AFF Kokoda Trek [3 - 17 September]

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

I'm still keen, and the Sep date to coincide with the Goroka show (which sounds cool) is fine by me. Booked into see Doc next month, I have this feeling things are not in perfect working order but hopefully nothing that cannot be relatively simply overcome. Will keep you apprised of any relevant info swanning_it.

I hope that all goes well for you tuapekastar!

I have made some initial inquiries for Goroka accommodation and the news is not overly encouraging. Apparently the tour companies book just about all the rooms for 2 years ahead and the reasonable hotels I've contacted have no availability. The tour companies are asking extortionate rates. I'm meeting with one of my Gorokan wantoks today so I'm going to ask what options are available. I'm thinking that perhaps staying in Hagen might be OK and just drive the highway on the Saturday ... the highway in that area is in good condition and bitumen sealed, so the drive may actually be a really good chance to see some highlands countryside, which is spectacular. I've been told that the day to visit the show is the second day. The first day is set up and all a bit scattered and the third day sees all the dancers getting tired so not so enthusiastic. I'm also told that like most shows, one day is plenty. 2017 second day is Saturday 26/9 which is PNG independence day, so it's bound to be spectacular. I've never driven the Hagen to Goroka stretch myself, so I'm unsure of time needed.

On the trek front, one of my Buna wantoks is keen to do the trek himself and he has relatives that are track guides and porters and he's asking them if they are interesting in leading a private trek for us, which I'm hoping may give us better control over length of time for the trek (if more needed, take more, if less needed, take less) and cut out the "middle man" tour company, to make it a bit cheaper perhaps. I'll hopefully know that in a few weeks time.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Latest update. My Gorokan friend is going in to speak directly to the hotels to see if they can miraculously materialise some rooms. Hagen is probably a no go as even with the good highway, it's still a 3 hour drive each way.

My other mate has got back to me and his relatives are more than happy to lead a private trek and I'm currently compiling the prices.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: Proposed AFF Kokoda trek

Kokoda Trek.

OK I have received the prices for a private, PNG national led Kokoda trek. The trek guides/porters are all very experienced local PNG guys that do Kokoda treks frequently for the major tour companies. The price is based on a Kokoda to Owers Corner trek of 9 nights on the track (to make for slightly shorter walking days) and is inclusive of transport from POM to Popondetta (Air Niugini), Popondetta to Kokoda and Owers Cnr to POM, Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) trek fee, accommodation each night in village guest houses, fees for entry to historical sites, 3 meals per day on the track, back pack hire, firewood and return air flights for the porters.

There are options for a side trip to Buna (about AU$70 extra) and I've also priced a trip to the Goroka Show for both trekkers and non-trekkers who may wish to join in. The benefit of a private trek over a tour group trek is:
a) more flexibility with dates;
b) more flexibility with track walking days;
c) small group (some of the tour trek are 20+ people)
d) cheaper (by a considerable amount).

The prices are based on a 5 person trek, which can be altered to suit interest (the more trekkers, the cheaper the trek) and the trek party will include the following:
1. Trek master;
2. Trek lead porter;
3. Trek chef;
4. 7 x porters (including 5 personal porters).

The price for the trek based on the above inclusions is AU$1860 per person, ex POM based on current exchange rate of AU$0.42=K1.

Not included in the price, but required for the trek is the following:
1. Sleeping bag (0[SUP]o[/SUP] thermal rating preferable), mossie net (K20 in POM I'm told), self inflating pillow and mattress;
2 Snack foods/electrolyte supplements for the track, toiletries, repellent, sun screen, hat, clothes, worn-in boots and towel;
3. Day pack with 3L min. water bladder and sports style water bottle (to mix electrolytes), plate, cutlery and mug;
4. POM accommodation (see options below) and POM meals;
5. BNE-POM-BNE airfares (see options below);
6. Travel insurance suited to trekking, malaria tablets and fitness certificate from GP;
7. Tips for porters/gifts for track villages;
8. Visa (free, but individuals responsibility).

The personal porters usually carry a max. of 20kg, of which 13kg is for the trekkers gear and 7kg is for their personal gear. The extra porters carry food for everyone and cooking equipment. I'll confirm that when I know numbers interested.

Goroka Show.

To link up with the Goroka show, I'd propose flying into POM on Monday 4/9/17, flying to Popondetta to start the trek on Tuesday 5/9/17, which would mean the final trek day would be Wednesday 13/9/17. That would give two days rest in POM (to see the sights and recover, but also allow for any delays on the track or else a Buna side trip before the trek), before flying to Goroka (Air Niugini) on Saturday 16/9 (dep. 08:00, arr. 09:55) for 6.5 hours at the show before returning to POM that afternoon (dep. 17:30, arr. 18:45) ready for the Sunday flight back to BNE. Accommodation at Goroka is available, but tour groups have booked all the decent rooms meaning they charge extortionate rates. My Gorokan friend tells me the best day to see the show is on the Saturday (which is also PNG Independence Day) and that one day is ample to do everything, so I think the fly in and out on the same day is likely to be the preferable option. As suggested on another thread, this leg could also be attended by those not wanting to do the trek but would like to be immersed in one of the worlds true cultural spectaculars, which many here will never do unless in a group. I'd go further to say it's one of the worlds few genuine cultural spectaculars as I can say from observation, the traditional dress you will see at the show, is not just amazing, but is still regularly worn in the Highlands for all kinds of significant events such as compensation ceremonies, weddings, funerals, pig markets etc!

Airfare Options.

I have not priced in BNE-POM-BNE airfares in the trek price above, as potential trekkers may have individual preferences for these (like the use of points for example or a specific airline to accrue points and SCs). The airlines that fly into POM from AU are QF, VA and PX and I think the only two AU ports serviced directly are BNE and CNS.

Example of costs on PX are: (BNE = Brisbane, POM = Port Moresby, PNP = Popondetta & GKA = Goroka)

Trek only ex-BNE - BNE-PNP/POM-BNE - AU$465 (allowance inc. in trek price for POM-PNP has been deducted to reach this price).
Trek only ex-POM - POM-PNP - No additional airfare component (POM-PNP is inc. in trek price)
Trek & Goroka ex-BNE - BNE-PNP/POM-GKA-BNE - AU$880 (allowance inc. in trek price for POM-PNP has been deducted to reach this price.
Trek & Goroka ex-POM - POM-PNP/POM-GKA-POM Additional AU$410 (Goroka component only as POM-PNP inc. in trek price)
Goroka only ex BNE - BNE-POM-GKA-BNE - AU$930
Goroka only ex POM - POM-GKA-POM - AU$410

POM Hotel Options.

Hotel options in POM are reasonable, just not overly cheap. I have also not included POM accom in the trek pricing as there are two IHG options, which may be a good use of IHG points. All the hotels listed offer free airport connections. I've personally stayed at the Shady Rest, Holiday Inn and Airways and can recommend all three for their respective budget. I have been to the others many times and can say they are all acceptable choices. There is also Ela Beach Hotel, but I couldn't get prices, but it also is a good choice.

The hotels I'd recommend (good accommodation with on-site security) are:
The Shady Rest - A good standard of hotel at a budget price (by POM prices). Rates from about AU$150/nite.
Holiday Inn - Nice resort style grounds and pool with painting and craft market (small) outside. Rates from about AU$220/nite.
Gateway Hotel - Nice resort style pool and atmosphere and close to the airport. Rates from about AU$220/nite.
Crowne Plaza - Centrally located (no great benefit) and close to Ela Beach. Rates from about AU$250/nite.
The Grand Papua - Good quality hotel and also centrally located (no great benefit) and close to Ela Beach. Rates can be good from about AU$250/nite).
The Stanley - Brand new and very nice. Adjoining Vision City Mall (secure private entry to mall). Probably the nicest hotel in POM. Rates from about AU$300/nite.
Airways - Right beside the airport and a quality hotel. Until The Stanley, this was the premier hotel in POM (IMHO). Rates from about AU$315/nite

 

[amaroo]

I want to register my interest x 2 (son) but I'm not going to vote. He will be in grade 11 next year, and I've got no idea what his timetable will be.

It's better that others select the date - then we'll see if it all fits in.

Thanks for posting swanning_it

Unfortunately - we're out. No 1 son will be enjoying the flavours of China on a school trip in Sept .. geez, my one and only school trip was to Stanthorpe in the middle of winter :shock:

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Unfortunately - we're out. No 1 son will be enjoying the flavours of China on a school trip in Sept .. geez, my one and only school trip was to Stanthorpe in the middle of winter :shock:

Yes. My youngest is off Japan shortly. I also had the Stanthorpe trip in winter.Storm King dam, I think the place was and I have a photo of me holding a pair of trackie daks vertically in air by one leg, as they were frozen overnight! We had a fire and I ended up covered in charcoal and thought I'd better wash them and hang them out overnight to dry!

 

[tuapekastar]

Your work still impresses me swanning_it! And I am still up for it, medical clearances permitting. Off to the quack later this month to check out a specific issue, then more general health checks in January. TBH, I don't expect there to be any issues, but you can never be sure of these things. So, count me still a 'goer', unforeseen issues notwithstanding. I won't get into specifics for the trip until I know I can make it.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Reminder to anyone considering this Kokoda trek or the Goroka Show trip, we are rapidly approaching a time where airfares will have to be locked in to secure the above-mentioned prices. With 8 months to go, everyone contemplating this trek should be now booking fitness assessments and confirmed trekkers should be thinking about slowly ramping up an exercise regime as this trek is not a walk in the park!

I think it's time to set a date for final nominations. The porters do need numbers as other treks will be booking in and it would be unfair to ask them to hold off taking other work whilst awaiting us and the air component may start changing at any time so by all means, confirm if committing or advise if not. BTW, there is no pressure on anyone who has previously expressed an interest as the trek is proceeding regardless.

How about we say 28 February 2017 will be the cut off for the Kokoda Trek nominations.

As for the Goroka Show, I have an enquiry out to Air Niugini for their package rate for the 2017 show.

As an example, their 2016 rate was PGK2105 (approx. AU$880) ex.POM which I actually thought was pretty reasonable as it included:

• Return Airfares Port Moresby to Goroka
• 3 Nights Accommodation – Deluxe Twin Share
• 3 Days VIP Show Pass
• Complimentary Return Airport Transfers
• Complimentary Show Transfers as per schedule by Hotel
• All Taxes and Surcharges

They have replied that they will be doing a 2017 show package like last year, but have not yet finalised pricing. As soon as they get back to me I'll post the details. As said before, anyone can nominate for the Goroka Show regardless of participation in the Kokoda trek and nominations for this event can remain open as long as seats on the flights remain. Be aware though, prices may escalate closer to the event.

 

[drron]

I doubt my fitness will be up to it so a non starter for the trek but still interested in the Goroka show.That package sounds good.

 

[tuapekastar]

Still keen swanning_it. Camera down gob confirms there is a problem, off to see GP shortly to see what has caused it and how to tackle it. I imagine I will get an indication then whether I can do this. 28 Feb sounds perfectly reasonable as a cut-off date and I would hope to have an answer by then (and hopefully a positive one).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

still interested in the Goroka show.That package sounds good.

Not a problem. I'll post up the Goroka options as soon as PX get back to me. If the dr part of drron suggests a medical history, there may be some of us in need of your services after the trek! :shock:

Still keen swanning_it.

I hope there are no issues confronting you, quite apart from the trek. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

The cut off date may be somewhat ambulatory as I've already advised the porters that we'll have at least 5 in the trek and they've booked it in. So far we have a bit of a mixed group of myself, wife, my sister, a lab technician and a nurse who is preparing to do the Everest Base camp trek and has volunteered in Goroka before, so is keen to return. So we have 2 men and 3 ladies in the trek at present and more are welcome of course, but FFers are still in the majority!

 

[penegal]

I will try to get back to the doctor in the next week or two.

 

[Awesom Andy]

Unfortunately, I am still without a job at the moment so consider me out unless otherwise indicated before the end of Feb.

 

[penegal]

I will try to get back to the doctor in the next week or two.

Saw the doctor. Things are looking good, subject to some blood tests which should come back next week.

Main thing I need is a Typhoid re-vaccination around 6-8 weeks before my next exposure which is likely to be PNG.

Oh, he also said: I am a fat lazy so and so, so should probably engage a personal trainer

 

[Awesom Andy]

should probably engage a personal trainer

Does the track count as a pt?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Does the track count as a pt?

I'm off to the GP tomorrow. I'm assuming I need a referral for the fitness testing. What's that called BTW?
Did a 9km walk before brekkie today!

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

I'm off to the GP tomorrow. I'm assuming I need a referral for the fitness testing. What's that called BTW?
Did a 9km walk before brekkie today!

A cardiac stress test or a stress-echo test - 2 different types of test that assess your heart more than your fitness !

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I hope my GP knows which one, or do we do multiple? I can walk until the cows come home ... but it's the up and down vertical mountains that'll hit me. I'm assuming our feet and ankles will take a beating!

 

[samh004]

Saw a news story on ABC24 about a retired Australian army officer who has done the track nearly a hundred times. He was talking about mismanagement of the track and it contained interviews with trekkers that mentioned it would be nice if there were handrails and steps... lol!

 

[pyffii]

did Kokoda 8 years ago with my son and its not the ankles or feet that take a beating but your knees and your quads as the continuous and seemingly never ending vertical ups and downs makes you feel as if you were on a stepping machine for 9 hours every day !!!...But the trek is amazingly rewarding and the group will get you through it to the very end !!!

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

In a stress test you are walking on a treadmill attached to an ECG machine ( cardiograph ) "A cardiac stress test (or cardiac diagnostic test) is a cardiological test that measures a heart's ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. "
So it starts out slowly and every 3 minutes the speed and the incline get faster and higher.
I have done 100s of these as the nurse - in the picture pretend that's me in the blue uniform

Stress Echocardiography: Purpose, Procedure & Results Is a stress test plus and ultrasound of your heart before and after the exercise.