The Kokoda Trip - 9 (Isurava)
Day 7 continued...
We left Isurava and headed downhill to Isurava Village which was quite close but seemed an eternity away. We got down there, walked through and headed towards Hoi. Just out of Hoi we went for a swim in one of the rivers, a waterfall area, wow gee that was refreshing. Very very refreshing and well needed; because the sweat was just pouring out of me.
From Hoi we walked into Kokoda and walked under the archways. Im now laying in a bed in a hut with the light on and a mozzie net with a double bed, very comfortable mattress, power points. I had a shower with hot water earlier; that was awesome. Im at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
On the way here I stopped at the shop and I bought the boys a dozen beers and I bought myself 4 Cokes, because I am still not drinking; I'll change that in a couple of days. My first drink is going to be a Stanton and Killeen from Rutherglen: Durif; which is quite a full bodied red wine, kind of like a Cab Sav but bigger and bolder. Im going to have that and when Im finished that bottle (I'll share that with the lovely wife); Ive also got a bottle of Morris from Rutherglen, Rare Rutherglen Muscat. Which is quite expensive, and thats what Im going to toast to this trek, as that is one of my favourite drinks.
Foot care
I can report that I received no blisters - so I think my foot management has been pretty good. I took a brand new roll of Elastoplast; a big one in case I had to strap an ankle or something. I noticed very early on I was getting a hot spot on the big toe (hot spot is a precursor to a blister) where it was rubbing on the sock and shoe, so everyday I taped up the big toe. Also I noticed the pads under the toes were becoming a bit tender, so I taped them up too. Before the sock went on; I'd cover the whole underfoot with Petroleum Jelly and I did get a 400 gram tub, so I covered the feet well. The Vaseline kept a bit of the water off the feet for what it was worth and prevented some of the rubbing. Once we got to where we were going, like the huts etc; off come the shoes and socks and off came the wet Elastoplast. Once the feet were dry I would put on the powder; it would also help with getting off the leftover Elastoplast.
I took some photos of my feet on day 5 and day 7; they look pretty fugley; but they quickly came back to normal once they were out of the water. Oh make sure before you come that your toenails are as short as you can cut them.
Where we are staying in China, after this I fly back to Melbourne and staying at the Park Royal, excuse me, that will be flash after staying in the jungle. Stay at the Park Royal, meet with the family, back on a plane to Singapore, then Singapore to Beijing. In Beijing we are staying at a pretty flash joint and the place has apart from a 10 Pin Bowling Alley and Indoor Pool... a Cigar Bar. So Im hoping to take a couple of drinks there and smoke a couple of stogies... and sort of cheers this place.
So the boys had their beers and we exchanged names and addresses. I told them that I hoped to come back in 2013; hopefully bring the eldest boy; and do the track again after he's finished all his exams. Hows that for a schoolies?
I left my money basically at the other end of the track with my passport and stuff. I only brought one hundred Kina with me; which in hindsight is a bugga. I shouted the beers and I gave away half of my stuff as presents because I didn't have any money on me (to offer as a gift). For Nico I gave him my mattress and a tech towel; the quick dry ones.
For Jeffrey I gave him my ultra light sleeping bag (which is over AUD$100 back home); its a zero degree one too so it will keep him nice and warm up in the cold areas which are near here; near Kokoda. For Janen I gave him my daypack that I was carrying which was brand new before I came here, and I asked if he would wear it during the Kokoda Challenge. Also inside the daypack was a 3 litre bladder and some left over Powerade. A military compass that I've had for a few years and thats it. For Kingsley the tour guide; I organised a pair of Army Camo pants, but they are at the other end. (Kingsley also got my Merrel brand runners).
So it was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to the boys, I've been hanging out with them for a week! And they have been the most professional bunch of guys, you could also laugh and joke with them; tells stories. Every time I fell over Janen was either there to help me up or make sure I was OK. I forgot how many times he was telling me where and not where to step and what rocks to avoid; what rock part not to avoid. At one stage of a river crossing I had one pulling and one pushing me across the river because of the strong current; because I wasn't moving anywhere.
I spoke to Gail earlier and she told me that everyone could track me via the GPS so that worked well. She has told my wife that I am safe and well at Kokoda - so thats good.
In reflection it has been a great 7 days; certainly been a challenge. I look back on some of the hills and it was one foot after the other - the Zombie Walk. Although the boys think that Im reasonably fit, so thats good. Yesterday was a 12 hour day, in the jungle and the hills and that was a killer.
Bruce Kingsbury
Another highlight was visiting Bruce Kingsbury where he earned his VC. Just to walk in that area was phenomenal. To visit him in Bomana War Cemetery and then to visit the spot where he received his VC; and where he died against that big rock... was like WOW factor. Hairs stand up on the back of your neck. I did see some similar things in the Somme and Pozieres two years ago (SGT McKee comes to mind) and it's just incredible. What a place - what a hike. As I lay on the bed I feel Im pretty lucky to be Australian and also very proud. Im also keen to catch up with my family.
Day 7 concluded
*Brendan Buka is the record holder for the Kokoda Challenge, a race from Ower's Corner to Kokoda - the record is 16.5 hours - start to finish.
Day 8 - Orohaven
Oro means welcome in PNG.
It is a great relief not to have to get up and put your wet clothes on; wet boots on; tape your feet up, put all your gear on and go for a walk. Knowing that there is 7 or 8 hours of walking in front of you. It's a sense of accomplishment too that I've done it so Im happy with that.
A point to remember; if you give away your gear; make sure your bed has a blanket on it - because I froze last night... all I had was a beach towel. (I didn't organise the bedding before I retired for the night - duh).
Today was just a sleep in, kick back day and to be honest I did bugger all.
I went down with Kingsley to the small Kokoda War Museum; had a look at some machine gun artefacts; wall panels with some display information on them and some other bits and pieces. I saw the parade ground area where they must hold ANZAC Day. There was some other plaques and things to read... and that was really it for the day.
I went down to the creek and sat there for about an hour. The mountain water was cold and it was good for the legs. Just to immerse them in cold water.
Mary-Anne the worker here cooked me a nice chicken curry - Papua New Guinea style. That was nice I've never had something like that before.
Then I got an early one, Kingsley and Wallace* told me that we were getting up at 2AM. I had to be up at 0130; because all the bridges are out from Kokoda to Popondetta; which is where Im flying out of and we have to leave early. But to get there is 100km away... and we have to catch a bus, so I have to be up early. So good night.
*Wallace was supposed to by my tour guide on the track but he cut himself badly with a machete prior to the trek; so Kingsley replaced him. Wallace was managing the resort instead.
Day 9 - Travel Day
Got up early; set the alarm for 0140, kept looking at the alarm clock. Had all my stuff together the pr
We left Isurava and headed downhill to Isurava Village which was quite close but seemed an eternity away. We got down there, walked through and headed towards Hoi. Just out of Hoi we went for a swim in one of the rivers, a waterfall area, wow gee that was refreshing. Very very refreshing and well needed; because the sweat was just pouring out of me.
From Hoi we walked into Kokoda and walked under the archways. Im now laying in a bed in a hut with the light on and a mozzie net with a double bed, very comfortable mattress, power points. I had a shower with hot water earlier; that was awesome. Im at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.
On the way here I stopped at the shop and I bought the boys a dozen beers and I bought myself 4 Cokes, because I am still not drinking; I'll change that in a couple of days. My first drink is going to be a Stanton and Killeen from Rutherglen: Durif; which is quite a full bodied red wine, kind of like a Cab Sav but bigger and bolder. Im going to have that and when Im finished that bottle (I'll share that with the lovely wife); Ive also got a bottle of Morris from Rutherglen, Rare Rutherglen Muscat. Which is quite expensive, and thats what Im going to toast to this trek, as that is one of my favourite drinks.
Foot care
I can report that I received no blisters - so I think my foot management has been pretty good. I took a brand new roll of Elastoplast; a big one in case I had to strap an ankle or something. I noticed very early on I was getting a hot spot on the big toe (hot spot is a precursor to a blister) where it was rubbing on the sock and shoe, so everyday I taped up the big toe. Also I noticed the pads under the toes were becoming a bit tender, so I taped them up too. Before the sock went on; I'd cover the whole underfoot with Petroleum Jelly and I did get a 400 gram tub, so I covered the feet well. The Vaseline kept a bit of the water off the feet for what it was worth and prevented some of the rubbing. Once we got to where we were going, like the huts etc; off come the shoes and socks and off came the wet Elastoplast. Once the feet were dry I would put on the powder; it would also help with getting off the leftover Elastoplast.
I took some photos of my feet on day 5 and day 7; they look pretty fugley; but they quickly came back to normal once they were out of the water. Oh make sure before you come that your toenails are as short as you can cut them.
Where we are staying in China, after this I fly back to Melbourne and staying at the Park Royal, excuse me, that will be flash after staying in the jungle. Stay at the Park Royal, meet with the family, back on a plane to Singapore, then Singapore to Beijing. In Beijing we are staying at a pretty flash joint and the place has apart from a 10 Pin Bowling Alley and Indoor Pool... a Cigar Bar. So Im hoping to take a couple of drinks there and smoke a couple of stogies... and sort of cheers this place.
So the boys had their beers and we exchanged names and addresses. I told them that I hoped to come back in 2013; hopefully bring the eldest boy; and do the track again after he's finished all his exams. Hows that for a schoolies?
I left my money basically at the other end of the track with my passport and stuff. I only brought one hundred Kina with me; which in hindsight is a bugga. I shouted the beers and I gave away half of my stuff as presents because I didn't have any money on me (to offer as a gift). For Nico I gave him my mattress and a tech towel; the quick dry ones.
For Jeffrey I gave him my ultra light sleeping bag (which is over AUD$100 back home); its a zero degree one too so it will keep him nice and warm up in the cold areas which are near here; near Kokoda. For Janen I gave him my daypack that I was carrying which was brand new before I came here, and I asked if he would wear it during the Kokoda Challenge. Also inside the daypack was a 3 litre bladder and some left over Powerade. A military compass that I've had for a few years and thats it. For Kingsley the tour guide; I organised a pair of Army Camo pants, but they are at the other end. (Kingsley also got my Merrel brand runners).
So it was with a heavy heart that I said goodbye to the boys, I've been hanging out with them for a week! And they have been the most professional bunch of guys, you could also laugh and joke with them; tells stories. Every time I fell over Janen was either there to help me up or make sure I was OK. I forgot how many times he was telling me where and not where to step and what rocks to avoid; what rock part not to avoid. At one stage of a river crossing I had one pulling and one pushing me across the river because of the strong current; because I wasn't moving anywhere.
I spoke to Gail earlier and she told me that everyone could track me via the GPS so that worked well. She has told my wife that I am safe and well at Kokoda - so thats good.
In reflection it has been a great 7 days; certainly been a challenge. I look back on some of the hills and it was one foot after the other - the Zombie Walk. Although the boys think that Im reasonably fit, so thats good. Yesterday was a 12 hour day, in the jungle and the hills and that was a killer.
Bruce Kingsbury
Another highlight was visiting Bruce Kingsbury where he earned his VC. Just to walk in that area was phenomenal. To visit him in Bomana War Cemetery and then to visit the spot where he received his VC; and where he died against that big rock... was like WOW factor. Hairs stand up on the back of your neck. I did see some similar things in the Somme and Pozieres two years ago (SGT McKee comes to mind) and it's just incredible. What a place - what a hike. As I lay on the bed I feel Im pretty lucky to be Australian and also very proud. Im also keen to catch up with my family.
Day 7 concluded
*Brendan Buka is the record holder for the Kokoda Challenge, a race from Ower's Corner to Kokoda - the record is 16.5 hours - start to finish.
Day 8 - Orohaven
Oro means welcome in PNG.
It is a great relief not to have to get up and put your wet clothes on; wet boots on; tape your feet up, put all your gear on and go for a walk. Knowing that there is 7 or 8 hours of walking in front of you. It's a sense of accomplishment too that I've done it so Im happy with that.
A point to remember; if you give away your gear; make sure your bed has a blanket on it - because I froze last night... all I had was a beach towel. (I didn't organise the bedding before I retired for the night - duh).
Today was just a sleep in, kick back day and to be honest I did bugger all.
I went down with Kingsley to the small Kokoda War Museum; had a look at some machine gun artefacts; wall panels with some display information on them and some other bits and pieces. I saw the parade ground area where they must hold ANZAC Day. There was some other plaques and things to read... and that was really it for the day.
I went down to the creek and sat there for about an hour. The mountain water was cold and it was good for the legs. Just to immerse them in cold water.
Mary-Anne the worker here cooked me a nice chicken curry - Papua New Guinea style. That was nice I've never had something like that before.
Then I got an early one, Kingsley and Wallace* told me that we were getting up at 2AM. I had to be up at 0130; because all the bridges are out from Kokoda to Popondetta; which is where Im flying out of and we have to leave early. But to get there is 100km away... and we have to catch a bus, so I have to be up early. So good night.
*Wallace was supposed to by my tour guide on the track but he cut himself badly with a machete prior to the trek; so Kingsley replaced him. Wallace was managing the resort instead.
Day 9 - Travel Day
Got up early; set the alarm for 0140, kept looking at the alarm clock. Had all my stuff together the pr
