AFF Kokoda Trek [3 - 17 September]

[tuapekastar]

So did it end up being just swanning it and his +1?

Unsure but I think there were a few others...no doubt all will be revealed in time.

 

[penegal]

So did it end up being just swanning it and his +1?

swanning_it organised a group with a number of non-AFF types who were very interested. I think there would have been about 8-10 pax on their group.

Whilst I would really have liked to be there, my work schedule has been particularly intense, so I can understand why my leave was denied. I'm struggling to keep up as it is.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So by the lack of recent comments, does this mean they are currently on the trek?

I would guess so...hope things are going well, and disappointed I could not make it.

swanning_it organised a group with a number of non-AFF types who were very interested. I think there would have been about 8-10 pax on their group.

Whilst I would really have liked to be there, my work schedule has been particularly intense, so I can understand why my leave was denied. I'm struggling to keep up as it is.

Well, Back in CNS today! All survived (just) and we had the most remarkable couple of weeks we've ever had in our lives. It was truly a wonderful experience (leaving out the near death moments) and despite me getting to know numerous new expletives ... every 30 seconds or so, it really was an adventure without parallel for us. There were 8 trekkers in all plus 18 porters including the track lead (260 treks under his belt), the track master (99 treks under his belt) and a variety of other Buna Boys with between 0 and 64 treks each! We even had a guitar man and pan piper that were absolutely invaluable in lifting the spirits when all seemed lost (which for me, was basically constantly). When people tell you Kokoda is easy, they lie. When they tell you it is tough, they're downplaying it. When they say it's the closest you'll come to death whilst still breathing ... they are getting warmer!

I will say, the defib was not required, nor was the sat phone, nor was my carefully formulated medievac plan ... however I've just returned from my favourite Japanese masseuse here in Cairns, which was very much needed! The icing on the cake was Goroka Show. What an absolute extravaganza! So amazing that something like that can still be played out in this day and age. We simply loved it and would go back for more tomorrow (sadly, tomorrow is needed for recovery before work again on Tuesday).

I'll start a trip report tomorrow (whilst convalescing), with heaps of pics of the trip.

 

[JessicaTam]

Glad to hear you are back safe and sound - well , mostly.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

For anyone that has not noticed, I've started a trip report on the adventure here