Friday, August 13

Naoro to Ua-Ule Creek via Ofi Creek and Ioribawa Village - we began with a walk up the final false peaks before wandering done to Ofi Creek. The descent to the creek was steep and treacherous and we had to help each other all the way to get there safely. The porters were a great help and not only did they help us down the mountain, they helped us to cross the river safely by standing in the water with a log on their shoulders to give us something to grab on to as we walked over the log bridge!

Some trekkers chose to rest at thr bottom of the mountain in the creek cooling off, others just wanted to continue the trudge up the next hill to get one step closer to camp.

The mountain ahead of us was a big one, filled with false peaks and much frustration making the break at the campsite at the other side of the mountain, (yes not only did we have a long climb up from Ofi Creek, we had a small descent into the next village campsite) more beautiful.

The campsite was where we were stopping for lunch and was perched on the side of the mountain overlooking Imita Ridge, the ridge we would have to conquer tomorrow.

The descent to our actual campsite at Ua-Ule Creek was worth rushing towards, it was on the edge of a beautiful creek, theperfect place for a wash and a swim to relax before dinner.

As a surprise after dinner, Damo and one of the porters (Eric) re-enacted the arrival of white people into PNG, entertaining us all and keeping us laughing. It was the perfect end to our last evening on the trek.

Thursday, August 12, from Natalie Stewart, Debney Park Secondary College

Today was a short and sharp day. It was pretty hot, a lot of the group got sunburnt as there wasn't much canopy overhead.

We climbed seven of the false peaks, we've got two more to go tomorrow. We also had to climb across the Brown River which was very interesting. It was pretty tough to walk across and a couple of the girls fell in, but everyone ended up ok.

My fitness is going well, I'm now carrying my own pack which I couldn't do for the first few days.

We're all working together really well, everyone helps each other up the hills if it gets a bit tough, and there is always someone behind egging you on to go a bit faster, giving you confidence. Now everyone is sitting around the campfire and having a chat and relaxing.

We're also getting to know the porters really well, at the moment they are carving our names onto the sticks that we carry so we can take them home with us.

We've only got a day-and-a-half to go, so we are all very excited about that. The first thing I'm going to do his hug my mum and then have a long sleep!

From Del King, Wednesday, August 11

This was one of our easiest days, so I think everybody really found their groove today. Walking together quite comfortably was uplifting. We arrived at the Aguro Camp at 1pm and it's the first day that I have trekked without wetting my shoes. I'm looking forward to starting the walk tomorrow with dry shoes for once!

We walked to Brigade Hill, which is one of the most sacred sites of the whole Kokoda track. There was a market there where we could get fruit like pineapple and paw, paw, but I think most of the kids were keen to have a can of coke and some Twisties. It was fantastic to have something other than two-minute noodles!

I think we've all realised that it's all about walking with someone who matches you for pace. It is no good going too hard too early, because you just fall away badly.

As soon as we arrived in camp some of the group jumped into the Menari River to have a swim. It's beautiful to be able swim in the cold water when it is so humid and hot. It's also great for those with minor injuries.

We also spent some time talking to local school kids, and now as it gets close to dinner we are baking some bread to eat with the locals in Menari Village. I think it's a Kokoda Program first!

Spirits are really high at the moment, but I think we've got a few hard days ahead. I think we might be easing into it, instead of the opening days of the trek, which were 10-11 hour days.

We've had a couple of incidents in crossing the rivers over the couple of days, it can be difficult crossing the slippery logs, but we've all survived!

From St Bernard’s College student, Andrew Zammit, Tuesday, August 10

I’m going ok physically, a few blisters on the feet, but I’m going pretty good. Today was a shorter day of walking, but it was still very tough. We had a very steep downhill descent which was something we hadn’t done before, so that was different.

We stopped at the Naduri Village, and met with one of the last ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’ who was 104 years old. He spoke about how they used to carry the injured Australian soldiers up and down the track and then sung as a song that they used to sing during those times.

We’ve been able to get to know everyone in the group and especially the porters. Since we arrived in camp we’ve had a rugby match against them in a dirt field nearby. Others have been playing guitar and sitting around having a chat since we stopped for the night.

Everyone has been great in helping each other out with stopping for breaks and food; everyone is really going at their own pace.

I think it's harder than I expected, I think you can talk to people that have done it before, but nothing can really prepare you for the reality.

From Del King, Victoria Police, Monday, August 9

Day four was a short day compared to the last two. Our opening days were really tough, we didn’t get back to camp until after dark on both days, so often we were walking in the dark to camp thinking to ourselves ‘Where the hell are we?’.

It was a great day because for the first time we were able to work at somewhat of a leisurely pace, we had the chance to chat and get to know each other for the first time in the whole trek. The morale was just awesome.

We also reached the highest point of our whole journey at Mount Bellamy. We walked 2190m to the top in sludge but then as we crossed over to the otherside and it was completely dry. It was amazing to see the difference in climate in such a short time.

We were making good ground, so we were able to rest and the kids were out playing hackie sack and kicking the footy around.

We also visited the spot where the American plane (B13) crashed during the war, which had a number of unexploded bombs on board when it crashed. There was a monstrous hole in the ground and this was the first point in the trip where it really hit home and we thought ‘oh my God all this (the war) actually happened’.

Physically, I’m going ok, but I hate going ‘up’ with a passion! I don’t mind going down the hill so much, it’s the going up bit that I hate. You’re just better to only look two steps ahead, because it just keeps going and going.

If I had to describe what it has been like to do the trail I would say it is like the scenery of the Dandenongs, combined with the walking of Mt Macedon and it all takes place in the butterfly house of the Melbourne Zoo!

The Editor

Last night Moonee Valley Weekly was unable to make satellite contact with the Kokoda group. This is due mainly to the mountainous terrain the team are trekking through and at times the dense forest canopy that does not allow for line of sight contact for phone signals to reach a satellite.

This was also one of the toughest planned days of the trek beginning at the camp on Eora Creek and climbing up to the top of Mount Bellamy. This the highest point of the Kokoda Trail is also the crest of the Owen Stanley Ranges and looks sure to offer the group many challenges and rewards. The anticipated itinerary will take them to Diggers Camp at Myola about a six to seven-hour trek. We'll update as soon as we can make contact.

From Sash Herceg, North Melbourne Football Club, Sunday, August 8.

After a hard first day we woke up at 5am and left camp at 6.40. Visited the Isurava memorial and held a small ceremony their (for the fallen). From then on it was a hard slog with only a few brief stops.

We stopped at Iora Creek for lunch and continued on into the afternoon. Then it was two to three more hours of difficult conditions with air very muggy and we have only now (at 6pm) got into camp.

We are still missing about 15 people but the rest of the group is expected in within the next half hour. Despite this, morale is up although yesterday (day one) was a bit of shock for most people.

No bodies feet are yet causing big problems yet, touch wood, but there are a few people with very sore claves and legs. Every one has been terrific and the students are showing real leadership in the difficult circumstances. Everyone is looking forward to a good rest tonight to prepare ourselves for the difficult days to come.

From Steven Plarre, Saturday, August 7

TERRIFIC first day. There were a couple of delayed flights that set a few of the groups back and they are just getting into camp here at Isurava at 7.30pm.

The first half of the day was clear and not too hot, then in the last hour it has just started pouring with rain, so the group are getting the real Kokoda experience which is what they have trained for. And they are all excited about experiencing it as it is now.

It's great to visit local schools and bring some added value to the local communities. They find it very hard to get anything from the government. They have seen some real poverty here - 80% unemployment and that is a new experience for many.

But everyone is going strong with another big day tomorrow.

From Del King, Friday, August 6

Our welcome to PNG was amazing; we were greeted by students from the Dave Cavell school outside the terminal who were doing a traditional dance and sing-sing. After the performance we piled onto buses to head to the gateway hotel.

After dropping our packs in our rooms, we all met poolside where our tour guide Pam gave us more information about what to expect on the track. When the briefing was complete we piled back on to the buses to explore pt moresby. First stop, the Dave Cavell school. Here we were greeted by the same students who as it turns out are not only great entertainers but fantastic hosts with everyone being offered home grown and cooked sweet potato and refreshing coconut drinks that were chilled and served in the shell.

The kids showed us their school and it was a far cry from the schools we know in Moonee Valley. The school had not only a classroom but a computer room too where they can further expand their knowledge of English. After viewing both classrooms the kids showed us their gi-normous vegie patch where they grow sweet potato, corn and tapioca to learn how to make a living from the land. To thank the students for their hospitality, the group provided the school with some new sporting equipment, classroom equipment (pens and rulers) and baseball caps.

The already large smiles on the faces of the children grew wider with appreciation of such simple gifts. We waved goodbye to the happy children to continue our whirlwind tour of Pt Moresby before we ran out of sunlight.

Hopefully after a quick swim and some dinner everyone will get a great night sleep ready the journey ahead. The first 20-minute flight up to Kokoda departs at 6.30. We will explore the kokoda area before beginning our long walk. It will be one of our longest days and we won't make it in to camp before 6pm as the sun is setting.

Everyone is filled with nervous energy and excitement about what they will discover, not only about this diverse country but about themselves and fellow trekkers.

Click here for a PICTURE GALLERY of students and police officers from last year's Kokoda Track experience.