Kokoda News

Trek 540 - Owers' To Kokoda

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:48:50 +0000

The year is fast winding down and it was with delight that we met up with some of our last trekkers for 2009 last night. We arranged to pick them up from the Gateway Hotel at 6:30am this morning to drive them out to Bomana War Cemetery and then on to Owers' Corner.

We also welcome back as a guide Justus Evari. A few years back he left us to commence his own trekking company but it did not work out and he asked for work again to help support his family. As Justus is part of the family being the brother-in-law of the Eroro family, we agreed to let him walk for us again.

During the past month or so he has walked as a porter and is now back to his old position of guide. Last night he informed trekkers that this will be his 138th time on the track so they definitely should not GET LOST...haha

In this group of trekkers we have a group of three friends walking together (all carrying) one of which is a midwife. Another woman who is a nursing sister and a guy from London. They all appeared to be of a similar age group so I think they will hit it off and enjoy their trek, well lets hope so!

Trekkers are:

Bernadette Lack; Travis McCleary; Gavin Wells; Kylee Williams and Mark Lardner

The photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery.

Around-n-over- Www.around-n-over.org - Trek 541

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:20:59 +0000

Today we welcomed to PNG two guys who are doing things differently to the 'norm'! Would you believe, Erden Eruc and Douglas Hilderbrand are going to be the first with Kokoda Trekking to walk all the way from Oro Bay to Kokoda and finish at Port Moresby CBD. Tomorrow they will fly into Popondetta and meet up with their guide and friend for the next few days, Wayne Urina.

When I first explained to Wayne what these guys wanted to do I think he thought they must be crazy...what no PMV ride from Popondetta to Kokoda...I replied NO, they want to walk all the way.

Not only that when they arrive at Guria airport they want to be driven down to 'Oro Bay' to commence their walk. Wayne took it all on board and agreed to be their guide and walk with them. Keep in mind that Wayne is the second fastest man to ever cross the Kokoda Track so pardon the pun but this should be a 'walk in the park' for someone with his level of fitness.

After they arrive in Kokoda by the 17th November, they will overnight at our base, Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and rest their legs. The following day, 18th November they will join up with another trekker who will be flying into Kokoda by the name of Joanne and will commence their Kokoda trek.

However just to be different again, Erden and Douglas along with Wayne will not be picked up by motor vehicle at Owers' Corner but intend to walk all the way to Port Moresby to finish their trek.

You may wonder about the reasons behind such a trek. If so, why not click on to Erden's website and learn a little about the man. However, I will wet your appetite by posting something here for you:

Annals Of Adventure--Around-N-Over: It's pretty hard to make anyone's jaw drop these days, when there are so so few firsts, and so many gimmicks and so many pretenders in the world of adventure. But every once in a while, some maniac comes up with an adventure idea that makes you sit back and say: "Holy sh*t! I can't believe he/she is going to do that!" Well, meet Erden Eruc, a Turkish-born American who plans to climb the six highest summits on six continents. No big deal, you say. Lots of people have done that, and hit the highest summit in Antarctica to boot. True, true. But no one has ever done it...ENTIRELY UNDER HUMAN POWER! What do I mean? I mean Eruc will not just climb the mountains, he will get to them by either bicycling or rowing. No cars, no jets, no nothing with a combustion engine. Just Erden Eruc burning millions of calories as he circles the globe in one of the most ambitious quests I have come across. It is also a poignant one, because Eruc added the mountain climbing wrinkle to this project to honor his great friend and mentor Goran Kropp, who died in a climbing accident in 2002. Eruc, who is based in Seattle, has already bicycled to, and climbed, Denali. Now he's peddling his way south toward Florida, where he'll hit the high seas and row his way to Ecuador, so he can bike to Aconcagua. Here's the full, ridiculous, itinerary:

leave Florida on an ocean rowing boat at the beginning of 2005, round the east end of Cuba for a clear shot toward the Panama Canal, then arrive at Ecuador where the boat will be stored;
bicycle to Aconcagua in Argentina, and climb it in Jan 2006, bicycle back to Ecuador;
row across the Pacific Ocean to reach the summit of Carstenz Pyramid on Irian Jaya, the highest point in Oceania;
row to India, bicycle to Nepal, climb Everest, then return to the boat by bicycle;
row to the east coast of Africa, approach and climb Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa;
row through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal up to Turkey, approach and climb Elbruz in Russia, the highest point in Europe;
row the length of the Mediterranean Sea, then across the Atlantic Ocean to the east coast of the United States;
finally bicycle back home to Seattle with an expected return in early 2011.

Follow his dream by logging on to his website for daily dispatches:

http://www.around-n-over.org/

Trek 589 - Trek Is On The Track!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:55:49 +0000

Shane met up with Richard a few days back when he arrived from Manila to walk the track. Earlier today Shannon arrived. After a stop over at Bomana War Cemetery they drove off to Owers' Corner where they are spending the night.

Tonight they are enjoying chinese takeaway and a few beers at Owers' before hopefully having a good nights sleep. They will hit the track early tomorrow morning planning to reach Ua'Ule Creek where they will spend the night. Trekkers are made up as follows:

Shane Thomas, Richard Herbert & Shannon Robina.

Photographs:

Richard seen here talking to some people at a craft market.

The Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:54:59 +0000

We are proud to announce that we have set up 'The Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship' in memory of Russell Eroro's brother who died in the 11th August, 2009 plane crash near Kokoda. We are honoured that The Kokoda Track Foundation have agreed to this and that they have offered to act in the capacity to select students from Kokoda Primary School; collection of funds for this purpose; and have in place an audit process to ensure students attend school so that you as sponsors can be assured your money has been well spent.

Earlier this year, we witnessed the tragic Airlines PNG plane disaster that resulted in the deaths of 13 people who were on route to Kokoda. Amongst those on board were 9 Australians and 3 Papua New Guineans, including Kingsley Eroro from Kokoda. Kingsley was a well loved and respected Orokaiva man from Kokoda who enjoyed helping the local community whenever he could.

Kingsley was also well known to many Australian Rotarians who have visited Kokoda doing work for the Kokoda Hospital and other projects in and around Kokoda. His wife Grace Eroro runs the local Post Office and is also the agent for Airline PNG in Kokoda. Most trekkers would have met Grace or one of their family on their journey to or from Kokoda. Many of you have walked with some of his brothers; sons; nephews; and wantoks.

Kingsley Eroro worked as the Mill Foreman of the processing – crusher/sag operations at the Porgera Joint Venture/Barrick (Niugini) Mine Site in the Porgera Valley near Mt Hagen, approximately 600 km north of Port Moresby. He was returning home to Kokoda on his tour break to spend time with his family when he died in the accident.

On certain occasions when asked by friends Kingsley acted as a guide on a number of crossings of the Kokoda Track (refer photograph below). Kingsley is an older brother of Russell Eroro whose company Kokoda Trekking Ltd (KTL) has taken many of you across the Kokoda Trail.

Kingsley Eroro strongly believed in the importance of family, education, and a better future for the people of Kokoda and was dedicated to finding pathways for young Orokaiva people. He was particularly passionate about finding opportunities for young Kokoda students to get an education and return to their home village to work and make a living.

In memory of Kingsley’s life, and in paying respects to the ‘Eroro’ family, the Kokoda Track Foundation is honoured to announce the ‘Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship’. This scholarship will be awarded to Orokaivan students from the Kokoda district region who are embarking on secondary studies in 2010.

The scholarship will be awarded to students from Grade 9, who has demonstrated exceptional ability and promise for the future and who are committed to returning to Kokoda after their education to make a living and contribute to their community.

The Foundation will announce recipients of the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel scholarship in February 2010 when it conducts its annual audit of the 23 schools supported by the Foundation.

Friends and colleagues of the Eroro family can make donations to the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel scholarship through the Foundation and all donations will be directed towards the education of Orokaiva children from the Kokoda region.

Please contact Genevieve Nelson if you are interested in making a donation or would like any more information about the scholarship or the work of the Foundation in PNG.

Alternatively, please click here to make an online donation and write "Kingsley Eroro" in the "Purpose" box.

Dr Genevieve Nelson
Executive Director
Kokoda Track Foundation Ltd
gen.nelson@kokodatrackfoundation.org
www.kokodatrackfoundation.org
Phone: 61 2 9252 2992
Mobile: 61 412 869210
Office: Level 10, 19-31 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Mail to: PO Box 1674 North Sydney NSW 2059

Please Note: All donations to the Foundation in Australia are tax deductible

Photograph:

Left to Right

Cousin Donald Gava (Engineer with the Army in PNG); brother John Derick Eroro (one of our senior guides with hundreds of treks to his credit); the late Kingsley Eroro; Emmanuel Eroro, his eldest son who is one of our porters. Emmanuel also helps with the APNG flights in and out of Kokoda.

Introducing Open Bay Resort

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:42:42 +0000

For the past few months there has been a family trying to create a resort on the outskirts of Port Moresby. As I have not only an interest in Kokoda Trekking but also a website promoting the whole of PNG, some months ago I was asked to travel out there to give them my recommendations as to how to grow the area for tourism.

As a local of Port Moresby the first thing that caught my eye on my first visit was the fact that the sand was white and not black which is common around the outskirts of Port Moresby such as 'Gaire Black Beach'. Since then they have been making improvements and now it is ready to market to anyone who would like to spend some time there.

Open Bay is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive out of Port Moresby or 2 hours if there is a lot of local traffic on the road. If you did not know where to go it would be almost impossible to find as its a private beach owned by some local landowners who hope to retire there in a few years time.

At the moment the couple who came up with this idea, live in Port Moresby from Monday-Friday and spend the weekend at Open Bay helping to build the resort. They also have a family home in a village situated not far from the main road but some 20 minutes from their beach haven. Their brother-in-law lives on the beach site and is a builder by trade. Their son is a electrician so pretty much everything you see has been built by the family for their future.

Yesterday was my third trip out to Open Bay and I was delighted to see they have been following my suggestions and that now they have a water tank installed along with some lights and a generator set up on site. They also have a pit toilet with a flushing one being installed within the next few weeks along with a shower similar to the one we have at Orohaven in Kokoda.

My son Shane and I spoke to them about an exclusive right to sell their resort and they have agreed as they are looking for help to bring tourism to their area.

As cash flow improves, so will the accommodation and amentities offered. However, for now its open for immediate use and for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby, this is a great place that offers pretty much like you are on the Kokoda Track except the bush you have the ocean at your doorstep.

All food/drinks etc have to be carried in by esky, ie BYO. You will still need your tent and trek gear such as cup/plate/sleeping bag etc but for anyone who is into FISHING or SWIMMING, this is a private place with only the caretakers of the area at the resort for your safety.

Its very RELAXING so take along a good book!

If you are interested, please contact me as this can easily be added on to the end of your trek and the cost is quite inexpensive compared to the hotels and Loloata resort in and around Port Moresby.

Trek 582 - Trek Completed

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:23:49 +0000

After a few weeks of not having any trekkers on the track, (whilst we had a good break and were able to pop over to Kokoda to do some work at 'Orohaven') its nice to once again welcome to PNG another group to walk the track.

This morning the following trekkers were picked up from the Gateway Hotel at 7am to be driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Most trekkers spend about an hour there before continuing their journey by motor vehicle to Owers' Corner. Today as its a small group they are travelling out in my Toyota Prado which should be a comfortable ride for them. On this trek we have two people all the way from Canada which is a FIRST for us. We have had a few from America, but from Canada I have been thinking really hard, but cannot think of anyone from that country who has walked with us.

Natasha (Sun Khi) Li
Dieter Bromme
Bruce Gillon
Esther Murphy

Pic 1: Group Photograph taken at Bomana War Cemetery
Pic 2: Group photograph taken at Sogeri Monument Area:

Facebook Group

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:01:59 +0000

Hi,

We would like to let you know about our Facebook Group.

If you have Facebook, please join the group and help support KTL.

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#...gid=57931747304

Website Statistics

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:46:46 +0000

I do not normally look at this area but tonight I was about to create a new topic when I happened to notice the statistic area of our website which I thought I would share with you.

General Statistics

Registered Users: 2,227

Statistics relating to our photo gallery:

Number of Photographs: 16,724
Views: 9,280,118

Fluppy

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:59:57 +0000

Earlier today my son Shane walked off the track along with Wayne Urina (2nd fastest person to walk/run the Kokoda track in 18 hours 34 minutes from Owers' Cnr to Kokoda). Shane was on a mission to see how fast he could walk the track. Wayne was just tagging along to keep him safe and to make sure he was ok. They commenced at 3am Tuesday morning and walked off the track around midday today Saturday. Shane said it was the hardest thing he had ever done and finds it hard to believe someone like Wayne can do it in the time he does. In the opposite direction his time is around 19 hours.

I asked about Fluppy and if they saw her. Wayne immediately answered that they crossed paths around Agulogo/Menari. She was at the back of the group but doing ok. I am sure at the time she must have wondered who is this white guy with no backpack/sleeping bag etc. Wayne said village people were asking pretty much the same thing as they were trying to travel as light as possible.

According to both of them Fluppy appeared happy, talkative and seemed to be doing ok.

I do not normally post about trekkers walking with another company but in this instance with 'Fluppy' posting so much over these past few years, I thought she deserved a mention on our website.

As they spent last night at Ioribaiwa Village, it would have been the day before when they passed her. So by now she should be at the half way point! Not too sure who the person was at the rear but someone was about 10 minutes back from her and the others in the group were ahead. No doubt she will fill us all in on her return.

Go Fluppy GO!

I now know how anxious parents and family feel back home as I have been worried sick since Shane left Kokoda.

8 days is ok
7 days is a little tougher but plenty have done it.
6 days is for the really fit
5 days is a tough ask - which Shane completed yesterday. He stated he is looking forward to going back to 8 again!!!
24 hours or less - Wayne, he must be crazy in a non stop 18 hours 34 minutes marathon

In the 5 day trek finished yesterday he walked the whole track in a pair of THONGS!!! and they survived intact.

On the night before the walk Wayne turned up at Orohaven to deliver one pig for Russell to be handed over to the widow of his brother Kingsley as is part of their mourning cultural tradition. He had no idea Shane was going to ask him to walk with him as it was a last minute decision. So with no boots, thongs will do and off he went.

Looking at Wayne when he arrived here yesterday it was no big deal. Shane on the other hand lost quite a bit of weight and is now down to 83kg the lightest he has been in years and he looked like he had just done the biggest challenge of his life.

At dinner tonight I asked Wayne how he manages the race. He said its all in the mind and the fitness. He went on to say when you focus your mind and body it all combines to work as one. You do not think about falling only focus on winning! In his opinion its all about setting a goal and then mentally preparing for what lies ahead.

Trek 538 - Trek Completed

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:19:13 +0000

Under the leadership of Johnsford Eroro, four trekkers were picked up earlier today from their respective hotels to be driven out to Owers' Corner to commence their trek. On this trek we have three Australian's and one guy all the way from Sweden. His name is BO pronounced BOO. He is quite well travelled and has even been on the swedish rescue team for Mt Everest. Other trekekers appeared to relish this info as I could hear them talking to him as I drove the car to the drop off point. Their names are as follows:

Simon Hutchison
Bryan Mclachlan
Bo Sunnefeldt
Lisa Wheatley

The photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery. Can you pick which one is BO. I heard one guy remark, his legs look like they have climbed a few mountains! Actually he is also a skier so this could help. At Owers' Corner I heard someone comment when he was introduced to his personal porter, you look so strong you could carry him.

Trek 644 - Trek Completed

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:42:46 +0000

Last night saw us meet up with a lone trekker from NSW at the Gateway Hotel. He looked keen and eager to go.

This morning I collected him from the Gateway and drove him to Bomana War Cemetery. Our driver and truck turned up not long afterwards to drive him and our boys up to the starting point at Owers' Corner. His name is Craig Ferguson and he is carrying all the way himself so is out for the challenge and some history thrown in along the way. His guide is Winnie Pore and walking with them is Glen Henson who is also one of our guides. They are best mates so I am sure Craig will enjoy himself with these two guys.

The following photographs were taken at Bomana War Cemetery around 8:15am this morning.

Komplete Kokoda - Trek Completed

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:17:08 +0000

Today saw us catch up once again with Soc Kienzle as he led another trek out to Kokoda. Not long after they arrived in Kokoda they drove off for a look around and no doubt to the river Soc grew up next to for a refreshing dip. According to my son Shane at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat, they returned mid afternoon and spent a relaxing afternoon in their hut. Trekkers walking with Soc are made up as follows:

Richard Hockley
Vaughan Hockley
Shaun McWilliam
Doug McLean
Scott McLean
Troy McLean
Brett McLean
Daniel Morgan

The photograph below was taken approximately 10 minutes before they boarded our chartered flight to Kokoda which left around 8am.

Trek 642 - Trek Completed

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:57:41 +0000

Two female trekkers left Owers' Corner earlier today on a 6 day trek planning to reach Kokoda on the 30th September. Last night I met up with them at the Gateway Hotel and they appeared to be experienced trekkers who were looking forward to another trek.

Trekkers on this trek are as follows:

Sharon Jendrzejczak and her friend Julia McKay

They were down for a 6:30am start and when I arrived they were having breakfast but were soon ready to hit the road to Bomana War Cemetery but not before I took the following photograph.

Trek 523 - Trek Completed

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:35:01 +0000

Underl the leadership of Ernst Jinga, trek 523 got underway early this morning. Trekkers in this group include:

Chris Dixon and his son Sam Dixon
Malcolm Quekett
Geoffrey Franklin
Wayne Puckett
Christopher Mullins
Patrick Mullins
Vincent James Collins
Phil Cassidy
Michael Van Vegchel

Trek 543 - Trek Completed

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:38:29 +0000

Last night we met up with John Prossor who has trekked with us before and who is associated with the 'Lord Somers Powerhouse Group' from Victoria. We first met up with him when he trekked a few years ago and it was great to receive his initial booking and now the extra trekkers he has brought up with him to share in the experience of walking the Kokoda Track. Trekkers in this group include:

John Prossor
Nic Ruys
PJ (Hutch) Hutchinson
Jarad Hutchinson
Steve Rieniets
David O'Brien
William O'Brien
Graeme York
Greg May
Stevie Trembath
Peter Ruys
Haylee Parfett
Ian Patching
Tristan Ellett
Greg Pries
Michelle Webb
Denzil Tudor
Michael Hutchinson
Patrick Hutchinson
Kane Jackson
Brian Costello
Rodney Neville Bridges

Last night we arranged to meet with the group at 6:30am this morning. All went ahead as planned and we were all in vehicles by 7am and heading for Bomana War Cemetery. I must say John Prossor handed over paper work which made my job easy today as it was all bundled together and in great detail. Wow, I am not used to this, he will have to come back more often!!!

The photograph of the group below was taken at Bomana War Cemetery.

Trek 537 - Trek Completed

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:32:12 +0000

Earlier today we said goodbye to our latest group of trekkers to head out on the Kokoda Track. All went ahead as planned when we headed off from the Gateway Hotel around 7am and popped in to Bomana War Cemetery on the way out of town. Trekkers in this group include:

Chris Norris; Adam Marsh; Neil Gardner; James French; John & Dianne Shepherdson

Nathan & Kate's Wedding

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:28:36 +0000

At the present moment our son Nathan Thomas is on his honeymoon having married Kate Lewer in a garden wedding last Saturday 12th September.

Nathan as the majority of you would be aware, is based on the Gold Coast and works for the business full time taking care of all trekker needs here in Australia. He has his mobile phone with him and intends answering emails but is also trying to spend some quality time with his new wife Kate as they start the next chapter of their lives together.

It was a really nice wedding in a lovely setting on the outskirts of Tweed Heads. The venue had several small cottages so close family members took advantage of this whilst other guests travelled up by bus from Coolangatta/Tweed Heads.

Trek 536 - Trek Completed

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:06:53 +0000

Trek 536 flew into Kokoda around 8am this morning and decided to commence walking upon their arrival thus avoiding the overnight in Kokoda. The photograph below was taken shortly before their flight departed from Port Moresby.

List include:

John Hayden; Lex Van Saane; Anthony Bennett; Barry Walsh and Bryan Winkleman

Trek 648 - Trek Completed

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:48:10 +0000

Trek 648 led by Cyprian Haera is underway having commenced this morning at Owers' Corner. Three army buddies have teamed up this time to walk with our boys all carrying their packs, they are as follows:

Andrew Tod
Ash Carr
David Knoff

The plan was to pick them up at 6:30am this morning and along with us and our boys, to drive them out to Bomana War Cemetery before heading towards Sogeri and subsequently ending up at Owers' Corner.

At Bomana War Cemetery we took the photograph below:

Digicel Mobile Network

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:45:35 +0000

Newsflash: FYI, Kokoda residents all the way down to Popondetta can now send and receive digicel mobile phone calls. This has been a long time coming but to all our guides, porters and their families the excitement is hard for them to contain.

Almost daily, we have been receiving phone calls at all hours of the day or night as they try out their new mobile phones. This morning at 6am the phone rang. I asked the reason for the phone call and was informed, no reason, just checking that his phone was working...haha

Digicel have also been selling their mobile phones for around the K40.00 mark so plenty of locals have been up at the Kokoda Station trying to get their hands on one.

Once the dust settles, no doubt they will soon realise the cost of owning such a phone as a K3.00 phone card will not go to far when they are calling Port Moresby or Australia.

For those of our trekkers who have handed out their telephone numbers, please be warned, you too may start to receive phone calls!

Trek 585 - Trek Completed

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:43:25 +0000

This morning our latest trek left Owers' Corner to walk off the track on the 6th September where they will overnight at our base Orohaven Kokoda Retreat before flying back to Port Moresby on the 7th Sept.

Trekkers are walking with Shane Thomas and our guide Tarina Bore. Trekkers walking today are as follows:

Peter Ryan
Savas Vostanis

Peter and Savas seen here next to the signpost at Sogeri Monument Area:

Trek 533 - Trek Completed 30th August

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:38:52 +0000

Trek 533 was collected from the Gateway Hotel around 7:30am this morning and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Last night when I met up with this group they were all keen and eager to start their trek. Trekkers in this group include two brothers and a couple of mates.

Dean and Brett Oakley; David House and John Tauschke all the way from Saudi.

Funeral Arrangements Late Mr Kingsley Eroro

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:25:56 +0000

Wednesday - 26th August

1.30pm - Casket leaves Funeral Home for St Pauls Church (Murray Barracks)

2.00 - 3.00pm - Funeral Service

3.00 - 4.00pm - Eulogy

4.00pm - Casket returns to Funeral Home

4.30pm - 5.00pm - Refreshment at Haus Krai. Sergeant Donald Titeri's Residence (House #182, Murray Barracks)

Thursday - 27th August

Body is flown to Kokoda for burial.

For further information on Funeral Arrangements, call Justus Eroro on 7160 8629 or call Sgt. Donald Titeri on 7158 6019

May his Soul Rest in Peace

Popondetta To Kokoda With Over 1200 Kg Of Cargo

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:35:36 +0000

Due to the closure of Kokoda airstrip Russell Eroro and myself had no choice then to travel to Popondetta and travel by road to Kokoda with approx 1200 kg of cargo including a pie warmer, five cartons of day old chicks; chicken feed; boxes of bread, cream buns, pies, chip cooker; sausage rolls and heaps of other goodies including two 5kva generators each weighing 101kg.

On the day of the fatal crash, we had a charter booked which was to carry all this cargo to Kokoda. Due to the weather it was cancelled around midday. The following day the airstrip was closed due to a 10km no go zone around the crash site. We have three generators at the retreat but it seems all three had given up working and we had to race out and purchase two new 5kva diesel machines. In PNG everything pretty much works on PNG time (taim) and they wait until nothing works before they inform us. For one whole week we had to hire a genset from a family at the rate of K50 per hour!

As the days rolled by, the need for Russell to return home to the haus krai due to his brother's death, coupled by the urgency to get the generators to Kokoda, we decided to charter an aircraft into Popondetta and purchased two tickets on the RPT flight on a Dash 8 APNG flight for ourselves so we could use up the 1200 kg load factor as cargo.

In PNG you always have a plan 'B'. For example the cargo could not get to Popondetta before us as there would have been no-one there to meet the flight. As the other flight we were on may not have boarded on time and/or cancelled, it was agreed that once on board and with my seat belt tightened, that I make a quick phone call to the operations manager. This is what I did and with the pilots on standby, the chartered aircraft was also airborne arriving in Popondetta some 10 minutes after we had touched down on the RPT flight - perfect timing! We then had to try and keep the bread from being crushed; the cream from melting in the buns and lamingtons, and with the boys drooling at the mouth being surrounded by all this food, I am surprised it did not turn into a party with everyone eating the food before it reached Kokoda.

Not long after, with our two hired Toyota utes @ K900.00 per day or K400.00 one way drop off, we managed to hit the road to Kokoda. Approximately an hour or so later after refuelling, we came to a rather unusual site...a ute hanging on by the bumper bar and grill on the front with its owner waiting patiently thinking of how he was going to retrieve his vehicle from further damage. I could not resist taking a photograph and thought I would share it with you.

Trek 532 - Trek Completed

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:38 +0000

This morning I met up with trek 532 when they set foot in Kokoda after arriving on a Tropic Air charter - yes, the airstrip has been re-opened to charter only flights as from the 18th August!

It was such a relief for us as it would have meant quite a journey landing in Popondetta and travelling by road to Kokoda and they probably would not have arrived until mid to late afternoon.

As it was the flight landed around 9:30am. Trekkers include:

Doug Ferris; Heather and daughter Alexandra Bull and family friend Edward Stubing; Marissa Moore and Neil Walton.

Not long after they arrived in Kokoda I took the following photographs:

Eroro Family In Mourning - Our Big Boy Is Gone!

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:47:02 +0000

As I type this, John Derick Eroro is on the radio informing their family in Kokoda and those like Russell in Port Moresby that their big brother is gone! I have goose bumps as I listen to this radio communication.

So many radio communications, so much joy about trekkers who have walked the track, now such tragic news!

Our thoughts also go out to all the families of everyone involved in this airline crash. Lets not forget Airlines of PNG and No Roads.

We are thinking of everyone as we mourn ourselves for someone close to Kokoda Trekking who also died in this crash.

The conversation on the radio sounds like half our KTL boys have made their way up the mountain to pay their respects and to support the brothers of Kingsley in their hour of need. Whether or not they will be allowed to do so remains to be seen, but they are planning to carry their brother off the mountain and back to the family block in Kokoda.

Although Kingsley only walks the Kokoda Track once or twice per year with private groups associated with friends of the people he has met and worked with at the Porgera Mine Site, he is the husband of Grace who runs the Kokoda Post Office and is the agent for Airlines of PNG in Kokoda. If you have flown with Airlines of PNG you will no doubt have met Grace or one of their sons. Kingsley also helps the family out on his tour breaks and was often seen at Kokoda airport.

PRESS RELEASES FROM AIRLINES PNG:

PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Monday 17th August 2009 1:00pm

Airlines PNG can now advise that the transfer of bodies of the 11 passengers and 2 crew members from the accident site was completed yesterday. We can confirm that there were 13 people on board the aircraft (11 passengers and 2 crew) despite previous false media reports of other victims. The High Commission and the PNG Civil Aviation Authority late yesterday also supported this. Of the 11 passengers and 2 crew the nationalities of the people on board are: Two pilots were of Papua New Guinean decent and the passengers were made up of 9 Australians, 1 Papua New Guinean and 1 Japanese citizen.

There have also been reports that Kingsley Eroro (one of the victims) was not manifested. We can confirm that he was most definitely the only PNG National passenger on the flight. The airline is working with the Papua New Guinean families to arrange traditional ‘haus kreis’ and to then assist in managing funeral arrangements for the deceased crew and one Papua New Guinean passenger.

The airline is also working with authorities to assist in ensuring the rapid repatriation of the nine Australian passengers and the Japanese passenger to their respective countries. Airlines PNG will also provide all other assistance to the victim’s families wherever possible. It is understood that the Papua New Guinean Government has asked the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to assist Papua New Guinea in the investigation of this accident.

Four ATSB investigators arrived in Port Moresby at approximately 7:00pm on Wednesday night. Airlines PNG will be working closely with all authorities to ensure that all lessons learned from this tragic event are implemented. Due to the nature of the investigative process, the ability of Airlines PNG to publicly comment further will be significantly constrained, until the full findings of the investigation are released. Wherever possible however, Airlines PNG will continue to work with the media and the public to ensure as much information as possible is provided.

***END OF RELEASE***

AIRLINES PNG FACT SHEET AS AT 1:00pm 17/08/2009 - #1 Issued: Monday 17th August 2009

ORDER OF EVENTS Tuesday 11th August 2009 Airlines PNG flight CG 4684 - with 11 passengers and 2 crew members on board departed Port Moresby Airport at 10:53a.m bound for Kokoda airstrip on Tuesday 11th August 2009. When it failed to arrive at its scheduled arrival time of 11:20a.m, Airlines PNG’s Kokoda agent contacted the airline’s Operations Centre to advise of its non-arrival. The Operations Centre made immediate contact with Port Moresby Flight Service and were advised that the last radio contact with the aircraft had been at 11:11a.m. The airfield at Kokoda is at an elevation of 1,269ft AMSL (above mean sea level) located in Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Ranges. Four Twin Otter flights were known to be scheduled during the morning.

The first flight – a Twin Otter aircraft operated by another PNG airline - attempted to land at Kokoda at approximately 9:00 am and returned to Port Moresby due to adverse weather in the Kokoda area. This is a common occurrence as the weather in this area can deteriorate rapidly and conversely can improve quite rapidly. That aircraft did in fact return to Kokoda and land safely later that morning.

A second Twin Otter operated by Airlines PNG landed at Kokoda at 09:48a.m. The weather conditions at the time were reported by the Captain to be “good visibility below a broken cloud layer between 9,000ft AMSL and 7,000ft AMSL”, while to the south-west the ranges were still covered in cloud. This aircraft then took off to return to Port Moresby at 10:00a.m.

The Twin Otter from the other PNG airline departed Kokoda at 11:10a.m. approximately at the time the missing aircraft was descending to Kokoda. The weather was reported to be average with areas of reduced visibility but in excess of legal requirements.

The fourth flight from an airstrip called Efogi to Kokoda landed at 11:35a.m. and again the weather was reported by the Captain to be “good visibility below a cloud layer between 9,000ft AMSL and 7,000ft AMSL” with the ranges to the south-west still covered in cloud. Visibility then reduced whilst this aircraft was on the ground, as several rain showers moved up the valley. This aircraft later took off from Kokoda to assist in search efforts.

Airlines PNG activated its Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Centre at 1140 and advised Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that one of its Twin Otter aircraft with 13 people on board had gone missing en route from Port Moresby to Kokoda in the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges and that an extensive search and rescue mission was under way. Two of the airline’s other aircraft as well as two helicopters were immediately contacted to commence sweeps of the search area.

The Australian Search and Rescue, which monitors signals from the aircraft’s emergency locator beacon was contacted and advised that no signal had been received.

PNG’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Australian High Commission and Japanese Embassy were notified of the event at 1:17pm. The airline confirmed that of the eleven passengers on board, one was Papua New Guinean, one Japanese and nine were Australian members of a Kokoda trekking group. The two person crew on the aircraft were both Papua New Guineans.

Victorian tour operator No Roads Expeditions was notified and in turn confirmed that it had advised the families of its Australian clients on board. Australian consular officials from Port Moresby were also in contact with the families to offer consular assistance.

Airlines PNG advised that –

The missing Twin Otter aircraft had earlier this year undergone a complete refurbishment programme and was fitted with the latest navigation aids and terrain awareness equipment.
The flight crew were highly experienced with flying in Papua New Guinea’s challenging conditions and very familiar with the particular route flown.
Earlier in the day, an Airlines PNG flight had operated into Kokoda under normal weather conditions but conditions in the mountainous terrain can be subject to sudden changes.
Further assistance was being provided in the search area by both PNG and Australian authorities and mining companies in PNG were also providing resources to assist.

Wednesday 12 August 2009 Search efforts continued at first light and the airline confirmed that at approximately 8:40am the missing aircraft was located at an altitude of 5,500ft in the Kokoda area. Visual inspections from a helicopter showed no immediate signs of activity. A PNG Police response team landed a short distance from the crash site, but deteriorating weather and limited communications hampered further information from that team.

Three helicopters, including a Royal Australian Navy Sea King operated in the area to drop further personnel near to the crash site to assist in the rescue. An RAAF Caribou was positioned at Kokoda Airstrip while an Australian Command and Control Dornier aircraft held position above the area to coordinate activities

Airlines PNG advised that the ground party had confirmed there were no survivors and that the airline had contacted the families of the crew and the Papua New Guinea passenger and was providing appropriate assistance.

Australian and Japanese consular officials in Port Moresby confirmed they would contact victims’ next of kin and to provide assistance to the passengers’ families. The airline began liaison with the Papua New Guinean, Australian and Japanese authorities to assist families too and offered its condolences to the families along with flights and accommodation.

Extensive resources continued to be provided by the Papua New Guinea Government, the Australian Government and Airlines PNG as the task of recovery of the bodies from the crash site and their return to their families began.

Deteriorating weather conditions caused the suspension of recovery action overnight.

Thursday 13 August 2009 Recovery efforts continued throughout the day under extremely difficult weather conditions in the rugged terrain but were again suspended overnight.

During the day, further details were released concerning the airline and its crew members operating Airlines PNG Flight CG 4684 and their high level of experience in flying the aircraft in the rugged terrain due to media reports making false claims.

Friday 14th August 2009: Recovery efforts continued again at first light. During the day Airlines PNG re-confirmed the number of victims on board the ill-fated aircraft as (13) after media reports emerged suggesting that there were in excess of this. With the approval of Kingsley Eroro’s family, Airlines PNG confirmed that he was indeed the PNG passenger on the flight. The confusion of total number of victims is believed to be due to only a duplicate booking in the reservations system and one no- show booking.

Saturday 15th August 2009 Remains continued to be recovered and brought to Port Moresby. Airlines PNG confirmed that it was working with investigation teams to ensure that all lessons from the accident were learnt.

Due to the nature of the investigative process, Airlines PNG said that the ability to publicly comment further will be significantly constrained, until the full findings of the investigation are released. Wherever possible however, Airlines PNG will continue to work with the media and the public to ensure as much information as possible is provided.

Sunday 16th August 2009: The last remains were transferred to Port Moresby and Airlines PNG continued to work with authorities as part of the investigation.

MEDIA QUERY CHECKLIST:

Pilot Training & Experience Captain Jannie Moala who was pilot in command of the ill-fated aircraft completed her pilot training in New Zealand, prior to her flying career in Papua New Guinea. She commenced flying Twin Otter aircraft with Airlines PNG in 2005 and had since accumulated over 2,500 hours flying experience on that aircraft type. Captain Moala had flown the Port Moresby to Kokoda route on numerous occasions. The second crew member on the flight was First Officer Royden Sauka who had completed his pilot training in Australia and also started flying Twin Otter aircraft in 2005 with Airlines PNG. He too had in excess of 2,000 hours experience flying that same aircraft type. FO Sauka was also very familiar with the Port Moresby to Kokoda route, having flown it on many occasions. Airlines PNG’s pilots are some of the most experienced in the world in flying this type of aircraft and in this type of environment. Many of them have decades of experience and undergo the most rigorous check and training regime and are fully licensed by the relevant regulatory authority.

Black Box – Should There Have Been One? The aircraft was not equipped with a black box. This equipment is not required on Twin Otter aircraft under the PNG Regulations nor is it even available to Twin Otter aircraft anywhere in the world. Airlines PNG did however on its own initiative and in excess of the requirements of the aviation safety rules equip the aircraft with dual GPS Systems and a Terrain Awareness System as well as a Radio Altimeter.

Kingsley Eroro – Was He On The Flight? There have also been reports that Kingsley Eroro (one of the victims) was not manifested. We can confirm that he most definitely was and that a duplicate booking in the reservations system may have lead to this misinformation of an additional passenger on the flight. With the approval of his family we can also confirm that Kingsley Eroro was a victim on the ill-fated flight.

Airlines PNG Suspension Of Kokoda Flights Airlines PNG under its own initiative has suspended all of its flights into Kokoda until it is satisfied with its own internal investigations and as the airline believes that considering the circumstances it is right thing to do. All other services offered by Airlines PNG are still operating as usual. Please note that Airlines PNG was not forced to suspend the Kokoda air service. The airline chose to.

Any further media queries please refer them to Airlines PNG Media Relations: Danae Jones International mobile: +61 409 346 599 Australian mobile: 0409 346 599
Photograph:

Left to Right - his cousin Donald; John Derick (brother); Kingsley and his son Emmanuel (Mike Ebeling photograph). Message from Colac: We took this photo just south of Mission Ridge in 2006 for John and his brother, Kingsley. That was a happy day.

Search Continues For Missing Apng Aircraft

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:28:40 +0000

Tuesday 11th August. From news reports, it seems as though the 'Airlines PNG' RPT service to Kokoda this morning is overdue.

Our prayers go out for all the families involved back in Australia as they search for the plane fearing the worst but also we have a prayer for an extra person making up the total of 13 passengers on board, Kingsley Eroro.

Kingsley is the eldest brother of Russell Eroro my business partner. Kingsley's wife Grace you may all know as the woman in charge of the Kokoda Post Office. As well as looking after the Post Office, Grace and their family run the agency for APNG (Airlines of PNG) in Kokoda and can often be seen at the Kokoda airport.

Family members are all fearing the worst as they wait for news up dates.

http://www.noroads.com.au/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08...?section=justin

http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,2831...5014090,00.html

http://livenews.com.au/news/missing-plane-...009/8/12/215858

Irrespective of which trekking company you walked with, if you boarded an Airlines of PNG flight you would probably have been booked in by Grace Eroro (wife of Kingsley) or one of their children as they are the agents for Airlines of PNG in Kokoda. Grace also runs the post office in Kokoda.

Kokoda Track Authority

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:10:04 +0000

Numbers on the Track

Permit numbers continue at 24% below 2008 numbers and 6% below 2007 numbers YTD. August has over 320 permits presold (802 total in 2008) so we should get close to the 2008 figures.

Trek 531 - Trek Completed

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:46:47 +0000

Last night when we met up with 12 of the 18 trekkers, we said we would pick them up at 7am from the Gateway Hotel. When we arrived there were trekkers everywhere as there appeared to be three different trekking companies heading out on the track today. As there were 6 trekkers arriving on a flight from Cairns at 8:30, we decided that our truck would take our trekkers to Bomana War Cemetery. Russell in the troopcarrier would ferry in all their backpacks and then be on standby to drive them to Owers' Corner from wherever the truck could reach based on the condition of the road. I decided to stay back and wait for the trekkers from Cairns and then play catch up to the others. It all went like clockwork.

Trekkers arrived on time from Cairns; our big truck got almost to the last village and Russell ferried them to Owers' Corner. As for myself, a bit of fun 4wd driving saw us arrive at Owers' Corner about an hour after the lead group. Today was a bit wet so we could not get down to the archway but we managed to get to the last hill so they did not have too far to walk to get to the starting point.

Trekkers in the first group are made up as follows:

Sue Lawlor - porter - (Jimmy Barai)
Catherine (return trekker 2008) & hubby Jeff Pethybridge + Shared Porter with Jeff - (Ramsey Idau)
Andrew Evely - Shared Porter 'Brendan Buka' with Tracy
Tracy Wilson - sharing Brendan Buka as a porter with Andrew
Loretta Monaghan (return trekker 2007) + Requires a porter (Wayne Urina)
Neil Perry + Requires a porter - (Duggie Eroro)
Nicholas Perry + Requires a porter - (Justin Egimbari)
Michael McKellar + Requires a porter - (Conwell Barai)
Adam McKellar + Requires a porter - (Tommy Bareo)
Aaron Little + Requires a porter
Kerry Little + Requires a porter - (Nigel Pue)

As it turns out a couple of father/son trekkers along with a husband and wife and some friends. Brendan Buka has drawn two runners which suits him perfectly even though he will look over shadowed by their height.

Trek 531 - Group Of 18

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:07:02 +0000

Today we will get to meet up with our latest trek about to head out on the Kokoda Track. Its one of our biggest treks of the year and has Wallace Lemeki as the guide who does not hail from Kokoda but from Milne Bay. Wallace moved their with his adopted family some years ago and now calls Kokoda home.

Wallace also looks after our base in Kokoda and does a really good job. He is in charge of hiring staff and logistics and more recently Managing Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. Wallace will be assisted by Harold Hauro. Both Wallace and Harold have walked with Soc Kienzle who has been giving them history lessons for which they will be forever grateful as it has given them a much better understanding of what happened during the war.

Trek 531 has some return trekkers within the group who have brought along some of their friends. In fact it was Catherine Pethybridge who selected Wallace as their guide and I am sure he will not disappoint her or other trekkers as he takes his job very seriously.

Trekkers in this group include:

Sue Lawlor - porter - (Jimmy Barai)
Catherine (return trekker 2008) & hubby Jeff Pethybridge + Shared Porter with Jeff - (Ramsey Idau)
Andrew Evely - Shared Porter 'Brendan Buka' with Tracy
Tracy Wilson - sharing Brendan Buka as a porter with Andrew
Greg Taggart + Requires a porter - (Ray Olen)
Hugh Taggart + Requires a porter - (Homer Ino)
Michael Lee + Requires a porter - Jerry Imaita
Cameron Lee
Adam Gregory + Requires a porter - (Hobert Keke - a real character and fun to be around)
Keith McLennan + Requires a porter
Loretta Monaghan (return trekker 2007) + Requires a porter (Wayne Urina)
Neil Perry + Requires a porter - (Duggie Eroro)
Nicholas Perry + Requires a porter - (Justin Egimbari)
Michael McKellar + Requires a porter - (Conwell Barai)
Adam McKellar + Requires a porter - (Tommy Bareo)
Aaron Little + Requires a porter
Kerry Little + Requires a porter

As we have no idea until they return today what the road will be like tomorrow, we felt it was easier to move the porters out today so the 4wheel drive vehicles can ferry the trekkers up to Owers' Corner tomorrow.

Photographs:

Pic 1: Wallace enjoying a few moments on the track
Pic 2: Wallace on a cleaning mission picking up rubbish at the end of one of our trekking seasons
Pic 3: On his first ever trek he walked with John Prossor. Next month will see John Prossor return again to walk with Wallace. John was also instrumental in inviting Wallace to attend the Lord Somers Camp in Victoria three years in a row.

Orohaven Kokoda Retreat

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:27:07 +0000

Hi everyone, today I flew over to Kokoda on a chartered aircraft and the pilot was kind enough to allow me some time to look around before flying back to Port Moresby. It was the first time I had been to Kokoda for over twelve months and I made the most of it as I clicked away with my camera.

You may wonder why it has taken me so long, well the answer is you our trekkers. Whilst trekkers are on the track its imperative I remain in Port Moresby to attend to medivacs; operations; administration duties; meeting and greeting trekkers and so on.

At the end of each trekking season I have headed off to spend some time with my family in Australia returning this year in mid April.

So today I was pleasantly surprised to see that what was bare dirt is now covered in grass and that the buildings have survived and other changes have been made according to my wishes. However, here in PNG nothing moves very quickly and Kokoda is no exception. If I were to spend some weeks there I am sure I could make several changes in a very short time but finding the time is always my problem.

Below are some photographs I took today to help promote Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. As time goes by, this block will be developed even further, but one has to crawl before one can run, so patience is the key at the moment. Today I thought of many things that could be done to improve the facility and will try and work on them one by one until my ideas have been realised.

On my arrival our Manager of operations in Kokoda, Wallace Lemeki was pleasantly surprised to see me inside the aircraft as he had no idea I was coming over.

Trek 530-Lone Female Trekker From Israel-Trek Completed

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:44:35 +0000

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting our latest trekker to head out on the Kokoda Track, namely Efrat Nakash. When Efrat first booked I thought it was a male name so was surprised to find in fact that we had a 'female' trekker heading our way!

After talking with Efrat it was soon clear that she is a well travelled woman and that she is not here for the history; the challenge or anything else the track can throw at her, but for the walk; the culture and the people. She wants to walk; eat; talk; take photographs of people; enjoy the experience of one of the world's great treks.

By the time Efrat leaves PNG she will have seen more of the country then I have since arriving here in 1972. As a photographer, I know she will take home to Israel fond memories of her time in PNG out on the Kokoda Track; her planned walk up Mt Wilhelm and her time on the Sepik River.

After talking with her today it turns out she was able to look up information about PNG on my other website, www.pngbd.com which pretty much covers all of PNG! Today she commented that I have many names, 'Boss Meri' on this website and 'Aussie' on pngbd.

However, if I continue to help bring tourists to PNG to not only walk the track but experience whatever else PNG has to offer, then setting up both websites and the hours I have put into them both will have been well worth while.

This morning I collected Efrat from where she was staying around 7:15am and drove her to the airport to catch the flight to Kokoda. I informed her I would be flying over to Kokoda with her and she appeared excited by that. On the same flight were some of our porters returning home from their trek and Efrat insisted she be photographed along with them before they boarded the Tropic Air plane. The other photograph was taken while we were sitting in the terminal building and another inside the aircraft on the way to Kokoda.

Andy Rowan Takes On Another Challenge

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:18:01 +0000

I received this email earlier this week and thought I would share it with you. Who is Andy Rowan you might well ask? Refer below for the 'Hall of Fame' Kokoda Trekking Records:

Kokoda Challenge Race Records:

Fastest man on the Kokoda Track/Kokoda Trail: Kokoda Trekking (KTL) porter - Brendan Buka - in both directions set in August 2007 and August 2008. Owers' Cnr to Kokoda 16:34; Kokoda to Owers 17:20
Fastest Female - Nesta Gipine - set 31st August 2008 - Time 22:08:38
Fastest white man - International Competitor - Owers' Corner to Kokoda - Damon Goerke set in August 2006 in a time of 19:28
Fastest white man - International Competitor - Kokoda to Owers' Corner - Andrew (Andy) Rowan set in August 2006 in a time of 24:15

I will copy paste the email I received from Andy who by the way is a doctor. When I first met him, he was a young intern, here in PNG to gain experience in delivering babies. He mentioned that back home in NZ he would not get such an opportunity for several years but being in Port Moresby he had already delivered more babies then he could count in a few short months.

Andy became valuable to me in so much that I did not have a clue how to run a race let alone such a gruelling 24 hour race with all the logistical problems the track can throw at you. Andy having been in adventure races before met up with me on a couple of occasions and gave advice and help for which I will be forever grateful as our race is now in the record books. Andy if you are ever reading this, thanks for never forgetting Kokoda and for emailing me about your latest adventure...GO ANDY, friend Gibbo and new wife Wei Ling !
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi everyone,

well what can i say after 7 years of planning ( in the loose sense of the word) am am starting my cycle trip from NYC to Rio de jenairo tomorrow.

You can follow my trip at my blog at

http://andysballbustingadventure.blogspot.com/

hopefully i will update it weekly and add picture etc. below I have copy and pasted the first post ( just to get you excited ?? )

Andy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bike of the conchords : New Zealands third favourite cycle touring Trio

Hi everyone ,

When i was about 20 years old my grandfather ( at the age of 92) imparted to me the only advice he ever gave me , he said

"Andy you can either work when you're young or when you are old , but at some time in your life you will have to work"

- i had alot of love and repsect for Jock ( my grandfather) and I have taken his advise to heart - therefore I've decided to work when i'm old !!!! and tomorrow i am starting my cycle tour From New York City to Rio de J aneiro.

Without labouring the details, about 7 years ago I came up with the idea and enlisted the support of one of my good school friend's, Gibbo . However it has taken the best part of the last 6 years for us to organise ourselves - and just when it seems we had it all sorted Gibbo had to go and jepordise the whole thing by meeting the love of his life and get married ( Wei Ling - did I mention she is a mail order chinese bride !!, ) . So NZ's third favourite cycle duo became a trio.

So anyway here we are in the big apple , we have our bikes and a few maps , and we are due to head off tomorrow morning - to face ( how the french would say) I don't know what. I will do my best to do at least one exciting thing per week to spice up my weekly blog - and as and when I get pictures I will post them.

Andy

p.s - Wei Ling has just been reading over my shoulder and corrected me, she is in fact Malaysian-Chinese

Trek 570 - Trek Completed

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:52:53 +0000

Yesterday I received a phone call from Amy Campbell and whilst talking to her on the phone I already had a vision of a young woman with a vibrant personality. When we met at the Gateway Hotel last night she immediately came across as how I pictured her to be. I also met up with her friend Liam Dobson and explained to them during a briefing what could be expected during their hike on the Kokoda Track. Turns out Liam owns and runs his own gym in Melbourne so will know after completing this trek what is needed in preparation to walk Kokoda.

As per the 'private' group that headed off today also from Owers' Corner, it was agreed to skip the visit to Bomana War Cemetery and to head off early. When I arrived at the hotel, both trekkers were ready and waiting in the foyer. As its safer to travel out as a group, I decided to wait until the others were ready and to all leave together. Instead of a 6:30am start we ended up getting away a little after 7am.

At Owers' Corner they met up with their porters and guide Ernst Jinga.

Trek 550 - Trek Completed

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:03:41 +0000

Last night I met up with our two sets of trekkers who headed out today from Owers' Corner at the Gateway Hotel. Turns out the guy who kicked off this trek Stuart McGregor arrived with his friend and sons from Hong Kong as well as another mate from from New Zealand making a total of 5 as follows:

Stuart McGregor
Marshell Byres
Melvin Byres
Harrinson Byres
John Judge

Last night we discussed the option of heading out early and popping into Bomana War Cemetery after they returned or going there today on the way to Owers' Corner. It was decided to skip Bomana today.

Therefore based on their decision, it was decided that we would collect them from the hotel at 6:30am for the drive out to the drop off point of Owers' Corner. I think they were still enjoying their breakfast as it was after 7am by the time we loaded up and headed off to Owers'. Perhaps they thought they would enjoy their last full breakfast before they were forced to dine on dry rations for the next fews days until they reach Kokoda.

Before we left the Gateway Hotel, I snapped a pic of the group:

Trek 529 - Trek Completed

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:42:38 +0000

Five trekkers headed off today from Owers' Corner on a fast trek which will finish in Kokoda on the 19th July. This group will have a hard trek ahead of them but all appeared fit and ready to take on the challenge. Trekkers in this group include:

Warrick Colman
Luke Gilholme
Darren Howard
Mark Salmon
Mick Tynan

This morning we picked everyone up from the Gateway around 7:30am and were at Bomana War Cemetery by 8am. The group spent approximately an hour walking around the area before we headed off towards Owers' Corner. Shortly before 11am they commenced their descent down their first hill.

The photograph below was taken at Bomana War Cemetery.

Trek 521 - Trek Completed

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:23:20 +0000

Last night we met up with our latest group of trekkers at the Gateway Hotel. This morning we arranged to pick them up around 7am however PNG time set in and I was a few minutes late. We ended up arriving at the airport and by the time they were all booked in and headed off it was close on 8:30am:

When they were about to board I noticed I could not find my bag with my camera so had to send our driver home to try and locate it. This he did and I took a couple of photographs.

Unfortunately I do not know what went wrong as tonight when I went to upload, there were no photographs on the memory card so I must apologise for not being able to post one.

I will try and make up for it at the end and will take HEAPS!

Trekkers who headed out today include:

Peter & Rhonda Hatton; Anne Regan; Terry Pedler; Wendy McWhinnie; Kym Kenny; Lester and Jayden Tilbrook.

Seems we have a couple of birthdays. Jayden is turning 21 and Peter I think he said 53.

Turns out Peter is the bloke who writes on our website, Peter 13: I joked at the airport and told him he had better have a great time as he oftens replies to threads on our website.

Tonight they are spending at Orohaven and tomorrow morning they will walk off to Isurava Village. Peter is carrying his own pack so has a real challenge ahead of him.

Kokoda Track Authority Press Release

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:54:13 +0000

Numbers on the Track

June trekker numbers are well down on previous years and are continuing the trend for reduced numbers on the Track. Year to date is 22% down on last year and 12% down on 2007. July forward bookings are positive with 664 permits already sold as of 1st July.

Trek 528 - Trek Completed

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:48 +0000

Today we said goodbye to an ex trekker by the name of Lloyd Love along with two women, one from France and the other from Hong Kong. For awhile Lloyd would have thought he was going to be walking by himself but at the last minute the two young girls decided to join this trek.

Trekkers in this group are:

Lloyd Love; Minji Xu and Maya Kirpalani

We left the Gateway Hotel around 7:30am and headed off to Sogeri where trekkers stopped for a break which provided the first photo opportunity:

Australian High Commission Port Moresby

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:29:58 +0000

AUSTRALIA AND AIRLINES PNG GET KOKODA FLIGHTS ON TRACK

Weekly scheduled flights to four airstrips along the Kokoda Track will have a major impact on the lives of people in Track communities says Head of AusAID in PNG, Bill Costello, following today�s signing of an agreement between the Australian Government and Airlines PNG.

Airlines PNG will fly to Manari, Efogi, Kagi, and Milei on a weekly schedule, beginning on 10 July, that will ensure people and goods are able to move in and out of local communities.

The Australian Government is providing K374,000 to subsidise the flights for the first twelve months as one of the initiatives agreed between the PNG and Australian Governments under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges signed at the 2008 Ministerial Forum.

�This is a great outcome for communities along the Track,� said Mr Costello.

�One of the greatest challenges facing Track communities is the walking time and the rugged terrain between them and outside services and facilities. These flights mean that people who need to get to hospital, for example, will no longer need to walk.

�It also opens up greater income earning opportunities for people in the Track corridor.�

Mr Costello explained that the idea for a subsidised flight program followed extensive consultations with communities, PNG Government agencies and the tourism industry.

Head of Airlines PNG Commercial Operations and Charter, Allen Tyson, said that the nature of PNG�s geography means that air transport is the only realistic option for remote communities.

�We are very pleased to be working with the Australian Government on this program and with the subsidy we will be able to offer one-way fares at around K130.

�This is a very affordable fare which will open up air travel to many of the people in those communities.�

Mr Costello said the flight subsidy program was intended to stimulate community and economic development, making it more attractive for the operator to run a regular service along the Track.

The ongoing need for a subsidy program, and any further commitment by the Australian Government, will be evaluated after twelve months.

Airlines PNG will initially offer two scheduled flights from Port Moresby on Fridays. One will leave at 8am and fly to Manari and Efogi before returning to Port Moresby by 9.20am.

The other flight will depart Port Moresby at 9.30am and fly to Kagi and Milei and return to Port Moresby by 10.50am.

The flights will use a 19 seat Twin Otter aircraft.

Under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges, the Australian Government has committed $14.9 million to assist the PNG Government to improve the livelihoods of local communities along the Kokoda Track and to establish effective management arrangements to protect the Track and deliver increasing benefits to local people.

ENDS

Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart AusAID Public Affairs +675 325 9333 ext 216

Photographs: Efogi Airstrip

Kokoda Airport Terminal Building

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:33:10 +0000

Kokoda Airport Terminal Building:

Attention all trekking companies, Kokoda Track Authority and Airline Companies & pilots.

Quite a few years ago Kokoda Trekking decided to renovate the old terminal building in Kokoda and turn it into something to be proud of. We also wanted to add some atmosphere for trekkers as they arrive and or depart from Kokoda so asked local PNG carvers to design and build for us a signboard to 'Welcome' trekkers to Kokoda which has proved a big hit as a photo opportunity upon arrival in Kokoda.

Kokoda Trekking did not put any advertising material up in lights stating that we paid for the terminal building and all the thatched huts providing shade; paid staff to continually mow the terminal area; made sure the toilets and shower were always clean with toilet paper provided; that the water tank always had water pumped up to the smaller tank on the roof for gravity feed to these amenities. We always made sure the tap outside the fenced area worked so trekkers could fill up their camel packs with water; that locals had water to drink whilst waiting for their flight etc

Airline companies always had a nice clean area in which to work and turn round their flights from Kokoda; cargo was sometimes stored there when passengers did not turn up to collect their cargo and so on.

At the beginning of June 2009 we thought we would improve the services previously offered even further and commenced putting in some shelves so we could sell cold soft drinks; ice-cream; hot food; artifacts etc. After the work was completed at more expense, we applied to the authorities in Kokoda for a permit to operate the shop. The permit was refused but permission was granted for us to operate from 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' situated further down the runway on the opposite side owned by Kokoda Trekking.

Shortly after receiving this news, a decision was made to move the premises from the present position on land we had no control over to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and rebuild. During the past two weeks our staff have worked round the clock to remove all materials and move them to Orohaven. Work has already commenced at Orohaven and should be finished in the not too distant future when once again we will provide shade for trekkers and the general public.

Providing everything goes according to plan we should be able to offer hot food; pizza's; cold drinks, ice-cream and many other products. During the past month we have also started commercial chicken farming on the block. This has proved popular to both locals and trekkers who are looking for protein in Kokoda. We started off with 150 day old chicks every three weeks but the demand has been so high that we are presently sending 200 every week as there is limited fresh meat in Kokoda. This week we sent 13 rabbits for breeding purposes which we are hoping will prove popular to the locals as an alternative to chicken.

Now back to the airport: During the past couple of days I have received emails asking why we have pulled down the terminal building so I thought it best to put something up on our website.

For those of you who may not be aware, 'all materials' used on the premises with the exception of a few iron sheets on the roof and a couple of steel posts remains of the old terminal building, everything else was supplied by Kokoda Trekking. All wages were also paid by Kokoda Trekking with no help from Airlines; Kokoda Track Authority or other trekking companies.; Local Level Government (LLG) authorities etc.

Since building the premises we have also had to provide two full time security staff to make sure nothing was stolen from the premises and to ensure the grass continued to be mowed and the area remained clean and tidy. Shrubs need pruning that we planted for beautification to try and keep the premises and surrounding area clean and tidy.

Now that we have moved the materials to the new block, it will mean we have consolidated our facilities in Kokoda so we will be able to provide even better services and amenities for the travelling publc and the population of Kokoda. The 'Welcome to Kokoda' signpost will once again be erected outside 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' and we trust that trekkers from all companies will continue to have their photographs taken with this in the background.

In the meantime we beg you for your patience as we build again something similar at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. We will provide shade; seating; flushing toilet, cold refreshments and food. It is not our intention to create another airport terminal building as the powers to be in Kokoda will determine where they will be, but for anyone waiting for hours to catch a flight you will have an alternative like before to be out of the sun in a nice environment whilst you wait for your flight.

If we cannot bring food to the people hopefully we will bring people to the food and amenities.

Kokoda Trekking will continue to serve all trekking companies and to provide services to the people of Kokoda.

Please be a little patient with us whilst we complete the new project at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.

Trek 559

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:20:11 +0000

A lone trekker by the name of David Cummins is now on the track having commenced yesterday from Owers' Corner. He is in the company of Kingsley Boropi (no stranger to villagers as he has walked quite often) along with another couple of porters.

The day before I met David I was up at the Gateway Hotel when the reception staff informed me that there was an urgent message for me to phone the Ela Beach Hotel. I was surprised when I made contact to find out it was in relation to David as I was expecting to find him at another hotel.

We agreed to catch up yesterday and I drove him out to Bomana War Cemetery as we had a bit of time to kill due to the boys having to fly in from Kokoda on our charter that morning.

The trek then got away from Bomana around 10am and I heard later from our driver that it was a fun slippery ride out to Owers' Corner the drop off point.

Trek 525 - Trek Completed

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:13:30 +0000

This morning we collected from the Gateway Hotel and the Airways Hotel our latest group of trekkers to head out on the Kokoda Track.

We left Port Moresby around 8:30 and arrived at Owers' Corner a couple of hours later after slipping and sliding our way along the road that leads us to the drop off point. They all appeared to enjoy the drive and looked eager and keen to start walking the track.

Trekkers in this group include the following:

Brendan Rhodes
Katherine Gordon
Matthew Kirby
Andrew White
Sheree Kemp
Sarnia Symons
Emma Stewart
Amanda Kirby
Shane Thomas

Trek 542 - Trek Completed

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:11:51 +0000

Trek 542 got away on time yesterday and I apologise for the late up date but I was unable to access the internet until now.

Trekkers arrived from their flight and were driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Some time later they were driven out to the Sogeri Monument area before being driven in our Toyota Troopcarrier to Owers' Corner.

Trekkers in this group include:

David Buntine; Peter Womersley; Cameron Dunlop; Michael Oates; Stuart Womersley; Matthew Tilley; Warren Bennett; Chris Marshall; Michael Vear and Ashley Nolan.

Trek 544 - Trek Completed

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 01:27:52 +0000

Soc Kienzle's Komplete Kokoda trek is now on the track having head off from Kokoda early this morning.

At 7am yesterday they all waited anxiously to board their chartered flight to Kokoda at Tropic Air's terminal building.

After arriving in Kokoda Soc took them all on a gumi ride (on tyre tubes) down a river near where he once lived. I have not heard but I am sure like others before them, they will have enjoyed the experience.

The trekkers on this trek include:

Martin Ellis; Andrew Darcy; Toni Howarth; Ian Clarke; Don Maccoll; Neville Stanton; David Stevens; Leonie Glover; Paul Glover; Donna Fay; Kevin Harding; Marlene Anderson. Their Historian Soc Kienzle and my Shane Thomas.

Kokoda Track Authority Press Release

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:25:27 +0000

LAND OWNER FUNDING FLOWS TO KOKODA TRACK LAND OWNERS

�A total of K45,000 will be deposited into five separate Kokoda Track Ward Development Committee bank accounts today, and a further K35,000 is ready to be distributed� announced a very pleased Chairman of the Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) Mr. James Enage today.

�The new KTA has made promises to the land owners that money would get directly into the hands of the communities along the Kokoda Track. These payments are clear evidence of this commitment and now that there is a clear and transparent system for distributing payments all future scheduled payments will flow. A further K70,000 is scheduled to be distributed to the Wards at the end of June and then another K70,000 by the end of September.� said Mr. Enage.

The KTA Board meeting held in May negotiated a resolution whereby the fourteen Ward Development Committees along the Kokoda Track would gain an equal share of Trek Permit revenue collected by the KTA. The Asimba, Kovelo, Abuari, Alola and Kagi Ward Development Committees have been able to set up registered committees and bank accounts and these Wards will receive the funding today. It is hoped the other nine Wards will register their Committees and create bank accounts in the very near future so they can also receive their funds.

The KTA collects trek permit fees from Trekkers walking the Kokoda Track. These permit fees are then used to pay Land Owner payments, undertake maintenance to the Track and to operate the business.

�This is the first time since the KTA began that money has got directly to the local communities. It is the start of our own journey where people along the Track, the tour operators and the Government are truly working together to produce benefits for all.� a proud Mr. Enage announced.

The KTA also announced today that a contract had been awarded to local company �Central Lumber Limited� to undertake road repairs along the Depo to Owers Corner road. The road is a serious concern to the KTA as it is either the start or the finish of the trekker�s experience and the road�s very poor condition greatly impacts on their visit to PNG. The road also provides very important access for the many communities who live in the Depo and Vesilogo Wards. The works are contracted to commence Tuesday 9th June.

ENDS..

Trek 511 - Trek Completed

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:59:07 +0000

This morning we picked up five of this group from the Gateway Hotel and drove them to Bomana War Cemetery. The other two members of this trek were collected direct from the airport after they arrived on a flight from Cairns and not long thereafter were united with others in their trek at Bomana War Cemetery.

List of Trekkers:

Tony Collins & his son Shaun Collins; Carl Butchard; Shane Catley; Dan Simpson; Alexa Wonnacott & Andrew Miller.

Kokoda Memorial Foundation

Thu, 28 May 2009 05:49:38 +0000

Last Sunday, we met up with a large group of members from the Kokoda Memorial Foundation who have volunteered their services to clean up various areas as follows:

Work Schedule for trip to PNG 24th May to 1st June 2009

Projects approved:

1 Repaint stick figure at McDonalds Corner and fix garden

2 Repaint Arch at Owers�

3 Repaint gun at Owers�

4 Repaint plaque at Owers�

If time permits - restand flying fox at Goldie River

Each year they come up they bring with them some used army clothes as our KTL staff just can't get enough of them. So a big thank you from me for thinking of our boys.

Trek 552

Wed, 27 May 2009 13:07:08 +0000

Today saw we say goodbye to three trekkers who headed off to Kokoda this morning around 8:30am. The trek included Bruce Richards and his daughter Emma, along with John Neal.

All three looked excited and full of beans as they headed out to board their flight to Kokoda - just take a look at the photograph below.

Their guide is Paul Esiko.

A short time later after boarding their flight they are seen below arriving at Orohaven and being met by my son Shane and Wallace who Manages all our treks that leave from the Kokoda end.

The last few words I heard Emma say, was that she had never been on a small aircraft before!

Short Treks; Village Stays; Country Experience

Fri, 22 May 2009 22:40:24 +0000

Are you a tourist looking for something different whilst in Papua New Guinea; A baby boomer who clearly knows they are not fit enough to walk the 96km Kokoda Track; Suffer from knee problems and not fit to walk up and down hills; are a family looking for somewhere to take your children that is safe & secure; do you just want to get away from mobile phones and your day to day job and simply relax and enjoy PNG time, then we have the place for you.

OroHaven Kokoda Bush Retreat

Location: Kokoda, Oro Province, a short 25 minute flight from Port Moresby
Accommodation: Traditional huts that can sleep up to 15 people dormitory style. We have several huts and can accommodate over 100 tourists at anyone time. Or, pay extra and have a hut all to yourself.
Shower: Outdoor shower under the stars
Toilet: Flushing outdoor toilet
Meals: prepared by our Filipino Chef who was based in Port Moresby and was previously employed by Daikoku Restaurant specialising in Japanese cuisine.
Contact Details: gail@pngbd.com
Telephone: +675 340 8407

Things to do:

Relax, read a book or two away from your day to day life
Enjoy PNG time and leave your mobile at home.
Wake up to the sounds of the bush
Prepare yourself for a short trek up to Isurava Memorial and back. Depending on fitness levels allow at least one day up to Isurava and one day back down. If not so fit, still achievable but allow four days to cover the same amount of distance. Should you find you are not of sufficient fitness to continue your walk, as you are not on a 9 day trek, simply stop and turn back to base.
Take a swim in one of the creeks close to Orohaven
Tourists may like to take a PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) drive down to Popondetta. At the time of writing the Kumusi Bridge crossing has still not been re-opened so it would mean a tyre tube crossing with local support staff.
If you have children they can help feed our animals such as chickens; ducks; PNG Cus Cus and a deer.
Walk up to the Kokoda Station and visit the War Museum; Kokoda Hospital; and say hi to the locals who live there.
Experience how to make a traditional mumu, a local dish where food is cooked in the ground using hot stones
Sample a cold SP beer whilst eating a home cooked pizza
Big Screen movie available on request
Are you holding a convention and want to get out of town where there are no disturbances?
Great Team Building Exercise. Our guides and porters can accompany your staff for safety and guidance on a walk up to Isurava Memorial return

Various custom treks can be arranged depending on your requirements simply by contacting us.

Trek 509 Has Commenced - Trek Finished

Wed, 20 May 2009 06:03:58 +0000

This morning we woke up to rain so a rather slow start for this trek. Trekkers were picked up from the Crowne Plaza around 8:30 and driven to where the porters were waiting for us. Not long afterwards backpacks were loaded onto our Nissan Patrol Ute while the guide and porters and trekkers were dry inside my Toyota Prado.

Not long after we arrived at Bomana War Cemetery where trekkers decided to put on their poncho's as it was light but steady rain to have a look around.

The two trekkers are:

Peter Colby, who stated it was part of his 'bucket list' and his mate Philip Walshe.

Photographs:

Trekkers seen here at Bomana War Cemetery

Trek 507 - Owers' Cnr to Kokoda

Sat, 09 May 2009 06:15:23 +0000

Its been a worrying few days for us as we knew we had a trek heading out today and doom and gloom was everywhere as a village just outside of Kokoda township decided to close the track. All the food for this trek was sent over to Kokoda earlier and staff were advised of their trek. However right up until 3pm yesterday when we were at the Kokoda Track Authority Office they could not assure us the track was open.

We then made a decision to commence the trek from this end instead of flying trekkers to Kokoda in case the village would not let them pass by. Last night we repacked food so it would be ready for this morning and a group of guys were told they would be walking with trek 507 from Owers' Corner to Kokoda. Several of these men had only just returned from a five day trek mid yesterday and I wondered how they would take the news.

Our KTL staff are just great, they did not even bat an eyelid before they all wholeheartedly agreed to turn back as they knew the situation we were facing besides it meant double pay for them. Two of the guys in the group from yesterday are renowned as some of the fittest guys on the track. Wayne Urina is one of them and he holds the record as the second fastest man ever to cross the Kokoda Track in a time of 18 hours +. The track record is held by Brendan Buka in 16 hours 34 minutes but Wayne has done 18 hours on two different occasions so is not too far off the mark. Another guy Cyprian is a 20 hour runner. Both promise not to take them at their pace!

So after we met with the trekkers at the Gateway Hotel, we returned to base and along with the boys we packed until around 8pm. I cooked dinner for them and they were lucky as the only meat I had in the freezer was some tender beef slices so it was a bonus for them after eating the meals on the track. Before and afterwards they tucked into some vanilla icecream which I had purchased to send to Kokoda but hey for these boys to turn back, they could have eaten the whole 16lt box and I would not have cared.

The guide for this trek is now Clyde Guvero:

List of Trekkers include:

Daryl Greenham & his three sons, David, Paul & Bryce; Friends Dawn Rolfe & Leanne Mahe; Luke Foster who hails from Port Moresby and two young guys all the way from the UK, Chris Wolff & Dominic Ryan

As for our porters they are walking with five returning home and five fresh porters who were at our house waiting to fly back to Kokoda. The boys returning home walked in with three trekkers yesterday and I have heard from Emma one of the trekkers that the boys are just wonderful. Apparently she is well travelled and could not stop raving about their trek.

So go trek 507 - I know you are all going to have a fantastic time!

Kokoda Track Newsletter May 2009

Sat, 09 May 2009 05:49:46 +0000

Kokoda Track Newsletter:

Numbers on the Track

The 2009 season is well underway with the two busy weeks surrounding Anzac Day completed. The economic downturn seems to be biting hard with April�s recorded numbers down by 34%, compared with last year.

If you wish to read the newsletter, please click on the attachment.

kind regards

Gail Thomas
Kokoda Trekking

Trek 551 - Fast Trekkers

Sun, 03 May 2009 12:07:40 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to a group comprising of two women and one guy who headed out to Kokoda. Emma flew in from Hong Kong and Steven and Shayne came all the way from England. Their guide is Cyprian Haera entered our Kokoda Challenge Race and is renowned as a 20 hour runner but promises not to take them that fast over the track. Trekkers include:

Emma Matthew
Steven Matthew
Shayne Trimnell-Ritchard

Trek 508 Has Left From Owers' Cnr.

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:22:31 +0000

This morning saw us picking up from the Gateway Hotel our two latest trekkers who had flown in a few days earlier and spent the time at Loloata Dive Resort. Not long after 8am they were driven to Bomana War Cemetery where they also met their guide and porters who will walk alongside them from Owers' Corner to Kokoda. Trekkers include:

Peter Rochaix
Steven Rochaix

Their guide is Ernst Jinga who flew in from Kokoda earlier this week to wait for his first trek of the season.

Anzac Day 25th April

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:52:25 +0000

25th April: This morning we were up bright and early around 4am when we left the house to pick up trekkers from the Lamana Hotel; Holiday Inn; Gateway Hotel and the Airways Hotel before heading out to Bomana for the dawn service.

Numbers appeared to be down this year but this could be due to the heavy rain last night in Port Moresby or the economic downturn in Australia.

The service commenced at 5am and went for approximately 30 minutes. Trekekrs were then driven to the Australian High Commission for the Gunners Breakfast. Later in the morning some wanted to be dropped off at the Yacht Club while others decided to go back to their respective hotels.

Our people mover helped take trekkers out to Bomana War Cemetery, refer below. Take a look at David's clothes as he slipped over due to the rain last night and commented that on the track he did ok but at Bomana he lost his footing and slipped over.

Trek 500 - Komplete Kokoda

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:37:37 +0000

Anzac Day 25th April: Soc Kienzle's group headed of to Kokoda on the 24th where they overnighted at Orohaven our camp. This morning they were up bright and early for the Anzac Day service put on by Soc in the Kokoda Station. Today I welcomed another trek back into Port Moresby who attended the service in Kokoda. According to them all went according to plan and that they enjoyed the service. Trekkers in this group include:

Soc Kienzle
Damien Willett
James Fraser
Murray Virgin
Jeremy Hawkes
Pamela Hawkes
Elizabeth Grylls
Damien Brown
Robert Bennett
Louise Keys
Simon Blackshaw
Corenne Nancarrow
Allan Hawkes

Trek 496 Left Today From Vesulogo

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 13:19:45 +0000

Anzac Day 25th April: It was an early start for one trekker who was up at 4am to head out to Bomana War Cemetery for the dawn service. The other trekker decided to stay at the hotel and have a sleep in. Around 10am they were collected from their hotel 'Holiday Inn' and driven out to the starting point. Unfortunately due to the weather and the road conditions, trekkers were dropped off at Vesulogo. As you can see from the photograph below, buses were getting bogged this morning as well as most who went out for the pick up of trekkers on the 24th. Apparently there were several trekking companies who got stuck and had to walk out to Sogeri due to their pick up vehicles getting bogged.

Trekkers in this group include:

Larry Jones & Brian Rafferty

Trek 491 Is In Kokoda

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:10:02 +0000

Trekkers were picked up from the Gateway Hotel around 6:45 and driven down to Tropic Air to board their flight to Kokoda. All went according to plan and the flight took off around 7:45 and they landed in Kokoda approximately 20 minutes later.

As you can see in the photograph below, they all looked happy and excited as they waited for their flight.

Trek 493 - Anzac At Isurava Trek

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 04:57:44 +0000

Firstly my apologies for not putting anything up yesterday as I was flat out organising a medevac off the track of two young teenagers out of Kokoda and Isurava. Then last night my internet connection was down. This morning we had a pick up from Owers' Corner and I am not long back in the office after dropping off at respective hotels.

The group we picked up today passed this group of trekkers yesterday and said at that time everyone was ok. In this group, we have some return trekkers and a couple of new guys. Their guides is Tony Ogomeni and his assistant is Dominic Biaga.

List of Trekkers:

1. Michael Phipps (Return Trekker)
2. Jon Grant
3. Peter Storer (Return Trekker Trek 381)
4. Ken Hill (Return Trekker Trek 381)
5. Kevin Clement
6. Brett Harrison

Now have photographs on hand so will post them now.

Trek 492 - Is On The Track - Anzac At Kokoda

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:41:09 +0000

Today we said goodbye to our group of trekkers heading from Owers' Corner to Kokoda in time for the Anzac Day service there. On the 24th April they will walk off the track and overnight at our Orohaven Kokoda Retreat which is situated adjacent to the Kokoda airstrip.

The same night, Soc Kienzle will be overnighting at the camp and the following morning 25th April they will all walk up to the Kokoda Station for the service that he will put on. A bag piper is coming up from Australia to walk with this group.

This morning we picked up the various trekkers and drove them out to Bomana War Cemetery. After a look around, they were then driven to where they would commence their walk at Owers' Corner.

Trekkers in this group include:

Lee Cubit
Daniel Weekes
Simon Thomas
Tegan & Aaron Hassell
Rodney Frost
Rohan Graham
Darren Vine
Monica Jacobs
Blythe Calnan
Malcolm Graham
Anthea Wager
Peter Ward

Trek 495 Headed Out To Kokoda 16th April

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:03:46 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to our latest lot of trekkers to head out on the Kokoda Track, among them a third time 'Anzac' trekker by the name of David Currie. This morning trekkers were picked up from a few different hotels and some made it to the airport in a courtesy bus provided by the Gateway Hotel and the Airways Hotel. Trekkers in this group include the following people:

Matt Irvine
Sandra Blunt
David Currie
Michael Villante
Michael Taft
Scott Blum
Steve Pink
Tom Garnaut
Jason Parsons
Lara Parsons
Chris Beaufort
Emma Beaufort

The first flight got away around 8am.

Photographs:

Group Photograph
Second pic - taken shortly before they boarded their flight to Kokoda.

Trek 498 Headed Out From Owers' Corner 15th April

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:18:24 +0000

Trek 498 was picked up from the Gateway Hotel at 8:30 this morning and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. After spending some time at Bomana they were then driven out to Owers' Corner for the commencement of their trek. Their guide is Davidson Eroro and their assistant is Arnold Jinga. Trekkers in this group are as follows:

Andrew Cripps
David Cripps
Robbie Wood
Joe Brother
Chris Brother
Emily Brother
Mark Haldane
Alison Laing
David Hooley
David Fraser
Graeme Boyce

Photographs below were taken today.

Trek 515 - Headed Out To Kokoda 15th April

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 12:57:38 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to the 'Iona College' students and their carer's. The first flight got away not long after 8am with the second flight departing a short time later. Today the plan was for them to stay in Kokoda and to spend the night at our Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.

Tomorrow morning they will commence their walk up to Isurava Village. Trekkers include:

John-Paul Emery
Jared Ferrari
Josh Goener
Matthew Hoey
Daniel Malt
Sean Munro
Josh Neufeld
Daniel Scandar
Tom Warren
Brenton Williams
Darren Harbinson
Rick Nalatu
Andrew Ricketts
Vince Moynihan

Photographs below were taken today:

Orohaven Kokoda Retreat

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:17:56 +0000

This week my son Shane Thomas headed off to Kokoda to help prepare our camp for the new trekking season along with Dickson Namari. Dickson spent many months living in Kokoda during the past two years. In the first instance he built the airport terminal building area and put in a tank and other amentities there all of which are enjoyed by not only our trekkers but other trekking companies as they touch down in or out of Kokoda.

Dickson in 2008 was there again to help build Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. Alan Hazell (an ex trekker) and his son came and lent a hand for two weeks but the majority of the work was done by Dickson with some other staff working on sago leaves and other jobs that needed doing.

Photograph - Dickson Namari & Shane Thomas shortly before they boarded their flight to Kokoda on the 8th April:

Trek 487-Byrne Family & Friends Plus 3 Outsiders

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 03:29:18 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to Trek 487 when they headed out to Kokoda aboard Tropic Air's Cessna Caravan. All looked excited as they boarded their flight. Trekkers include:

Pat Byrne
Denise Byrne
Siobhan Byrne
Shannon Byrne
Tom Hick
Herman Grmek
Samantha Baily
Andrew Sutherland
Jackson Sutherland

A few drama's for the Sutherland family when (father) Andrew caught the flight from Perth but son Jackson missed his. I heard from Andrew last night that it was Jackson's 18th birthday and the plan was for them to celebrate when they reached Brisbane. Seems it was Andrew on his own and son Jackson trying to play catch up via Melbourne from Perth. All ended well however when they both boarded their flight to PNG on Friday. This morning they informed me that they had a good breakfast as they missed dinner last night celebrating in Port Moresby instead of Brisbane!

Samantha caught up with friends and was there at the airport this morning ready for her flight to Kokoda.

As for the Byrne family and friends, they were paying each other out last night so assumed it carried on at dinner and will do so out on the track no doubt as they appeared to really enjoy each others company.

As for our staff, well they are in for a surprise as most trekkers cannot sing but heading their way is one of the Byrne daughters who has sung in public recently for the opening of a footy game from memory and is booked again for an engagement on her return. In the past they have had to make do with 'Old MacDonald had a Farm' but this time round who knows what will happen as I believe the other daughter and also Pat himself can sing.

The photographs below were taken this morning:

Trek 555 - 6 Day Trek Owers' To Kokoda

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:21:57 +0000

Trek 555 headed out to Owers' Corner this morning consisting of a father and his two sons:

Barrie Elvish
Simon Elvish
Kris Elvish

I have heard from Russell who drove them out that the road was VERY bad and that it was hard to get out of 2nd gear so a very slow drive today. Lets hope someone grades the road in the not too distant future.

However, the Prado was able to reach right down to Owers' Corner so our trekkers should have been quite happy not to have to get out earlier and start their walk.

Below are photographs taken 9th April.

Trek 522 - Is On The Track - 6 Day Trek

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:13:00 +0000

Trek 522 left Port Moresby for Kokoda around 9am yesterday and we heard they arrived at Isurava Village around 4pm in the afternoon where they spent the night.

One of the 'Andrew's' asked for a porter at Deniki as he found the going tough. This morning they were up bright and early to continue their walk towards Eora Creek. Trekkers include:

Andrew Appleton
Chris Wilson
Andrew McIntosh
Brent Byrne
Benjamin Woods
Morwenna Kirwan
Joanne Richards

Their guide is Paul Esiko.

The photographs are as follows:

Pic 1: About to board the Tropic Air flight to Kokoda
Pic 2: Outside the Gateway Hotel inside our truck commonly referred to as KTL 2

April Treks

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:56:51 +0000

Hi everyone, I am now back on PNG soil in preparation for the beginning of our 2009 trekking season which for us commences on the 8th April.

Fresh ration packs are ready for collection at TNT and our back country products imported from NZ are not too far away so all systems GO here in PNG!

By now you should all have received your information packs if not, please give Nathan a phone call urgently on the following number:

(07) 55 716 512 or his mobile number: 0415499495

Introducing Mt Victoria Treks With Soc Kienzle

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:34:05 +0000

INTRODUCTION: The trek that is planned for May 2009 will be the first commercial trek by any operator that has climbed Mount Victoria, the highest mountain in the Owen Stanley Ranges, from the North West face. The trek takes 12 � 14 days Kokoda back to Kokoda in a circuit: no tracks are retraced during the journey. One other operator has taken a small group from the south face - a shorter trip but boring and exhausting. Komplete Kokoda�s trek attempts to follow in the footsteps of Sir William McGregor�s second climb to the summit in the 1890s. Soc Kienzle has completed the entire journey once in 2007, his associate Peter Barrett has done it three times and Soc also spent many days in the area in the 1960s.

The purpose of this inaugural trek is to assist the Kanga people who do not benefit from the Kokoda Trail industry to set up something of their own in the way of tourism. This is a magnificent journey through amazing variations of scenery, flora and fauna. It is physically more demanding but no more dangerous, and much more interesting and pristine than the climb of Mt Wilhelm in New Guinea. The only added risk to those that occur on the Kokoda Trail is the possibility of altitude sickness ( as there is on Mt Wihelm) but, as can be seen by the itinerary, there is plenty of time to acclimatize and as each trekker is allocated 2.5 porters, should they not be able to adjust, 2 porters would return with them to Kanga village or Kokoda where they could rest until the remainder of the party rejoined them.

We have allowed 14 days to complete the trek to allow for weather and acclimatization delays. It is an amazing and new experience for the porters that is a source of pride to have completed and worth many stories by the campfire.

In summary, this is a worthwhile project as a future alternative or next step adventure to offer to tourists while spreading the wealth in the Yodda Valley.

Trek 441 - Guide Ernst Jinga - Trek Completed

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:02:08 +0000

We met up with our last group of trekkers for 2008 the other night at the Gateway and informed them we had to change their trek around and that they would be commencing from Kokoda instead of Owers' Corner. This did not seem to bother them as they looked forward to catching their flight to Kokoda the following morning.

It was decided that the group of trekkers staying at the Shady Rest Hotel would be collected at 6:30am and the other two staying at the Gateway at 7am.

The group at Shady Rest must have slept in as I received a phone call from Russell asking for their names so he could check at the reception desk due to them being nowhere to be found. A quick phone call to their rooms and before long they were headed off to the airport.

Another vehicle picked up a father and son combination from the Gateway and all trekkers booked into their Tropic Air flight to Kokoda.

On arrival in Kokoda they met up with seven trekkers who had just finished their trek along with their guide and porters.

The photographs below were taken shortly before they departed for Kokoda.

Trek 453 - Guide Tarina Bore - Trek Completed

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:56:11 +0000

Tonight we met up with our latest group of trekkers at the Gateway Hotel for a briefing. As Andrew has to go to the Australian High Commission at 9am in the morning it was decided to delay leaving Port Moresby until around 10am. They will all be picked up at 8:30 and while Andrew is at the AHC the others will be driven to Parliament House and for a drive around until they receive a radio call to say he is ready to be collected.

One of the porters on this trek is the trek champion from Owers' Corner to Kokoda - winner of this years Kokoda Challenge in a time of 16 Hours 34 minutes, Brendan Buka!

It will then be back to the hotel to load up the vehicles before heading out to Bomana War Cemetery. Trekkers are made up as follows:

Gary Wonnacott
Andrew Marshall
Mick Rayson
Tony Wagner
Marc Palmer
Paul Trehearne
Kym Davis

Photographs taken today 3rd November:

Pic 1: At Sogeri Monument area shortly before they drove off towards Owers' Corner
Pic 2: National Museum minus Andrew who was at the Australian High Commission

Trek 439 - Two Mates - Guide Kingsley Boropi- Trek Completed

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:46:32 +0000

On Tuesday night we met up with our two trekkers, namely Ben Turner and Callum Johnston at the Gateway Hotel. Yesterday Wednesday 29th October they flew into Kokoda and were met by Kingsley Boropi their guide and taken around the Kokoda Station and to our Orohaven Camp in Kokoda.

After they booked in for their flight they were driven for a look around Port Moresby and the photograph below shows them on the steps of Parliament House.

Trek 438 - Clive Jinga - Trek Completed

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:59:31 +0000

We met up with our four Trekkers at the Gateway Hotel last night and had a briefing with them. They all looked calm but a little nervous and looking forward to their trip this morning. The Trekkers are as follows:

Kane Blackman
Peter Cotter
Stan Fraser
Matthew Fraser

They were taken to the airport around 7am but were not able to be flown to Kokoda due to the weather, and were taken back to the hotel to wait until around 9am.

As we had another four trekkers booked for the same date but wanting to start from Owers Corner and finishing at Kokoda, we explained to this group and they agreed to travel into Kokoda with this trek on the same aircraft.

They all met for the first time at the airport for the Tropicair Charter (all 8). I know that they came in as strangers but will definitely come out as friends.

Pic 1 & 2 - Photographs taken at the airport after being dropped off and before boarding the plane.

Trek 513 - Guide: Davidson Eroro - Trek Completed

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:17:23 +0000

The Trekkers arrived this morning from Cairns, were picked up and dropped off at Tropicair to catch the plane to Kokoda.

The four Trekkers were:

Michael Tarling
Dean Maughan
Mark Rintoul
Max Tarling

Due to the rainy weather being experienced in PNG for the last four (4) weeks, we thought it would be wiser for the group to start their walk from Kokoda to Owers Corner, instead of their initial plan to walk from Owers Corner to Kokoda. They agreed. They were dropped off at Tropicair for our Charter flight into Kokoka with another four Trekkers.

Photographs:

Pic 1 & 2 Taken at Jacksons Airport, ready for their trip to Kokoda.

Condolences To The Holles Family

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:30:21 +0000

It was with sadness I received an email from Peter Holles who has walked twice with us as follows:

Dear Gail,

This week we buried my brother Micheal, he did two of your treks in 2004 & 2006 and at his funeral this week in Sydney a photo of him and your former porter Manuel featured on the front of the prayer book at the Mass/Funeral . A mention of Kokoda featured in the eulogy quite strongly as Micheal loved his experiences especially his interaction with Porters and Guides Ross and Eric.

Micheal had a secondary Melanoma and was a shadow of his larger than life former self . Could you please pass on the news to the porters who remember him and Russel and Ross . He filled a very large Church with a collection of people who would never be seen in the same place.

Thanking You .

Peter Holles

When we were in Australia a couple of years back we were invited to the home of Peter and his family for a barbeque. Michael who lived in Sydney flew up to meet up with us and his family and to attend the barbeque. He is pictured here in the front row of the group photograph we had taken on the night.

Trek 476 - Guide Johnsford Eroro - Trek Completed

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 03:24:34 +0000

Trek 476 headed out on the Kokoda Track yesterday and overnighted at Camp 66. All trekkers are doing ok and tonight they are heading to Ofi Creek. Trekkers include:

Rod Thompson
Jim Glen
Peter Berginc
Gustavo Castillon
Oswald Terron

Photographs:

Taken at Bomana War Cemetery 30th Sept

Milton Lay Shoalhaven Trek 436-Trek Completed

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:58:48 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to 38 trekkers who boarded their Tropic Air charters to Kokoda in five separate aircraft in groups of 9. Trekkers include:

Mitchell Barclay
David Bonnor
Simone Bryant
Taylor Ford
Karen Bulbert
Jade Claessen
Thea Ingold
Andrew Coleman
Brianna Herron
Stephen Comans
John Curtis
Melanie Dillonsmith
Steven Diven
Anthony Duncan
Christopher Duncan
Thomas Ewin
Kylie Hide
Nathan Irvine
Lisa Loveday
Nathan Mason
Kristian Mitchell
Danielle Moore
Natalie Moore
Felix Nelson
David Palmer
Kylie Pennell
Dean Pennell
Brittany Preston
Cathy Pryor
Kimberley Salafia
Ailsa Schofield
Amy Smith
George Sutton
Michael Temby
Benjamin Temby
Brett Thomson
Andrew Walker
Natalie Witenden

Some photographs taken today 29th September, 2008 at Jackson's Airport:

Trek 435 - Guide Wallace Lemeki - Trek Completed

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:35:13 +0000

Last night we met up with a group who headed out today on the Kokoda Track. This trek has a very excited Brian Beamish who will celebrate his 70th birthday tomorrow. To walk with Brian is a return trekker Andrew Emerson and friend Lesleigh Bond as well as Ian Everitt and a late person who joined Chris Breitenbach.

In fact on this trek Lesleigh also celebrates her birthday so I told Wallace he had better practice singing Happy Birthday!

Today they were picked up at 8am from their hotel and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Mid morning they were dropped off at Owers' Corner to commence their trek.

Below please find photographs taken today:

Trek 471 - Guide Tarina Bore - Trek Completed

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 02:46:02 +0000

This trek was supposed to fly into Kokoda and commence from that end but due to weather conditions, their flight was cancelled. After discussing this with trekkers, they decided they wanted to change the direction of their trek around rather than waste another day sitting around the hotel. We then drove them out to Owers' Corner where I believe they slept the night. Trekkers include:

Dean Squire; Rodney Watson; Justin Roberts; Chris Rogers; Matt Rogers; Kurt Gissane; John Nichols; Jordan Laing; Andrew Pudney; Mal Norton; Nick Cooke; Russell Bond; Charlie Allen and Christian Binting

Group photograph at Bomana War Cemetery:

Trek 449 - Guide John Derick Eroro - Trek Completed

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:05:36 +0000

Update 21st September: Met up with this group of trekkers on Friday night at the Gateway Hotel and again yesterday when they were driven down to the airport to catch their flight to Kokoda.

Unfortunately all did not go as planned due to bad weather in Kokoda. Trekkers waited around at the terminal building for a few hours until they boarded their flight to Kokoda. Due to bad weather they could not land in Kokoda and the flight returned back to Port Moresby.

Trekkers told me it was quite scary circling around in the air not being able to see the ground and wondered at that stage how they were going to turn around and head back to Port Moresby. The pilots however, were flying on instruments and had it all under control.

Back in Port Moresby they headed to the Lamana Hotel for the night as the Gateway had no rooms. This morning we picked them up around 6:30 to once again head back to Airlines of PNG's terminal area to arrange another flight.

Good News today, they got off the ground around 8am and are now in Kokoda. Trekkers in this group include:

William Tincknell (2nd time trekker) - porter - Bill Harike
Alexander Tincknell - porter - Paul Ume
Matthew Tincknell (2nd time trekker) - Kingsley Eroro (Senior)
John McInnes- porter - Emmanuel Eroro (Jnr)
Connor McInnes - porter - John Derick Eroro
Geoff Jacob - porter - Winnie Pore
David Clark - porter - Rufas Ahaja
Scot Clark - porter - Cyprian Sisiro
Clive Eakin - porter - Danny Grayson
Brett Gazzola - porter - Kingsford Hara
Warwick Smyth - porter - Titus Ahaja
Russell Smyth - porter - Terry Keke
Malcolm Smyth - porter - Danny Keamo
Graham Costin - porter - Francis Paing

Food Porters:

Tom Hango
George Kudimu
Conwel Barai
Peter Amos
Charles Mambia

Photographs:

Group Pic at Airlines of PNG's departure area.

Trek 517 - Kokoda Challenge Kokoda Kids - Trek Completed

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:47:45 +0000

KOKODA CHALLENGE KOKODA KIDS - This afternoon saw a huge group of 40 + arrive to either walk the Kokoda Track or to fly over to Kokoda. Not long after arriving the ones heading to Kokoda were taken down to Hevi Lift for their chartered flight and the others boarded our people mover KTL 2 truck to head out to Bomana War Cemetery. Trekkers include:

Johllene Wright; Glen Wallwork; Peter Ibbott; Alex Rutledge; Jason Snuggs; Mavis Burns; Samantha Aldridge; Tom Wybrew; Blake Dwyer; Chelsea Kokshorn; Keiren McLaren; Samara Baunach; Nicholas Smits; Dean Timbs; Jacob Langguth; Will Desmond; Ryan Thornton; Billie-jo Thompson; Joe Hallam; Daniel Harbulot; Daniel Fraser-Jorgenson; Jake Taylor; Steven Mitchell; Sophie Phelan; Jamie Crighton; Jessica Grogan; Andrew Grimmond and Lisa Ridgley

After meeting up with Doug and the group heading over to Kokoda by air, I returned to the airport terminal area only to find they had already left and were on their way out of town.

We had to leave two vehicles behind to play catch up as their guide and other porters were still to arrive in Port Moresby on the flight that Doug's group flew out on.

When I arrived at McDonald's Corner I was again informed that they had not long left and so we played catch up again. The road was very slippery but we got them safely to Owers' Corner.

Not long after I arrived back at my home I received a sat phone call from Clive Jinga their guide saying they were in trouble. I asked what kind of trouble thinking only the worst...he replied they have no tents. Please get someone to run up 14 tents!

Well folks we are not talking about five minutes down the road! We are talking a winding road up to Sogeri which is commonly called 'snake road'. When we hit the Sogeri Monument area, it was four wheel driving today.

I heard around 10pm Russell and some boys had met up and handed over the much needed tents as it was already raining so hopefully they will sleep soundly tonight.

Trek 516 Kokoda Challenge - Kokoda Kids Village Experience- Trek Compl

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:38:14 +0000

This afternoon the KOKODA CHALLENGE - KOKODA KIDS hit town along with Doug Henderson and a huge group of over 40. As planned Doug and the others in the group listed below were on a flight to Kokoda shortly after arriving in Port Moresby. They include:

Doug Henderson
James Moreland
Luke Stanley
Tomas Perzelt
Nathan Sutton
James Quinn
Michael Pivi
Melissa Mohammed
Gabby Winsor
Joy Staff
Carissa Ibbott
Adrian Wilks

At the present time they should be resting at our camp in Kokoda.

Virgin Blue Joins Forces With Airlines Png

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:33:05 +0000

News and Press Release Virgin Blue with Airlines PNG:

MONDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2008: Virgin Blue�s international airline Pacific Blue (Aust) and Airlines PNG have today jointly announced that they have entered into Heads of Agreement^ that will lead to the commencement of code-share services between Port Moresby and Brisbane from November this year.

Virgin Blue will operate four return flights a week to PNG - a total of 720 seats - using Pacific Blue�s modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 jet aircraft.

To celebrate the announcement Virgin Blue has launched a special SALE FARE of AU$249.00* one way on the net (inclusive of taxes fees and charges).

The $249* fares are for travel from 3 November 2008 until 6 December, 2008 and are on sale for 72 hours only (or until sold out). Everyday lead-in fares start from AU$289 one way between Brisbane and PNG.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, �We strive to make as many global destinations available to our Guests as possible whether by opening up new routes of our own or through strategic arrangements with quality airlines and we look forward to adding PNG to our expanding network.�

Papua New Guinea�s Minister for Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Charles Abel MP, applauded the new code-share partnership, �The Government welcomes the joint decision by both Virgin Blue and our own Airlines PNG to enter into this joint partnership agreement to provide airlines services both on the international and domestic sectors.

�My Ministry and the Tourism Promotion Authority of Papua New Guinea have worked hard in bringing genuine and independent competition to our airline sector to address one of the identified weaknesses in Tourism infrastructure and in the country generally.�

Airlines PNG�s Chairman, Simon Wild, said, �This capacity sharing arrangement with Pacific Blue will allow us to further expand our international services and will ensure that travellers to and from PNG benefit from greatly increased competition.�

Airlines PNG�s Chief Executive Officer, John Fitzgerald, added, �When we first started flying between PNG and Australia, we provided real competition that significantly reduced the cost of air travel between our neighbouring countries. This agreement with Virgin Blue will introduce another strong carrier onto the route between Port Moresby and Brisbane and will heighten competition considerably because of the increase in available seat capacity.�

http://www.virginblue.com.au/AboutUs/Media...es/P_005518.htm

or

CLICK HERE to read more or to book a seat:

Trek 434 - Guide Tarina Bore - Trek Completed

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 01:14:50 +0000

This morning we said goodbye to our latest group of trekkers who headed out to Kokoda on Tropic Air's Cessna Caravan. They included:

Luis Coronado (our very first Mexican trekker); Charles Dunn Sam Durland

Trek 519 - Guide Johnsford Eroro - Trek Completed

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:55:04 +0000

A group of Irish trekkers (who now call Australia home) headed out to Kokoda this morning to walk the Kokoda Track. A bit of bad luck followed their arrival as Katrina's bag did not turn up on the flight so at the last minute she was out trying to purchase a few things locally to make do.

Fortunately for Katrina, she has the same shoe size as myself so I was able to loan her a pair of Scarpa boots and thick socks. She managed to buy some clothes; we provided her with a backpack and off she went looking a little more relaxed then I can imagine she would have been upon learning her bag had not arrived from Australia.

As we have another flight heading over to Kokoda tomorrow morning, we will have someone walk it up to her. I can only think how her face will look when she sights her bag as Air Niugini have just phoned to say they have it here in Port Moresby waiting some someone from our office to call to collect.

Trekkers in this group include:

Anthony Tormey
Katrina Charlesworth
Eamon Doohan
Peter McGrath

Trek 504 - Guide David Clark Embo-Trek Completed

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:42:46 +0000

A group from Cairns headed out on the track today which included a father and son combination. Lachlan Pocock, 15 years of age accompanied his father Craig and other friends, Christopher Long; Carl Luppi and Matthew Starr on their adventure of walking the Kokoda Track.

This morning they had an early start as they had to be collected from the Airway's Hotel for our chartered Tropic Air flight into Kokoda which was down for a 7:30am departure. As it turned out, it took off around 7:50am.

Today they will have an easy day just looking around the Kokoda Station, getting to know their porters and hanging out in Kokoda at our camp. Tomorrow morning they will be up early for their first days walk up to Isurava Village where they will overnight.

Trek 464 - Guide Chrisley Boropi - Trek Completed

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:52:57 +0000

Trek 464 got underway as planned on the 26th August but unfortunately due to all the work attached to getting the Kokoda Challenge Race underway, my staff did not create anything on this trek and being busy myself it went un-noticed. My sincere aplogies to both Billo and Walter but I will try and make up for it now.

This trek included two guys all the way from America, namely Billo (Michael) Comola and Walter Davis.

Trek 433 - Guide John Derick Eroro - Trek Completed

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:34:58 +0000

On the 2nd September we met up once again with Mark Nicholas who has come to walk again along with his son Michael Nicholas. Some other friends accompanied them on the track including Simon Southern who wanted to drive up to Kwila to check out where he grew up. A couple of others guys joined this trek making 7 in total. They are made up as follows:

Jason Gregory
Simon Southern
Les Godwin
Joel Little
Michael Nicholas
Mark Nicholas
David Day

Kokoda Challenge 2008 Race - Completed

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:09:42 +0000

The Kokoda Challenge race for 2008 got underway at Owers' Corner today at 7am. Competitors are made up as follows:

1. Brendan Buka - originally from Goroka who now calls Kokoda home - sponsored by KTL - trek champion in both directions - can he do it again? Time 17:49 set in August 2006
2. Wayne Urina - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - 2nd fastest man on the track - Time 18:51
3. Tom Hango - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - 4th fastest man on the track - Time 19:09
4. Horace Yauga - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - 5th fastest man on the track - Time 20:39
5. Jennen Barai - Kokoda - KTL Sponsored
6. Lancelot Geroia - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - Time 22:21
7. Luana Nagas - Kokoa - KTL sponsored - Time 20:27
8. Cyprian Aire - Kokoda - sponsored by Rohan George - Time 20:32
9. Cliff Taimbari - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - Time 20:36
10. Slimmy Sairo - Sairope - sponsored by KTL - Time 21:44
11. Siron Overari - Sairope - sponsored by KTL - Time 22:16
12. Andrew Yauga - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL - Time 25:10
13. Cancellation - not competing
14. Lawrance Umbu - Kokoda - KTL sponsored - Time 29:13
15. Lulu Pehara - Kumusi - sponsored by KTL - 1st woman home - Time 30:29 - 9th overall
16. Cyprian Haera - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
17. Mathias Geroia - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
18. Chris Orimba - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
19. Emmanuel Awai Konehe - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
20. Andrew Mukawa - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
21. Christopher Lahai - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
22. Charles Mambia - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
23. Bill Harike - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
24. Oswald Isoro - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
25. Hohone Kovowa - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
26. Wilson Sevesi - Kokoda - sponsored by KTL
27. Guyford Suma - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
28. Jessie Aire - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
29. Ben Arvo - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
30. Marshel Havu - KTL sponsored
31. John Korove - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
32. Sam Koga Dama - Kokoda - KTL sponsored
33. Grant Jephcott - Australian - living in Goroka - self sponsored
34. Nick Watson - Australian living in Goroka - self sponsored
35. James Gurimi - Goroka living in Port Moresby - PNG marathon runner
36. Swans Pinampio - PNG marathon runner - sponsored by Theodist
37. Geoff Honey - Australian
38. Larry Lawson - Australian
39. Michael Le Roux - Australian - Time 23:37
40. Don Wallace - Australian - (Team winner Nike Hammer KOKODA CHALLENGE Gold Coast July'08)
41. Peter Hall - Australian - (Team winner Nike Hammer KOKODA CHALLENGE Gold Coast July'08)
42. Simon Pehara - Kokoda - sponsor Nicolas Scharm
43. Gerry Gipine - Kokoda - PNG Trekking sponsored
44. John Periawa - Kokoda - PNG Trekking sponsored
45. Thimeas Kagena - Self sponsored
46. Nesta Gipine - PNG Trekking sponsor
47. Gibson Kemori - Kagi - sponsored by No Roads Expeditions
48. Javith Lola - sponsored by No Roads Expeditions
49. Liesi Sega - sponsored by Kokoda Spirit
50. Jeffrey Boropi - Kokoda - sponsored by Kevin Mann
51. Augustine Waine - Goroka - sponsored by OXFAM
52. Ellen Joe - Gorokoa - sponsored by OXFAM
53. Joey Duhube - sponsored by Kokoda Spirit
54. Danny Melai - sponsored by (GMS) Niugini Adventure Tours)
55. Monty Gewa - sponsored by (GMS) Niugini Adventure Tours)
56. Kelly Amos - sponsored by Fuzzy Wuzzy Expeditions
57. Justin - Eora Block - KTL sponsored

Photographs:

Aussie competitors Don Wallace and Peter Hall as seen here at Bomana War Cemetery today 29th August. Tomorrow they will have to be ready for a 4am pick up from the Gateway Hotel for the drive up to Owers' Corner along with the two No Road Expedition guys. All other competitors are already at Owers' Corner where they enjoyed a meal and a sleep over before the big race!

Trek 447 - Walk For Kokoda Primary School-Trek Completed

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:24:58 +0000

Trek 447 commenced around 7am this morning when we collected trekkers from the Gateway Hotel. The trek was initiated by Jane Boswell, Tracy Tobin and Judith Simpson to walk and at the same time raise money to purchase a tank and various other items for the Kokoda Primary School. Each trekker had to raise the sum of $500.00. Before they left we took them shopping and they purchased several sports items for the school such as cricket bat set; volleyball net and balls; touch footy ball and so on.

They would like to thank the following people for their contribution: Quote message received from Jane Boswell on the day before their arrival in PNG.

Trek 447 would like to thank all of the people who are involved with raising this money. And a big 'thank you' to Gail from Kokoda Trekking for the help in organizing this mamoth job, she has also donated her plumber to install the tanks & charter over the equipment to the school.

Sponsors are Prime Plants; Tuckets Tyre Power; Peter Fraser; Erin Cronin; Tim Scarpella; Joy & Graeme Logan; supporters of seaford football club; Reece Plumbing; Vicky Armistead; Deanna Fever; Andrew & Teena Hubbard; Cam & Mands MacPherson; Patrick Bathe; Craig & Bronwyn Groat; NSW Teachers; Graham Mackay; Brett McDonald; Mike Loi; Mark & Emma Rutledge; Judith Bramley; Jim Politis; Ian & Pat Simmons; Missy Tearle; Anna Kutalyov; Chris & Kazzy Hegarty; Nathan Halstead; Strand Cellars; Rob & Jo Mikleus; Matt Magraith; Sharon Hunt; Paul Hebblewhite; Graham Nelson; Andrew MacDonald; Bona Kim; Sergio Orlando; Katey Kalisz; Tony Bloody & Family; Nibbs Family; Little Em; Milan Zikic; Rob Bozic; Norm Theodorlis; Ajay Chouhan; Tom Greiz; Dave Hale; Matt Moon; Simon & Lucy Alderson; Lou BUB Galevski; Jonathan Moon Harris; The Barker Family; Fay & Rex Sare; Val & George Blundell; Paul Evans; Lee Clark; Adam Martin; Les Thorpe; F1 & Minxy; Helen Garrett; Rotary Club of Belvoir Wodonga; Coyle Family; Mylon Family; Wodonga Paint Centre; Wodonga Army; Defense Housing Australia; Kennedy's Meats

Trekkers who are walking are made up as follows:

Jane Boswell; Tracy Tobin; Judith Simpson; Heather Andrews; Tracey Williams; Renee Schevenhoven; Adele Winslow; Pete Blundell

Trek 431 B - Guide Chrisley Boropi - Trek Completed

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:54:52 +0000

The majority of these trekkers flew over to Kokoda on the second flight yesterday and walked into our camp now known as OroHaven Kokoda Treat' where they were traditionally welcomed by colourful sing sing dancers beating kundu drums.

Trekkers in this group include:

Ian and Rhonda Lynch; Margaret George; Samuel Coughlin; Patrick Coughlin; Jim Leach; Wendy Stewart; Rob Mitchell; Dan McGlade and Shrikkanth Rangarajan

Trek 231 A - The Colston Group-Trek Completed

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:04:34 +0000

Trekkers left Port Moresby yesterday for Kokoda all looking excited. When they arrived in Kokoda they were met by their guide and later walked to our camp now known as 'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat' which is situated a short walk from the airport.

Trekkers who make up 431 A - Private Trek Colston Group are listed as follows:

Keith Colston
Graeme Ingram
Michael Colston
Mark McNamara
Les Hodges
Christine Hodges
Belinda Rampal
Shaun Rampal
Graeme Holmes
Wayne Morphett

Photographs:

Trekkers arriving at our camp in Kokoda 18th August

'special' - Private Trek - Booked By Kfl - Trek 459

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:40:59 +0000

Today saw us say goodbye to another company sub-contracting through us. 13 trekkers, 3 Australian Guides from KFL along with Kokoda Trekking staff of 13 Personal Porters and 12 Food Porters commenced their walk in Kokoda today.

This trek is unique as I personally hand selected all staff to accompany the group based on trekker feedback for the past couple of months due to client feedback. They include:

Rod Ori and his assistant is Andrew Yauga. Other staff include:

Personal Porters:

Lulu Pehara (female competitor in our Kokoa Challenge Race); Ramsay Idau; Eric Orosamuo; Alex - Sairope; Fabian Mabia; Patrick Gorosi; Paul Sasa; Alex Harika; Luana Nagas (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race); Jerry Imaita; Frank Taimbari; Jimmy Barai and Slimmy Sairo

Food Porters:

Hohone Kovowa; Chris Orimba; Jenen Barai (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race); Daniel Periawa; Duggie Eroro (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race); Harry; Hobert Keke; Horace Yauga (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race); Justin Egimbari; Sioni Pehara (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race); Tommy Bareo; Wayne Urina (competitor Kokoda Challenge Race).

"Building A Winning Team" - Guide Dudley-Trek Completed

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:21:01 +0000

We met the 'Building a Winning Team' when they arrived yesterday from their Cairns flight and took them to the Airlines of PNG charter area to book in for their flight to Kokoda. They looked fit and READY TO GO!!! Their guide Dudley and porters met them when they arrived in Kokoda and not long after they commenced their walk.

Trekkers include:

Damian Cayzer
John Nagle
Calum J. McCallum
Geoff Allen
Peter Callan
Andrew Waring
David Justin McDonald
Richard Rogerson

Photographs:

Stand by for photographs as I am presently waiting on my camera to come back in from Kokoda that accompanied the three groups that headed out yesterday.

'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat'

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:25:49 +0000

Hi everyone, we would like to introduce our new name and accommodation area in Kokoda. After several months of construction, our guesthouse accommodation is at a stage where we have to give it a name and a whole new stand alone website of its own. Once the website is up and running, it will have its own online booking system. To secure a booking, payments will have to be made online or through our bank account as no cash will be accepted in Kokoda by staff.

The name we have chosen is:

'OroHaven' Kokoda Retreat'

www.orohaven.com

How we came up with this name is the fact that it is situated in the Oro Province of Papua New Guinea and the word Oro means 'WELCOME' in their language.

The word 'Haven' was tucked on due to the fact that if you have been on the Kokoda Track for days on end, arriving at 'OroHaven Kokoda Retreat' and being able to wash your clothes in an automatic washing machine; enjoy a hot outdoor shower; electricity in your hut to recharge your camera batteries; not have to make a dash to the airport from somewhere on the track; a refrigerator to store your drinks; a huge amount of space to spread out and so on - it is hoped you will then think of our accommodation as a 'trekkers haven'.

As times goes by we will continue to add other amenities; restaurant; bungalows; luxury huts and before too long we will have a retreat!

Trek 430b - Guide Harold Hauro - Trek Completed

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:59:44 +0000

Last night we welcomed back for a second time Ray Wallace along with some of his friends and relatives to walk the track and enjoy the experience with our KTL staff. When Ray met up with some of our staff last night their was genuine warmth between them. All others looked well prepared and excited to be part of the adventure of walking the Kokoda Track. Trekkers include:

Ray Wallace
Len Wallace
Petina Wallace
Dean O'Brien
Kay Cafarella
Robert Dowd
Mark Urquhart
Greg Morley
Shandelle Ross

Photograph:

Group photographs just before they left the Gateway Hotel and headed towards Owers' Corner. The group opted not to stop at Bomana War Cemetery and to do this when they came back into Port Moresby after walking the track

Trek 430a - Guide Tarina Bore - Trek Completed

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:25:24 +0000

This morning trek 430A got underway from Owers' Corner to Kokoda. Kristy was picked up from the Gateway Hotel and all the others were picked up from the Airways Hotel around 7am this morning. Trekkers in this group are made up as follows:

Kristy Simshauser; Greg Brick; Jannine Stewart; Rebecca Nibaldi; Kate Stevenson; Rebecca Sharp and Mark Brown

With the exception of Kristy who has been here for a couple of days diving, the others arrived late off a flight yesterday and made fun that booking out of their hotel today made them late again due to how long it took just like the previous night when they were late for the briefing. I guess you could say they are now familiar with PNG time.

We have heard from the track that they did well today and reached Ua'Ule Creek campsite where they plan on spending the night.

Photographs taken today at Owers' Corner:

Pic 1: Kristy on the far right just before our truck departed from the Gateway Hotel
Pic 2: Trekkers at McDonald's Corner
Pic 3: Owers' Corner
Pic 4: Sogeri Monument Area
Pic 5: McDonald's Corner

Trek 463 - Guide Rod Ori - Trek Completed

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:59:10 +0000

Back in January this year I can recall hearing about this group of trekkers heading out on the Kokoda Track. We were asked lots of questions - answered heaps and two of our guides Rod Ori and Wallace Lemeki along with my son Nathan met up with this group of trekkers. Not long after they booked with us and last night arrived in Port Moresby on a rather late flight arriving around 7pm.

Trekkers in this group include:

Darryl, Craig, Aaron & Brett Jorgensen; Neil, Doublas & John McKenna; Richard Williams; Zachary and Christian Simpkins an Benjamin West.

This morning we picked up trekkers from the Gateway Hotel approximately 8:00am and not long after were at Bomana War Cemetery where we stopped for about an hour for them to have a look around.

For other photographs taken today, please click on the following link:

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/photos/showgallery.php?cat=840

OR CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN DIRECTLY TO THE LINK. Sorry you will have to search for your loved ones as there was two groups at Owers' Corner but I am sure you will all know the photographs that relate to Trek 463:

Trek 472 - Guide Arnold Jinga - Trek Completed

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 04:49:46 +0000

Last night we met up with this group of trekkers quite late at the Gateway Hotel due to Air Niugini arriving around 7pm. About 9pm saw us sitting around poolside letting them know we decided to give them a late start so this morning we headed out around 8:30am.

On the way we stopped at Bomana War Cemetery where the photograph below was taken. Trekkers include:

John Wallis; Andrew Kelly; Matthew Kelly; Torsten Chudziak; Rodney Morrison; John Brennan; Edwina Austin; Maureen Price and Victor Anderson