They had a small ceremony at the Kokoda Track Memorial at Rhodes, a suburb in Sydney.

Why not go to the local camping store and explain your requirements and get them to show you how its all works !!! Thats what I did.

I agree with saloo.My large pack that I carried myself is able to carry the hydro bladder either inside or outside the pack. I chose to carry it outside in case it burst or leaked so it wouldnt get all my gear wet. Most smaller packs Ive seen have the place on the inside to carry the bladder.You definately must have one though.

Hi fluppy, one word……….glucosamine. My knees werent great, but this stuff made all the difference, you cant hear my knee's when I walk now, they used to click.

thanks. Its been dreadful not being able to get on here and rant and rave, Ive missed it.

I didnt use a stick or pole at all. But if I ever went againIi would definately take one with me.

wasnt the upper pool area still available ????

Hi Gail'Where is that plane located in the top pic.

I took a large supply of snickers bars. I love snickers. yum.

When we were at Bomana it was very misty, it kinda suits the place.

Ive not heard of Doldy either, its surpising what you can find on ebay. Your old man must be a hardy type. 3 times is amazing.I really want to do Black Cat trail and Shaggy Ridge in PNG. Thye will have to wait a couple of years though. My trekking wish list is getting longer by the day. Theres so much to do and not enough years to do it all in.

none of us got any sticks,,,bummer. They'd go straight to the pool room.

Hi Rocky.I bought a single trekking pole the other day to take to New Zealand in february. I too thought they were only for yoghurt eaters and bowling hat wearers til I read the report I posted.

Michelles email address in the first post is incorrect as the word "student is spelt incorrectly, so if you cut and paste it, it will just bounce back.Editors Note: Thanks Peter for picking this up. Have now fixed the email address. tks Gail

I dont think the larger hotels actually rip you off.You know what the price will be upfront before you go, and some of us like a bit of luxury, especially after having been bush. I'll be staying at the Gateway again.

I used to hang out for my 1 litre drink of staminade at the end of everyday, it was like a drug users fix. I liked it so much better than gatorade. Im going to New Zealand walking next year and will give the Endura Plus a go when I start serious training again in a month or so.Thanks for the "heads up".

Hi.Theres been a few people on this site who've hired backpacks.If you dont plan on trekking or hiking as a hobby or a past time then its a very good idea.

Hi Scott.I took a mantis 2 tent with me and found I didnt need a ground sheet.The ground was always wet and we had 1 night of heavy rain and the mantis didnt let in any water at all.I wouldnt bother with the ground sheet.I carried my own pack and you really need to have it as light as possible.Regards Peter.

I really liked the hot chocolate mix. I used to look forward to that after dinner every night, and tuna with mayo for morning tea. yum. Breakfast was a cup of tea and some fruit and maybe some cake or a muesli bar. I'd give the rest away to the kids or swap it for more hot chocolate.

He was a good looking turtle. He looked like he had a pretty good life in that pond.