AFF Kokoda Trek [3 - 17 September]

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

So far I have....(dates etc TBC as suitable)

PLATINUM (I'm in subject to all the planets aligning)
swanning_it
swanning_it +1

GOLD (I'm in, pending cold feet, shingles or a better offer)
amaroo
amaroo +1

SILVER (100%.......a definite maybe)
OzEire
bsb
tuapekastar
QF WP
BVT
drron
Cynicor
samH004
netgrom
Simo
Admin

BRONZE (What!!! Are you bloomin' mad?)
Hvr
BAM1748
NZflygirl
mrs.dr.ron
Buzzard
Jessica Tam
Straitman
Fifa

 

[Cynicor]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

What sort of timeframe are we looking at deciding by?

After your long post, I am open to considering it. The personal safety aspects are an interesting POV, but more reassuring. Do you have any approximate idea of cost? (Even just a ballpark 1-5k, 5-10k etc)

I currently, have Japan and Alaska for 1st half 2017 so as late as possible would really be the best time.

Fitness is not a problem, at least.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

What sort of timeframe are we looking at deciding by?

After your long post, I am open to considering it. The personal safety aspects are an interesting POV, but more reassuring. Do you have any approximate idea of cost? (Even just a ballpark 1-5k, 5-10k etc)

I currently, have Japan and Alaska for 1st half 2017 so as late as possible would really be the best time.

Fitness is not a problem, at least.

Costs.......the on line tour group options are around AU$2.5k to AU$3k. I was thinking of a self arranged idea (as I do know some Sherpas as Buzz puts it ) and I'm sure that would drop dramatically. If we get semi-serious, I'll look into it more closely.

Decision time is still some months away, but as a guide I'm already in training (Lisa rudely suggested my excusion this afternoon to Dan Murphies does not constitute training), so we'll probably be going regardless. My dear +1 even mentioned something I didn't know.......next year is apparantly the 75th anniversary of the Kokoda hostilities so a poignant time to do the trek. I'd love to have it coincide with ANZAC day at Bomana, but that's just at the end of the wet season. Perhaps a bit further on into the dry may be better........but it's all on the table for discussion!

 

[QF WP]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Hmm, interested but somewhere between Silver and Bronze (certainly not Copper like penegal)

Hardest thing would be organising a holiday that long by myself (sans wife and kids would be nice though ) and the fact that September 2017 is already booked for a 3 week trip to USA for my 50th with the QF WP clan.

 

[Cynicor]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Thanks swanning.

The cost is fine, just wondered about a rough budget. Alaskan heliskiing for 2 weeks will put a dent in the year's travel budget I feel.

 

[BVT]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Great idea. Am considering it. Although keen, I have severe restrictions as to when I can take that much leave.

Put me down a silvery bronze.

 

[drron]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

A few years ago I would have jumped at this.The passage of time means physically it will be a problem but I could hire one of those sherpas.
April 2017 am having a practice-mountain trekking in Uganda to see the gorillas and mrsdrron is coming.Dont laugh but she is having 3 porters.One to carry the bag and the other 2 for the sedan chair.It is actually an option there.

So I have not discounted the trip=I would be coming by myself though.But couldn't make any decision until April 2017.So more a bronzey,bronzey silver.Though if Joe Hockey and Kevin Rudd could do it..........


PS Tufi would be great-I could do a follow up medical clinic there.Some would probably remember my one in 2014.

 

[samh004]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

To be honest, I'm very interested!

Have you considered perhaps doing a test run with the Kokoda Challenge held on the Gold Coast, before making the trip to do the actual thing?

It would all depend on costs for me and where I am up to with my studying, but at this stage I would say Silver.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Hmm, interested but somewhere between Silver and Bronze (certainly not Copper like penegal)

Now penegal would be the ideal candidate for this excursion into the unknown.....shall I put him down as gold? Also Mr QF WP, for my 50th, I watched the total eclipse of the sun in Cairns (sitting in the Hilton dining room with a delicious flat white....given), but you have the chance to experience the 75th anniversary of the horrific but immeasurably unique fortitude of the brave souls engaged in the Kokoda campaign for your 50th. Now that's something my friend!

Alaskan heliskiing for 2 weeks will put a dent in the year's travel budget I feel.

Bugger it.......I just cancelled Kokoda and I'm joining you for Alaskan heliskiing!

I have severe restrictions as to when I can take that much leave.

Anything can happen......we're flexible with dates!

I have not discounted the trip=I would be coming by myself though.But couldn't make any decision until April 2017.So more a bronzey,bronzey silver.Though if Joe Hockey and Kevin Rudd could do it..........

How 'bout i sweeten the pot with a side trip to Lae in a PMV so all the old guys in camp can say......."hey look, here's the white man in a bus again"! I really want to chat with you one day about your times in PNG. As said, I've been here now for 3 years (on and off) and the more I stay here, the more I love it. PNG obviously has it's problems, but it also has a great deal going for it!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

To be honest, I'm very interested!

Great stuff Sam! There'll be obstacles for all of us, but initial interst is fabulous! We'll commandeer your swimming pool for wild river crossing practice!

 

[netgrom]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Pop me down as a silver! 2017 isn't booked out yet and Kokada is on my to do list, after having done Killi for the Honeymoon this year and Everest Base camp coming up in September + Ironman at the end of the year, the fitness won't be a issue it will be time

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Pop me down as a silver! 2017 isn't booked out yet and Kokada is on my to do list, after having done Killi for the Honeymoon this year and Everest Base camp coming up in September + Ironman at the end of the year, the fitness won't be a issue it will be time

Sounds good to me.......you can carry the rest of us!

 

[straitman]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

I would love to be involved but can not see I would ever be fit enough again for such an adventure.
There are plenty of videos around about it and they are quite scary.
My BIL got malaria when he walked it in the RAAF.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Depending on the date, minimum age requirement and impact on school - we're keen! We are - myself and son (currently) aged 15+ (grade 10)

 

[Simo]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

I am interested just depends on dates

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Depending on the date, minimum age requirement and impact on school - we're keen! We are - myself and son (currently) aged 15+ (grade 10)

Hey, the first upgrade! Congrats, you get a star! Can I say .......... ........gold........

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

I am interested just depends on dates

Added as silver! Perhaps I should start a preferred date bit..........I'n out of my league here. By month, by day, by quarter........how do I do this?????

To the mods.......HELP! How do I do a date poll?

 

[samh004]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Added as silver! Perhaps I should start a preferred date bit..........I'n out of my league here. By month, by day, by quarter........how do I do this?????

To the mods.......HELP! How do I do a date poll?

A second thread with a poll added at the start will need to be created.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

A second thread with a poll added at the start will need to be created.

Thanks Sam! I'm on it.

 

[Simo]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

I would love to do it around Anzac Day