AFF Kokoda Trek [3 - 17 September]

[netgrom]

So Easter is very close to ANZAC day next year by the look of it, that could work out very well and have voted April as well as definitely a firm silver!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

If the requirement is to coincide with ANZAC day, then the week previous to that would basically start with fly in to POM on Good Friday but still need 5 days off school (given a fly out of POM being on 25th April after the dawn service). I wonder if Easter bunny delivers to the track?

The villagers are very religious (mainly 7th Day Adventists) so I'd have to check if an Easter trek would create any non-walking days (I doubt it as I'm guessing ANZAC tie ins will be popular).

 

[tuapekastar]

Hmm, fallen at the first hurdle it seems! To consider an April date for me would mean tipping my (admittedly unconfirmed, but certainly strongly desired) 2017 travel plans upside down. But that's the way it goes.

I will say (and this is a genuine feeling, not just some forlorn plug for other dates) that the prospect of coinciding with ANZAC day and copping all the attendant crowds, potentially having the track like Bourke St on a Saturday morning, possible price premiums, potential 'forced' rushed bookings etc. leaves me cold (I am only speculating that the aforementioned things may happen). I have never been to Gallipoli and if I only do it once, it will definitely not be ANZAC day, because, well, I want to see and explore Gallipoli, not be herded in and out on a strict timetable with 15,000 other people in the middle of a freezing night.

But, correctly, majority rules, and I've copped that with other AFF 'functions' and can happily (well, happy with the democratic process, maybe not so much with the outcome ) live with it again this time and in the future (and of course, I'm not 100% committed to going anyway, regardless of the date).

 

[medhead]

I'm pretty interested, silver/gold range. I'd actually prefer the coldest month. But SWMBO tells me I'm busy in April - saving for our trip to the USA in July.

I was at Gallipoli last year on 25 April. We went back a few days later for a separate tour to explore.

With the Kokoda campaign starting around July, I'd be more keen on a July or slightly later date. But I get the 25 April thing.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hmm, fallen at the first hurdle it seems!

Bear in mind, there are no set time frames. The track has many poignant dates.......ANZAC day is just the official date to remember.... not the be all and end all of specific memorials, and it actually bears little relevance to Kokoda........as a specific date, that is. In fact, most of Kokoda's history is from July '42 until Jan '43 so April doesn't really get much of a mention. In fact, a friend of mine told me his village played a part in the war......Buna! I, personally had never heard of it until I looked it up. He told me many stories that were handed down from his elders and they certainly brought a tear to my eyes, both for the losses his forebears suffered, as well as ours and American forces.

If anyone would prefer alternate dates........please don't hesitate to cast a vote!

 

[amaroo]

Well the firming dates of April may help you amaroo -

Really don't know what will be the best for #1 son given grade 11 duties. The lucky bugger is already going to China on a school camp next year.

His Great Grandfather was a POW so I'm sure the trek would be a lifelong experience.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Really don't know what will be the best for #1 son given grade 11 duties. The lucky bugger is already going to China on a school camp next year.

His Great Grandfather was a POW so I'm sure the trek would be a lifelong experience.

We can't help you with that dilemna amaroo! Apart from saying that PNG nationals gave as much as our forebears did. We are one and the same when it comes to the Second World War. Think about that for a minute....much of PNG was unexplored during the 2nd World War. PNG people gave their lives to help Aussies survive and to fight for freedom (a concept they possibly did not understand at all). Highlanders were still eating human flesh during the 2nd World War, yet Kokoda trail residents were prepared to lay down their lives for Aussie diggers. I'm in awe at the tenacity and temerity of the hero who is the Aussie digger.........yet I'm equally humbled and grateful by/for the assistance that was given, without question from the PNG nationals, without which we would have been stuffed! I think all Australians are indebited to the PNG people for their unwaiving friendship.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

That sounded like a pressure sell.......it wasn't. Everyone needs to decide this trip for their own circumstances. If it suits....great, if it doesn't....well there's always next time!

 

[amaroo]

We can't help you with that dilemma amaroo! Apart from saying that PNG nationals gave as much as our forebears did. We are one and the same when it comes to the Second World War. Think about that for a minute....much of PNG was unexplored during the 2nd World War. PNG people gave their lives to help Aussies survive and to fight for freedom (a concept they possibly did not understand at all). Highlanders were still eating human flesh during the 2nd World War, yet Kokoda trail residents were prepared to lay down their lives for Aussie diggers. I'm in awe at the tenacity and temerity of the hero who is the Aussie digger.........yet I'm equally humbled and grateful by/for the assistance that was given, without question from the PNG nationals, without which we would have been stuffed! I think all Australians are indebited to the PNG people for their unwaiving friendship.

Indeed!

Although, I think it's sufficient that he undertakes a trek like this one with the memory of his GG being a Japanese POW. Whatever else he learns on the way is a blessing!

 

[drron]

Certainly couldn't go in April as I will be in Africa.
As well I would need a fair time to get into condition but would certainly prefer a month with a little less prospect of rain.
However I wont vote as not a sure thing to go anyway.

Just to add to your story.It was also the people of the Solomons.When we went as a family in 1981 an older fellow dancing had a badly scarred shoulder.When asked how it happened he said-"I got a little bit killed in the war".

 

[Deleted member 29185]

the people of the Solomons.When we went as a family in 1981 an older fellow dancing had a badly scarred shoulder.When asked how it happened he said-"I got a little bit killed in the war".

Yes, I have a few friends in the Solomons.....yet I've never been there. I was very humbled by some presents those friends gave me........they earn less than the PNg nationals yet still found it possible to give me some wonderful jewelry........shell necklaces, carved shell pieces, and a sarong with the Solomons map......including the West Solomons where one of my students was setting up a guesthouse.......with skull cave tour (a legacy of the old head hunting days...the skulls are real!). I was helping him with solar panel design.............all the luxuries, as determined by this industrious young man (also chairman of the village)!

 

[Awesom Andy]

With the Kokoda campaign starting around July, I'd be more keen on a July or slightly later date. But I get the 25 April thing.

Bear in mind, there are no set time frames. The track has many poignant dates.......ANZAC day is just the official date to remember.... not the be all and end all of specific memorials, and it actually bears little relevance to Kokoda........as a specific date, that is. In fact, most of Kokoda's history is from July '42 until Jan '43 so April doesn't really get much of a mention.

23 July was the date of the first battle, I believe. Or perhaps visit Isurava Memorial on 29 Aug. There are many possibilities.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

23 July was the date of the first battle, I believe. Or perhaps visit Isurava Memorial on 29 Aug. There are many possibilities.

Poll is still open for month requests!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

So just to kick this one on a bit, it appears we have three months that are about even in the poll count. I only voted for April, but Aug and Sep works for me as well (we have a Vietnam trip in Oct, so Sep possibly is not so great). If I added a vote to both of those months, then they're all equal at 4 votes apiece.

We do have a lot of possible contenders (far more than I expected, to be honest), so could I be so bold as to ask everyone listed as Platinum, Gold or Silver to consider the possible months and confirm if your interest is still there for any of the months. I haven't heard back from the porter I know, so I'm assuming he may be on the track at the moment, but I also saw an organised tour (exPOM) for $2795 which seems to include quite a lot that we'd need to supply otherwise (including all accommodation and meals, back packs, setup and packup of camp, hot lunches prepared and porters......although it's unclear about personal porters).

The months in consideration are:
April
August
September

The list as it currently stands: (if a mod could possibly update page one, it would be appreciated)

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
Medhead

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

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

 

[SydneySwan]

Consider me silver. I voted for August but could probably do April as well. Not keen on September.

 

[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)

Hi amaroo......I found this U-Tube clip about the trek made earlier this year (posted on the 26/4/16, so the trek was possibly March or April) by a father and 15YO son you may like to view.
They start at the Bomana war cemetary and walk Owers Corner to Kokoda. I've asked my 19Yo son if he wants to come....the answer was not promising!

There was also a U-Tube clip with what looked like a girls school trek, so plenty of teens do the walk successfully.

I found some photos from when I went to Owers Corner (this is where I stopped, until next time )........




Road from Sogeri Turnoff to Owers Corner



Shelters at Owers Corner



Gun Placement Plaque



Toilet Facilities at Owers Corner



The Trail Start (Owers Corner)

 

[Flashback]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Count myself + Mrs Flashback in as GOLD

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I also have a couple of pics of Sogeri Lodge (the accommodation that was included in the previously linked to organised trek). I haven't tried the accommodation, but I did have lunch there and it was very relaxing.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The choice of months seems to be firming around April and August.

As I stated previously, I've only voted for April (I can't change it now it appears), but August suits us just as well, so 5 votes apiece.



The list as it currently stands: (if a mod could possibly update page one, it would be appreciated)

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

GOLD (I'm in, pending cold feet, shingles or a better offer)
amaroo
amaroo jnr
Medhead
Flashback
Mrs Flashback

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

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

 

[philtru]

Poll is still open for month requests!

Just to put my two bobs worth in - I've walked the track a few times (in fact doing it again next month). One of the important things to consider when looking at the time of year is the rainfall levels. April may feel nice because it is around Anzac Day, but that is in the heart of the rainy season which means that you will be slogging through mud the whole time, and getting pretty wet in the process. I would recommend around the July / August period when the track will be dry (er) and therefore the whole experience a lot more enjoyable.
Another thing to consider is which way to go, whether Owers Corner to Kokoda or vice versa. I've done both and think that Owers Corner to Kokoda is more scenic and enjoyable, although slightly harder. Both are historically significant as one represents the Australian advance, and the other the Australian retreat.
As regards a tour company - happy to recommend one from personal experience although don't necessarily want to be seen as plugging one, and would just make the comment that with the right firm $3k is money well spent. There are others out there who charge in the $5 - $10k range which is ridiculous and just profiteering.