Kokoda 2006
Thursday April 27 - Day 3
Special day - Isurava Memorial. Aiden adds so much to the "Kokoda Experience" through his knowledge of the campaign, understanding of the people, and confidence in the terrain. He shared what happened to Butch and Stan Bisset, Bruce Kingsbury (VC) and others. Very emotional when Julian and Vid raised the flags.
Special day - beginning of the mud. So many types of mud - thick mud that sticks to the boots, sloppy mud that oozes around your boot, muddy water that seeps thru. And plenty of up and down using tree roots as steps and limbs as hand holds.
Washed at the river below the camp site. Tents for the first time. Shared Jeans Deb for dinner as we tried to dry socks.
Friday April 28 - Day 4
Big climb to start the day with Jean and Neil. Talked about British history for most of the morning. Day was just walk, talk, walk, talk and very relaxing and comfortable with Neil and Jean. Beautiful forests, plants, trees and views, and another big uphill and then gentle down to Camp 1900. Arrived before dark for a wash in a very cold stream. Cous Cous with Salmon dinner was excellent. Tried drying the socks again to no avail. Tents for the night with a little rain.
Saturday April 29 - Day 5
7:00 start with Real Estate guys and Country Boys going to Efogi via Myola. Microsoft team heading straight to Efogi with the Yogi Bear song resounding through the group. Excellent view of Efogi on the way and watched a plane land. Fixed up Kathleens feet where the cows grazed and ate Yams and bananas and cokes before meeting a 100 year old fuzzy wuzzy angel. Big downhill and the beginning of "Whoa hey" from Neil.
Creek crossing then big uphill in the rain. Absolutely beautiful climb to Efogi 1 with cascading streams and everyone helping each other in the climb. At Efogi 1 Andrea handed out lollies to local children so excited by the moment. Phil blasted ahead feeling strong to Efogi 2, camp for the night, passing a group of about 100 going the other way. Andrea feel in one of the creeks on the way. Pouring with rain but washed in the local creek and returned to the village to find everyone else had arrived and we had a nice private hut for the night provided by Morgan.
Red wine with dinner.