 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/inspiration-for-women/#post-102070 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 04:40:21 +1000 hi there, it is clear that not only do you see the problem but you know the solution. The question is what are you going to do about it? Take on new challenges( Kokoda for a start) and follow your employment dreams. I did and I am so glad that I took the chance of a new career. After a long time as a high school teacher I left and became an…[Read more]

]]> b94996190a7ef442c01cdb66dfa43c5d https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/another-trekker-dies/#post-102025 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:42:49 +1000 It is indeed sad that another trekker has died on the track. Again I would say that it is too early to speculate on the causes of these latest deaths and they will be subject to coronial inquiries. Certainly people who walk the track must be fit and have put in reasonable training but that does not mean that they will be any different…[Read more]

]]> f1cd79191fe2fa1e42d748d5d7dcf823 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/death-of-trekker-on-track/#post-101959 Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:50:03 +1000 I agree with Geoff that it was extremely sad to hear of the death of another trekker on the kokoda track. As geoff points out the track is certainly confronting especially in the early stages from the Owers end with the climb up Imita and Ioribaiwa ridges.Whilst not commenting specifically on the latest death which will be subject to a coronial…[Read more]

]]> f6b07792d41d2745b16014a64c4e3893 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/65-or-older-testimonials/#post-101780 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:05:13 +1000 Good on you Brian, I followed your blogs with interest coming up your walk and it was clear you were commited and determined to to give it your absolute best shot. Attitude and sheer guts will always get you through when you face adversity and combined with the "never say die attitude" it is a recipe for success. Kokoda is as much a mental…[Read more]

]]> fe8e2af843f6ea7d63ab7463bcb98149 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/launching-a-book/#post-101779 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:54:40 +1000 I read Bill James book "Field Guide to the Kokoda Track". it gives a great historical perspective about kokoda and New Guinea during ww11. As well it gives to todays trekkers practical information and great maps that are excellent to reference during the trek. recommended.regardsPete Dowling

]]> bb17ab73f66b3bcd53d1200b4d025a10 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/the-journey-of-a-life-time/page/2/#post-101778 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 03:46:05 +1000 good on you Jessie to join the group of one percenters of Australians who take on the challenge of Kokoda and then pass on th e magic by story, written or verbal, or by having some great pictures or video grabs to show to family, friends and colleagues. Hopefully your story is a part of the wider kokoda story and you may have motivated others to…[Read more]

]]> 692e300dddb454cce3825c26c83f1d1a https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/waterproofing-packs/#post-101771 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:46:06 +1000 organise your tent so that you have your pack accessible and undercover at all times. it makes no sense to leave gear outside your tent. My day clothes were hung each night after washing on a makeshift clothesline and my boots were always undercover between my tent and the flycover of the tent. my crocs were always accessible in the same way. the…[Read more]

]]> 0ee555c4ddede479f0c311dab92e4a9a https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/foam-camping-mats/#post-101770 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:29:51 +1000 Similar to geoff I have both a 3/4 and a full length thermarest. i took the 3/4 to kokoda and it was great as usual. buying and using quality stuff rewards you with a good nights sleep and you certainly look forward to that at the end of the day. I have used thermarest over many years and they do take about the same space as a foam bedroll but the…[Read more]

]]> 0ee555c4ddede479f0c311dab92e4a9a https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/foam-camping-mats/#post-101770 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:29:51 +1000 Similar to geoff I have both a 3/4 and a full length thermarest. i took the 3/4 to kokoda and it was great as usual. buying and using quality stuff rewards you with a good nights sleep and you certainly look forward to that at the end of the day. I have used thermarest over many years and they do take about the same space as a foam bedroll but the…[Read more]

]]> d5d35e335caf39fddf7dc30b3b865008 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/boots-2/#post-101768 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:09:30 +1000 I agree with Geoff and Brian. Its good advice. Whilst elastic sided boots are fine for normal work and also for leisure(I love my RM elastic sided boots) its horses for courses and lets not forget that kokoda is serious trekking. The aim of good high sided lace up hiking boots is to give good protection for your ankle joint and also to your lower…[Read more]

]]> d5d35e335caf39fddf7dc30b3b865008 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/boots-2/#post-101768 Sat, 21 Mar 2009 02:09:30 +1000 I agree with Geoff and Brian. Its good advice. Whilst elastic sided boots are fine for normal work and also for leisure(I love my RM elastic sided boots) its horses for courses and lets not forget that kokoda is serious trekking. The aim of good high sided lace up hiking boots is to give good protection for your ankle joint and also to your lower…[Read more]

]]> 19d40d361b1a4c36ab17b3a7dda14885 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/day-pack-capacity/#post-101793 Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:31:36 +1000 hi Brian, yes the steri pen is a tad expensive but tablets at $30 a packet are also expensive . I like the steri pen because it immediately disables the giardia and cryptosporidium bugs and stops them from replicating in your gut. If a few of you are travelling together then one pen can be shared. yes it is heavy on batteries but again Itook…[Read more]

]]> aa4ff771d33ebf966b5367cf24ad2812 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/day-pack-capacity/#post-101791 Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:16:16 +1000 Hi craig, have a good look around and try on several packs. find a pack that feels good for you and that you can adjust so that it is comfortable. don't worry about brand names per se, just make sure that it feels right for you loaded. take it home and load up your gear. if it doesn't sit right take it back and get one that is right. you have to…[Read more]

]]> 7405c9ba4ae598e6ea7e1185af86385b https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/dvd-walkers-guide/#post-101861 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:52:24 +1000 hi lorna Iwill send you an email and arrange to post you out a copy of our dvd . its great and it will give you an idea of what it will be like for you. pete

]]> 388b5f9fe1d663986c6e985cfcc99ff2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/creek-crossings-in-your-hiking-boots/#post-101860 Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:42:57 +1000 hi lorna each night when Iwent to the stream/river to wash I simply cleaned the days mud off my outer boot and sole using a rag/stick for the sole. Twice I washed my boot and inner sole out by immersion after going through swampy ground . A good swirl of dettol followed which would have taken care of most of the nasties. boots were continually…[Read more]

]]> 7aeff78644a48136f1cfb5a8e66007b7 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/toilet-seat-covers/#post-101848 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:41:40 +1000 Dear 39th descendant, so much fuss over something so basic. As the NIKE ads say "just do it". Remember where you are . Throughout Asia squat toilets are the norm. I dont know how widely you have travelled but if you travel through (as opposed to staying in 5 star hotels) Vietnam ,Cambodia, Laos then squat toilets are what you expect and have to…[Read more]

]]> 7aeff78644a48136f1cfb5a8e66007b7 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/toilet-seat-covers/#post-101848 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:41:40 +1000 Dear 39th descendant, so much fuss over something so basic. As the NIKE ads say "just do it". Remember where you are . Throughout Asia squat toilets are the norm. I dont know how widely you have travelled but if you travel through (as opposed to staying in 5 star hotels) Vietnam ,Cambodia, Laos then squat toilets are what you expect and have to…[Read more]

]]> 515e5c57972e2011c453193d0e3569c2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/creek-crossings-in-your-hiking-boots/#post-101847 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:03:31 +1000 hi lorna I trekked last April and we had had a lot of rain prior to the trek and heavy rain most nights. Apart from our first river crossing where we all took off our boots and put crocs on, the rest of the time my boots along with all our other trekkers stayed on. The track was very muddy in parts and we walked through muddy swamps and creeks as…[Read more]

]]> dbfd6340152022a98ef71af46284170d https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/tents-optional/#post-101846 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:36:37 +1000 hi thereI think geoff and phantom sum it up. Folly ,stupidity call it what you will but a basic rule of trekking and overnight walks is to be prepared for all contingencies. most treks are eight nights long. If things are going bad and you need to "pull your socks" up then it is impossible if you are not wearing any. The analogy is a simple one.…[Read more]

]]> 18eb8cc2aad17e2a664289dceed789c2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/first-time-jitters/#post-101842 Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:56:46 +1000 hi kevin, congratulations on starting the process of investigating walking the Trail.As regards your concerns. Malaria prevention should be seen in the light of your total health picture as well as part of your trip preparation in regard to proper clothing. Most trekking companies require you to have a medical check up and part of that is to…[Read more]

]]> 64f08abb94e0a2088cdc67516da6f9f2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/dvd-walkers-guide/#post-101730 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:45:12 +1000 hey lorna, on our Anzac Trek last April we were fortunate to have a father/son combination who inherited fantastic artistic and IT skills from their father/grandfather who is one of Australia's finest cartoonists. the result is a DVD of our trek which is of commercial quality. It is specific to our trekking group and gives a real understanding of…[Read more]

]]> 64f08abb94e0a2088cdc67516da6f9f2 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/dvd-walkers-guide/#post-101730 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:45:12 +1000 hey lorna, on our Anzac Trek last April we were fortunate to have a father/son combination who inherited fantastic artistic and IT skills from their father/grandfather who is one of Australia's finest cartoonists. the result is a DVD of our trek which is of commercial quality. It is specific to our trekking group and gives a real understanding of…[Read more]

]]> 4247d48f79b6d34bb6172900a4d6eed0 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/trekking-poles/page/2/#post-101839 Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:57:39 +1000 I used telescopic spring loaded poles and found them to be very handy. going down hills the poles gave my knees some cushioning. remember the terrain is not universally muddy but often the terrain is steep on ascent and descent and two poles worked for me. Even on flatter ground the poles allowed you to maintain a steady walking rhythm. personal choice.

]]> dcb23e452bd2933cb050a83a19af9886 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/blisters-now-what/#post-101823 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:02:04 +1000 Good to hear that things are on the improve with the condition of your feet. Just a little bit of extra advice. If you tape then tape every time. This includes each and every training session and not just soetimes. Your feet will position into your boots so much better if your taping is constant and the likelihood of a pressure spot is minimised.…[Read more]

]]> e8a33cf1b68d7a63e78c2603ce704720 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/food-allergies/#post-101766 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:29:11 +1000 hi krys, if you google "gluten free or dairy free ration packs" there is information that will be of assistance and links to other sites. When you talk of serious reactions , I think it would be a good idea to discuss your trek plans in depth with your local GP. If your reactions are of the allergic type, with careful planning you should manage…[Read more]

]]> eefff0ab183ed3d5c43bebcd83cae523 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/heat-acclimatisation/#post-101764 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 02:30:41 +1000 hi kerryn, I trekked last April and trained through a Melbourne summer. My training was varied cycling/swimming/walks with daypack and graduated heavier pack. My advice is not to get too caught up in trying to cover for every contingency and every variation. The trek by its very nature is unpredictable. Completing the trek is a mindset that you…[Read more]

]]> a09061804ec2c393d71e9f260313d612 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/blisters-now-what/#post-101763 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:40:03 +1000 hi Lorna, Blisters seem to be just an occupational hazard for a lot of sports people. the advice you have got so far is probably complete. I would just add that prevention is the best policy. Tape and cushion any areas that are a cause of a problem. Do so for each training session that you do. it takes a little while longer but it prevents…[Read more]

]]> 67c2c2629425325599af9b3f25e2af0d https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/getting-organised-to-trek-for-the-first-time/#post-101566 Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:35:50 +1000 Hi Lorna , It sounds like you are moving in the right direction in regard to your fitness but if I can give you any advice I would suggest trying to get some hill work going . Stepping seems like a fair compromise. As regards the water a three litre camel back/pack is ideal.As regards water purifying, I would suggest you treat your water by…[Read more]

]]> 6b6827b8d59262712e952f7b639d1cc0 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/beating-discouragement/#post-101547 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:29:51 +1000 hi fluppy, I think you need to simply believe in yourself and mentally image yourself walking into Kokoda at the end of your trek, tired-yes, exhuausted- -perhaps, exhilarated – definitely, proud-certainly. Trekking Kokoda is a mindset. Believe in yourself, train hard, talk to others, seek advice but at the end of the day understand that it is…[Read more]

]]> 6b6827b8d59262712e952f7b639d1cc0 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/beating-discouragement/#post-101547 Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:29:51 +1000 hi fluppy, I think you need to simply believe in yourself and mentally image yourself walking into Kokoda at the end of your trek, tired-yes, exhuausted- -perhaps, exhilarated – definitely, proud-certainly. Trekking Kokoda is a mindset. Believe in yourself, train hard, talk to others, seek advice but at the end of the day understand that it is…[Read more]

]]> 1f356d2117b4bff11a70a098c6aef993 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/porters/#post-101177 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:47:24 +1000 Make sure you have a comprehensive check up with your GP before you trek especially in regard to your asthma. With a good management plan combining proper use of preventers as well as agonists such as salbutamol( ventolin) in measured dose inhalers with or without spacers you should be ok.Given that your asthma is initiated by diverse non immune…[Read more]

]]> c4235ffd4ac432bf4c28c1dc35a438e5 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/porters/#post-101178 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:37:46 +1000 On our trek in April there was only one person in our group of 22 that did not have a porter. The one person in our group was a young fit 19 year old guy carried his own and did very well. Having said that there were times when like all of us he did it hard.Part of the trek is to have a porter who not only carries your pack but shares the…[Read more]

]]> 02f80ab2de0f027d3e915736e737e2f7 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/spectaclesglasses/#post-101160 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:15:02 +1000 Just make sure to take your lense cloth to wipe/clean your glasses. hat/ cap will keep most of rain off. I took a spare pair of glasses with me. A lanyard is a good thing so that if your glasses come off they will not be lost in river crossing etc. If you really are desperate to try something- try the same stuff that is used on windscreens to bead…[Read more]

]]> b0c579fd5644deeec9e2806c78eda484 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/underwear-on-kokoda/#post-101122 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:31:17 +1000 Lycra bike shorts without padding with nothing underneath were the go for me. worked well. I took two pairs and only wore them under lightweight shorts. Day Clothes were always wet but that was ok- you did get used to it

]]> ef5029ef40daae846a2cdc885a8ebb11 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/quick-query-on-vaseline/#post-101121 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:19:00 +1000 trekked in April. Wet and many flodded crossings and muddy swamp areas. Feet constantly wet/ socks wet/ boots wet. I taped my toes as a preventitive/ using the Band Aid extra large tough strips. Worked a treat.Each night I made sure before bed that I gave my feet a thorough clean with medical alcohol swabs followed by the anti fungal foot powder.…[Read more]

]]> 0da691acd22aa3a48d57ce4b65410aeb https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/self-inflating-mattresses/#post-101119 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 06:43:59 +1000 hi Fluppy, your trekking company should supply you with a thin foam rollup mat to use under your sleeping bag. As well I would really strongly recommend you purchase a lightweight thin self inflating mattress. A good brand is THERMAREST. Any good outdoors shop will stock them Rays/Bogong/Snowgum/Mountain designs etc should all stock thermarest.…[Read more]

]]> ae25a697a57af3f155d3eb85ec7d39d7 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/wet-weather-gear-rain-jackets/#post-101114 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:02:26 +1000 Hi Brian , my suggestion would be to carry a lightweight rain jacket . Rainbird is a good brand,lightweight,good price. Cycling rainjackets are a good alternative and an advantage is that they come down a bit furtherover your backside but still give you good movement. A good brand is Netti. Abit more expensive than rainbird but very comfortable.…[Read more]

]]> 1ce2ad4adeb1ad7af9659f970dde7225 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/one-trekking-pole-or-two/#post-101110 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:10:11 +1000 take two poles the extension type that have spring loading fitted to them that "give " a little bit especially going down hills when all the pressure is on your knees. I found going down hills was twice as hard on my knees. Going uphill ,your poles just help with balance and timing as sometimes you put one foot in front of the other on the hard…[Read more]

]]> b3aed907c7cbb8542cd9f8c240db3120 https://kokodatrekkingaust.com.au/forums/topic/toilets-huh/page/2/#post-101091 Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:18:52 +1000 I did the Anzac Day trek this year (not with Ktl)and found the trip a great travel experience. Yes the toilets are different and yes the smells are a bit challenging but remember you are travelling through remote country and you should be glad you did not have to dig your own pit each time you needed to go. Having travelled widely through Asia…[Read more]

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