News http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:35:10 +0000 30 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1697 Eleven Trekkers headed out to Owers' Corner earlier today to commence their walk to Kokoda, They will be joined at the other end at Isurava Memorial area by Leah's father who will fly into Popondetta and travel by road up to Kokoda and then walk with Brendan Buka to meet up with them.

All trekkers looked in good spirits today as they headed off on their adventure. Trekkers in this group include:

• Leah Engler and her son Isaiah
• Anthony Roe
• Peter Rayfield
• Amy Rayfield
• Shane Benson
• Lachlan Roe
• Nathan Herald
• Tony Herald
• Chris Van Den Bergh
• Paul Fraser

The plan was to pick them up at 6:30am and that by the time we loaded the backpacks and hit the road it would be close on 7am by the time we departed from the Gateway Hotel. As it turned out we were pretty much on target as I looked at my watch when we drove through the entrance and it was on 6:55am.]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:07:17 +0000 1697 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1696 Last night I met with the three trekkers who headed out this morning to Popondetta. Unfortunately for them it was an early start as their book in time was 5:50am. Turns out today the flight into Popondetta goes, POM/PNP then PNP/TUFI then back to PNP. As we also had trekkers arriving back in from the same direction, they could not be left in case something went wrong with their flight and they ended up stranded there.

All went and the flight came back from Tufi and picked them up allowing our vehicle to drive into Popondetta. As our base in Kokoda 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' is operated by a genset, it was imperative they collect a drum of diesel as they ran out of fuel on Saturday and had to purchase locally for three times the price. Interoil the base in Popondetta decided to have a 'safety' meeting and would not allow them to pick up the fuel as the gates were locked.

The end result was they did not get away from Popondett until around lunch time and arrived in Kokoda mid afternoon which made it a long day for them. Dinner should be served around 6pm to allow them to get an early night for their walk commencing tomorrow.

Their guide tomorrow is Ernst Jinga who has walked for many years on the track and who is looking forward to walking with them across the track. Robert was supposed to have Andrew Tom as his porter but we were informed Andrew went to Popondetta looking for permanent work so a substitute porter was found to take his place.

Trekkers walking with Ernst Jinga include:

• Robert Kirk
• John Davey
• Rhonda Leersen

Turns out Robert is a doctor and Rhonda is a nurse.]]> Gail Thomas Dermy Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:01:42 +0000 1696 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1694 Last night I met with the two trekkers who headed out on a PNG led trek today from Owers' Corner by the name of Kevin Oakley and John O'Dwyer. Unfortunately a backpack went missing in transit in Australia which found them in a Target store shopping for shirts/shorts/socks with a 15 minutes time span before they had to head to the airport for their flight to PNG. Apparently a young woman helped them out and they were on their flight.

We tell trekkers to make sure they wear their boots on their internal or international flight to PNG as clothes can easily be replaced but wearing a brand new pair of boots for the first time is not good - well thats if you can find a pair in PNG to begin with that are your size and are the right quality for trekking.

When I met with them at the Gateway Hotel it was agreed they would be picked up at 6:15am this morning and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. This happened on time which was where I said my goodbye. Russell then drove them to Owers' Corner stopping at McDonald's Corner and I am led to believe they started walking around 8am. Today the plan is to reach Ua'Ule Creek.]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:56:01 +0000 1694 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1693 This morning we said goodbye to another group of trekkers heading out from Owers' Corner. Trekkers are made up as follows:

• Andrew Emerson
• Sally Ingram
• Garry Snowden

Their guide is my son Shane Thomas along with Wallace Lemeki as the assistant guide.

Andrew Emerson is back for the third time and this time he brought with him his daughter Sally Ingram to walk for the first time. Garry walked with our boys once before as well. Andrew and Sally requested some of our staff to walk again with them such as Wallace Lemeki, Brendan Buka (the trek champion) and Eddie Idau.

Andrew and Sally came in a day ahead of Garry and got to drive around with Shane and ended up at the Yacht Club. Mid afternoon Garry Snowden arrived from Australia and along with Andrew & Sally they drove to Bomana War Cemetery and later the Wildlife Sanctuary on the outskirts of Port Moresby.]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:28:20 +0000 1693 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1692 This afternoon my youngest daughter Mikayla Rodger along with her husband James Rodger, friends Mark and Nicole Young and her old Karate coach Pat Vainerere are now on the track. ]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:41:31 +0000 1692 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1686 On the 18th August, Amanda and Timothy Pilgrim flew into Popondetta from Port Moresby and were driven up to Kokoda where they overnighted at 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat'.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 19 Aug 2010 11:16:07 +0000 1686 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1681 On the 9th August, Lady Carol Kidu touched down at Kokoda long with Peter Allen representing the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby and some of the relatives from the 2009 Airlines PNG plane crash.

The photograph below was taken shortly after the group had landed at the Kokoda airport.]]> Gail Thomas Boss Meri Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:08:44 +0000 1681 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1680
In the past we have often been asked if there is anywhere they can place a plaque in honour of their relatives who fought on the Kokoda Track. Until now we have had to say no, nothing in Kokoda.

However, we have just completed a rock wall which can be used for this purpose.

If you bring something with you, we shall find a spot for the plaque on our 'Wall of Remembrance' which is situated in Kokoda at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat which was opened recently by Lady Carol Kidu and some of the relatives who flew in to walk up to the crash site.

Please feel free to bring whatever you wish keeping in mind it is outside and the wall is not covered as per photographs below. Last week there was three plaques placed on the wall on the left hand side in honour of two young women who lost their lives in the Airlines PNG plane crash and Russell's brother Kingsley Eroro.]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:16:45 +0000 1680 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1679
Well it's just over two years now since we did our trek #429 in Aug '08 with Big John and all the "boys". There is probably not a week goes past without some Kokoda reference or memory popping up.

Three of us from that trek plus one other, are heading off to Nepal for walk into the Annapurna Sanctuary for 16 days in Sept/Oct.

Then my wife & I are travelling to Thailand for a wedding then backpacking into Laos and Cambodia for a bit of a look see in Dec '10.

We are in training for that now, and the talk every Saturday morning is Kokoda experiences and memories.

I still play the cd you gave us with the music from the boys on the track.

We have convinced ourselves that once we had successfully completed the Kokoda Trail we can do anything. I was at 49 yrs old when i walked the track and intend to keep doing more and more.

I actually apply this mentality to most things i do in life and my business. "SMALL STEPS" has become my motto. It's THE best advise i have ever had form the boys (Kingsley).

There is talk of doing the Black Cat Trail next year. ? sounds gruelling. !!! If i / we do, i would love to see if my friend Mr Kingsley. J. Eroro will do me the honour of walking with me and showing me Popendetta. I promise not to bring that HEAVY pack with me next time.

As this our two year anniversary, all the group form # 429 have been e-mailing each other to how everyone is doing and what they have been up to, etc.

Mary, who walked with us has been in Europe and done a number of walks and is jetting off to Vegas soon for her daughters wedding.

Stuart chucked in his job and went off to China for a while (haven't caught up with him on that one) We have been to see Stuart play in his band, Lyndal Barry and The Apollos at local pubs in Melbourne (they are very good). This just to say, friendships are made "on the track".

It's easy to see the people who "do Kokoda" are people who do not sit around, all our guys have been doing heaps of travelling and trekking.

For us, we have been doing a bit also - in Easter '09, we went off to Spain/Morocco and did a few walks in the Sierra Nevada Region in Spain- The Circuit walk out of Grazalema and the Griffin Vulture Walk (massive vultures with 10ft wing spans ! & views to {die} live for.)

In Morocco we travelled over the Atlas Mountains into the Sahara Dessert - walk-camel ride-camp thing, all great.

In Nov '09 seven of us, walked a section of The Great Ocean Walk on the Victorian East coast- it's just beautiful.

Although i got huge blisters on my feet and the last two days were a bit uncomfortable- Jim (from Trek # 429) took a part of my load to make my walk easier. This goes to show, training IS EVERYTHING.

Enough for now, Hope everyone at KOKODA Trekking is well and we hope to see you again next year. ( ? black cat- maybe or something else ??)


Regards



Paul Evans

* Findlay-Evans Waterproofing
* Liquid Rubber Melbourne
* Evans Protective Coatings

Telephone: Australia 0418. 312. 646 - International +61 433. 183. 573

www.liquidrubbermelb.com.au

PS I have changed cars and my window sticker went with it.


Can you send me a few more I am proud to have on my car.]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:14:20 +0000 1679 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1678 On the 11th August, my son Shane commenced his walk across the track with Tim Facy and Tim Wease. Unfortunately at the time I was in Kokoda so missed catching up with them. On arrival back in Port Moresby Shane phoned to say they were at Naoro.

At the present time of writing I am in Australia as my mother-in-law passed away early hours of Thursday night and I flew to Australia on Friday.

I have however, kept in touch with my office and was advised that they reached the half way point of Efogi yesterday and all was going well. In fact I was informed by Shane that they are really fit trekkers and they were ahead of schedule.

Tonight they should be at Templeton's area.]]> Gail Thomas Boss Meri Sat, 14 Aug 2010 11:57:42 +0000 1678 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1676 My apologies as I am late in getting this up on our website as I have been in Kokoda and could not access the internet down there. I met with the two trekkers last weekend and travelled down with them to Kokoda inside Tropic Air's Cessna Caravan on Sunday 1st August.

Trekkers are:

Graham Anderson & Warwick McNab

]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:26 +0000 1676 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1674 Earliler today a group of three trekkers left from Owers' Corner heading towards Kokoda. Trekkers include my son Shane Thomas (guide) along with Scott Neville and Grace Jadulco.

The plan today was to reach Dump 66 where they are spending the night.

Photographs:

Scott Neville at Bomana War Cemetery]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:29:10 +0000 1674 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1673 We are proud to announce that Sybil Dwyer has just finished her successful trek. Sybil has just broken one of our 'Hall of Fame' records as she is officially the oldest female to have ever walked with Kokoda Trekking. Sybil is 74 years of age and she did extremely well. In fact she led most of the way out in front with her trusty porter Hobert Keke.

Sybil proves, its never to late to walk the Kokoda Track! Sybil walked with her son Frank Dwyer and other friends.

What an achievement, well done Sybil. ]]> Gail Thomas Saloo8 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:24:53 +0000 1673 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1666 Last night we met with trekkers from Trek 649 a group of 11 from Queensland. They all looked like they were excited to be in PNG and soon to be on the track. Earlier today we met again at 6:30am when trekkers were picked up and driven to Bomana War Cemetery. The guide for this trek is Kingsley Boropi. The group is made up as follows:

• Sharee Luke - porter Paul Esiko
• Justine Dobbin - porter Benan Arua
• Geoff Spicer - porter Cecil King Sombiro
• Glenn Taylor - porter Tom Hango
• Mick Gillam - porter Lancelot Yauga
• Tracey Couper - porter Jenen Barai
• Melinda Treversh - porter Gill Bauba
• Luke Brennan - porter Freddy Yauga
• Mike Charlton - porter Peter Talanda
• Chris Chapman - porter Alex
• Patrick Walker - porter Harry Duna

Food Porters are: Trophian Ovivi; Webber Okove; Chris Orimba; Danny Aikari; Clive Guvero; Stafford Enjeka; Francis Baing; Tomsteen Konehe; Noah Kovejo; Cypria Ujara and Alfred.

Photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery.

Have just uploaded photographs on to 'Facebook' in case you would like to view them - http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2473...id=374403025970
]]> Gail Thomas Brian Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:38:12 +0000 1666 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1665 Last night and again this morning, we met up with our latest group of trekkers who headed out this morning from Owers' Corner. This group were recommended to trek with us by Brian Beamish a regular contributor to our forum. Brian suggested they request Wallace Lemeki as their guide and Brendan Buka as a personal porter. There wish was granted and today Kevin would have been introduced to Brendan who is famous in these parts for winning several of our races and the current record holder in 16:34 from Owers' to Kokoda.

Trekkers walking in the group include:

• Kevin Woodward - porter - Brendan Buka
• Alice Bennet-Alder - porter - Chris Lahai
• Sybil J Dwyer - porter - Hobert Keke
• Margaret Low - porter - Winnie Pore
• Frank Dwyer - porter - Evan Myosi

Food Porters: Wayne Urina; Kennedy Buka; Deshon Harika; Hensley; Michael Havu; Fresser from (Sairope)

Last night at the Gateway Hotel, Kevin read out the following poem:

KOKODA PRAYER:

It is with great humility and intrepidation that we begin this journey today, always mindful of the sacred nature of the track where many Australian soldiers gave their lives for our freedom.

We not only do this in memory of them, but to experience in some small way the difficulties that they encourntered.

God give us the strength and mental energy to complete this trek and to do honour to those who gave their lives for us.

Amen
Trek 590

Have just uploaded photographs on to 'Facebook', if you wish to look at them, please click on the following link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2475...id=374403025970


Photographs: taken at the Bomana War Cemetery]]> Gail Thomas Gail Thomas Mon, 19 Jul 2010 04:39:40 +0000 1665 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1659 Late yesterday I met up with two couples who flew in a few days ahead of time at the Royal Papua Yacht Club with my son Shane Thomas who is their guide on this trek. We ended up at a chinese restaurant where we enjoyed a meal before returning them to the 'Comfort Inn'.

This morning I had to go to the airport to pick up some trekkers returning from Popondetta and they too had booked to stay at the Comfort Inn. It was then when I dropped off these trekkers that we arranged to pick them up and drive up to Sogeri Lodge via Bomana War Cemetery as they had already booked out of their rooms.

The photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery and again at Sogeri Lodge.]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:10:29 +0000 1659 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1658 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels Day - 3rd November

The Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels (FWA) Day program for 2010 is about to be released and the series of events will ensure a great day for communities and trekkers alike.

Features for the day will include a Sports Program, presentation of FWA medallions, cultural programs, children’s programs and FWA races with groups undertaking a series of tasks to symbolize the activities of the FWAs in 1942.

Today I was did a search on Google and found the following blog written by Major Charlie Lynn. In this article, I agree with his comments. If you wish to read the blog, please CLICK HERE

Why 3 November?

The Kokoda campaign began with a full scale attack on the Australian 39th Militia Battalion on 29 July 1942. The campaign lasted three months as the Australians were pushed back to last line of defence on Imita Ridge. The Australians rallied at this point and pushed the Japanese back across the track. Kokoda was recaptured on 2nd November 1942 and the Australian flag was raised at a service the following day.

The flag raising ceremony symbolised the turning of the tide in the Pacific War. It also symbolises the service and sacrifice made by Carriers in all campaigns throughout PNG.

This victory would not have been possible without the vital support of the PNG Carriers across the track. In addition to their contribution to the war effort hundreds of Australian soldiers owe their lives to the selfless sacrifice of the Carriers who guided and carried them to safety over inhospitable jungle terrain in the most adverse of circumstances.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 10 Jul 2010 03:40:26 +0000 1658 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1657 This week Orohaven Kokoda Retreat welcomed Kokoda Historical clients. Trekkers appeared to have a great time enjoying relaxing with others at Orohaven. Plenty of pizza's and beers followed before trekkers left at 3am for their drive to Popondetta. We trust your clients thoroughly enjoyed the ending of their trek across the Kokoda Track.

To David Howell, a big thank you for bringing your clients to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:06:09 +0000 1657 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1656 On the 7th July we had a group of 12 trekkers fly into Popondetta where they were met by our staff. Before they were driven up to Kokoda they were taken around the monument area in Popondetta and to a local supermarket. They arrived in Kokoda at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat around midday where they were given lunch.

Later in the day a traditional sing sing group entertained them before they went up to the station area to look around the monument area.

I believe last night they spent a few hours sitting in one of our huts getting to know each other and relaxing before their trek today.

Around 7am this morning I received a phone call to say trekkers had left and that the remaining staff were about to head off to join up with them. Their guide is Wallace Lemeki who phoned in later today saying they were at Deniki. He said everyone was doing ok and that they would spend the night at Isurava Village.

David Clark Embo was supposed to join this trek as his assistant, however, he pulled out at the last minute and another of our staff took his place. In total there are 22 staff walking with this group of trekkers who are made up as follows:

Mark and Tom Hardy; Geoff and Lauren Graubner; Mark Hoppe; Hayden Braham; Kevin Norris; Julie Ann Bull; Barry Darben; Joe Yick; Robyn and Gordon Heap.

In this group there are three father and sibling trekkers. Mark and Geoff have both walked with us before and looked like they were really going to enjoy walking with their respective son and daughter.

Photographs: Orohaven Kokoda Retreat

Photograph:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:00:21 +0000 1656 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1655 This week we welcomed back Geoff Carter to walk once again with another group across the Kokoda Trail. The last time we met up with Geoff he had mainly relatives with him to share the experience. This time round, he has brought with him a father Doug Holl along with his three daughters. A bush walking mate Rodger Smith and a ring in from Brisbane Scott Johnston.

Geoff and Rodger intend going down to Buna and Gona at the end of their trek and will return to Port Moresby on the 13th July. All others in this trek will fly back to Port Moresby on the 11th July.

As this trek finishes officially at Gona, the team on this trek are from the coast. John Derick is the guide and as his father was originally from Gona, he is in fact from Kokoda but walking with his close family relatives.]]> Gail Thomas Boss Meri Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:07:17 +0000 1655 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1654 On the 3rd July we drove out to Owers' Corner a group of four trekkers who only planned on spending 4 nights in the bush and on the 5th day they will walk off the track. Everything went according to plan and they commenced their walk from Owers' towards Goldie around 9:30am.

That night they had reached their destination of Ioribaiwa Village. I not long ago heard from their guide to say they had reached their second night of Manari.

All trekkers are doing just fine along with our porters accompanying them on this trek.

Their guide is Kingsley Boropi.]]> Gail Thomas Boss Meri Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:28:15 +0000 1654 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1653 A bit of panic early on regarding this trek. Father and son team, Huw ap Rees and Owain ap Rees phoned to say one of their backpacks had failed to turn up. After they waited and waited there was another backpack there similar to theirs but belonging to someone else. Turned out the other guy must have grabbed the wrong pack and took off to wherever he was staying.

A few decisions were discussed wondering what to do the next day if the backpack failed to show up. Fortunately he wore his boots but other items would have had to be purchased at the last minute from a local store or borrowed off ourselves.

The following morning the other trekker in this group, Brent Schilf booked in for his flight. The other two, Huw and Owain went straight to the international area to see if the missing backpack turned up.

Luck was on their side, their backpack showed up and they too went into the boarding lounge. Then another lot of bad luck. As the flight from Cairns was delayed, Airlines of PNG moved around aircraft which meant the flight to Popondetta was delayed until 1:15pm. Hence a long wait in the boarding lounge before they finally boarded their flight to Popondetta.

They later arrived in Kokoda around 6pm and spent the night at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.

The first night was spent at Isurava Village. Ernst tried to phone today but it was hard to hear him. I think he was trying to say they were going to spend the night at Eora Creek. Will confirm later once I get to talk to him again. He said all trekkers were doing ok.

My apology for not posting earlier but I have been experiencing all kinds of problems. Firstly my internet would not connect a couple of days ago and I had to wait for the internet provide to send a cable guy to move the aerial on my roof to see if they could improve the very slow service. Just when I thought I could post this morning, the power went off all day and only just came on around 7pm tonight...yes, PNG, the land of the unexpected!]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:08:41 +0000 1653 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1652 1st July: On the 29th July we said goodbye to two mates who headed out from Owers' Corner. Harold Hauro is the guide for this trek. I have not heard from him today.

Yesterday, he phoned in to say they were all doing ok and that they were spending the night at Ioribaiwa Village. They were going to head to Naoro for the night today but we have heard that the village is quite full with a lot of trekkers on the track. They may have decided to stop this side of Naoro or pushed past the village to another campsite.

Trekkers are made up as follows:

Jeremy Firth and Karan Anand.

A bit of drama before they headed out as Karan's flight was delayed from Cairns. I think Jeremy was panicking a little but all came good and once in town, my son Shane drove them out to Owers' Corner the drop off point.]]> Boss Meri Adel Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:57:55 +0000 1652 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1651 1st July: Around 7:30am yesterday we collected from Sogeri Lodge, Sam and Simon Ward - a father and son team who are walking from Owers' Corner to Kokoda with my son Shane Thomas and a great bunch of our KTL porters.

The road was kind to us having not long been graded and we soon found ourselves at Owers' Corner.

Later in the day Shane called in around 1pm to say they had reached Imita Ridge. Sometime later he phoned to say they were all going well and that their first night would be at Ua'Ule Creek.]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:38:57 +0000 1651 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1648 This week we welcomed back to PNG a fourth time trekker by the name of Michael Barrand from Colac in Victoria. Along with Michael is his son Oliver, Peter Coceani and Phil Tucak.

All went according to plan and trekkers spent the night at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and today commenced their walk to Isurava Village. They left the retreat around 6:30-am this morning and were just about to head out when I last spoke to Wallace Lemeki who was requested by Michael to lead this group.

They have quite an experienced team to walk with who include: Trevor Jinga; Frank Taimbari; Lancelot Guria; Bill harike; Cliff Taimbari and MacKenzie Didime and other guys such as Fresser Jari and Mathies Geroia.

All in all, I am sure they are going to have a great trek.

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=9721

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=9722]]> Boss Meri Gail Thomas Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:26:05 +0000 1648 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1647
Hannah Kinross, from Victoria Australia, was one of the trekkers who tragically died in the plane crash. In memory of Hannah, the Foundation is honoured to announce the Hannah Kinross Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship Fund.

Hannah was an adventurous young woman, aged just 22, who was going to walk the Kokoda Track with her close friend Kelly Weire. Hannah was deeply passionate about helping and giving to others and she had been working for 3 years with refugees and migrants, particularly Burmese and Sudanese refugees in Victoria. Hannah had also undertaken volunteer work in South Africa before being employed by the Migrant Information Centre in Box Hill. Hannah’s parents, Colin and Sue Kinross, describe Hannah as “completely dedicated to improving lives of people less fortunate than us”.

“Only a few days before flying to PNG Hannah had been offered a posting as a refugee youth worker in some local schools and was so thrilled, believing she had found her true vocation. It is for this reason we believe she would have wanted us to contribute some of her estate to such a worthy cause. May something worthy arise from our loss.”

In memory of Hannah and her desire to help others, Colin and Sue have established a special scholarship via the Foundation to help children from the Kokoda Track with a particular focus on improving the welfare and livelihoods of young Kokoda Track women. They have also contributed generously towards the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship, which was established in memory of Kingsley Eroro who came from Kokoda village and who also tragically died on the plane crash. The Kingsley Eroro Scholarship has been awarded to Michael Kenda from Kokoda village and Hannah’s contribution to the scholarship will cover his education from now until he graduates from high school.

In addition, two female students have received the Hannah Kinross Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarships:

• Saeve is in Grade 11 and is from Kagi village along the Kokoda Track. She is an orphan and cannot afford to get an education without the assistance of the scholarship. Hannah’s scholarship will provide for Saeve until she graduates from high school.
• Delma is in Grade 10 and is from Efogi village along the Kokoda Track. Delma's mother is a single Mum and struggles to support her children at school. Hannah’s scholarship will provide for Delma until she graduates from high school.

Colin and Sue are planning to visit the crash site on the Kokoda Track for the anniversary in August 2010 and plan to meet the children that have been awarded the Hannah Kinross Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarships.

We are so very grateful to Hannah and the Kinross family for their generosity to the children of PNG. Your contribution is making an emormous difference in the lives of Michael, Saeve, and Delma.]]> Boss Meri Saloo8 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:39:15 +0000 1647 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1645 Two brothers, Brent and Jacob Stowers had an early start this morning when they caught their 5:50am flight to Popondetta. On hand to meet them was a trekker heading back who finished his trek a few days back along with Russell Eroro and some of our Kokoda Trekking staff.

They arrived in Kokoda mid afternoon where they were met by my son Shane Thomas and made to feel welcome at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.

Tomorrow they will commence their walk under the leadership of one of the longest walkers on the track, John Derick Eroro a veteran of over 400 treks spanning many many years.

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=9688

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=9687]]> Boss Meri brentstowers Mon, 21 Jun 2010 08:53:21 +0000 1645 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1642 Have not long arrived back in the office from dropping off our latest trek. This trek has a lone trekker walking with my son Shane Thomas commencing at Owers' Corner and finishing in Kokoda on the 13th June where they will overnight at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. The trekkers name is:

Torfinn Pettersen]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 14 Jun 2010 03:26:25 +0000 1642 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1641 Out on the track is trek 579 who left today from Owers' Corner. They sounded a bit nervous today heading out in the car about what to expect. This trek is made up of a couple of friends from Perth; a 19 year old guy from Melbourne together with a family group made up of a father and son and a nephew.

Trekkers are as follows:

Vanessa Smith; Laura Byrne; Jack Dennard; Luke McFarlane; Gary McFarlane and Nathan Thompson


We made arrangements last night to pick them up at the Gateway Hotel at 6:30am this morning but not before a photograph opportunity presented itself:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 12 Jun 2010 09:53:08 +0000 1641 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1639 My name is Michelle Rzepecki and I am a student of the University of Technology Sydney. I am currently completing my final year of a combined degree of Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Bachelor of Management in Tourism. As part of my final year I am undertaking a research project with the Kokoda Track Foundation. The research project is based on Ecotrekking and in particular is looking at why people are choosing or choosing against trekking the Kokoda Track in PNG.

I am looking for two types of people to interview.

1. Past Trekkers – if you have walked the Kokoda Track in past 5 years I would love to interview you!
2. Almost Trekkers – if you were thinking about walking the Kokoda Track in the past 5 years, but decided against it, I would also love to interview you.

Interviews can be done via phone, or in person, and will take approximately 30 minutes.

The purpose of the project is to give both the Kokoda Track Foundation and the communities along the Kokoda Track the tools they need to meet trekker needs and to ensure the sustainable longevity of the Kokoda Track for both trekkers and communities alike. All information gathered through the interviews will be confidential and will contribute to a research report and presentation through the University of Technology Sydney.

If you are interested in participating please contact either Michelle or Genevieve:

Michelle Rzepecki: Dr Genevieve Nelson:

Email: Michelle.Rzepecki@student.uts.edu.au
Email: gen.nelson@kokodatrackfoundation.org

Phone: 0406672762 Phone: (02) 9252 2992]]> Boss Meri peterh13 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:00:22 +0000 1639 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1635 This morning we met up with all trekkers in this trek with the exception of one who arrived this afternoon. Megan unfortunately ended up with toothache and needed to see a dentist this morning. The plan to pick up the group from the Gateway Hotel, take them to Bomana War Cemetery, then the dentist. Megan went to her dentist appointment and the others walked around town and did some shopping. The guide for this trek is Wallace Lemeki who met with them and accompanied during their drive out of town and the walk around the CBD of Port Moresby.

The porters for this trek arrived in around midday so all is going according to plan for this trek. The trekkers in this group include:

• Helen Lee
• Megan White
• Sally Waldron
• Grant Nicholson
• Greg Wilde
• Shelley Hoey
• Tom De Landre

Our Kokoda Trekking staff on this trek include: Wallace Lemeki (Guide); Kingsley Boropi (Assistant Guide)
Personal Porters: Garni Bore; Benan Aruo; Javara Unene; Chris Lahai and Jerry Imaita
Food Porters: Humphry Embere; Steven Amuli; Alban Ema; Wilson Sevesi & Blausis Susapu (doubles as guitar player)

Four of the trekkers listed have competed in the 96km Kokoda Challenge Race held on the Gold Coast annually each year. Their team raised the most money and Kokoda Trekking gave them a free trek as part of their prize. They were supposed to walk last year but an injury stopped this from happening. As they all wanted to walk together, their trek was postponed until May 2010.

The photograph below was taken outside the Gateway Hotel.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 27 May 2010 09:34:19 +0000 1635 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1633 Transport for hire: We have for hire our Toyota Dyna in Kokoda with one of the most experienced drivers in the area, Richard Aire. Our truck can be booked direct through us and paid for on the internet.

We offer a reliable service, to and from Popondetta to Kokoda for the fee of K1200.00 per trip. We can quote in A$ at the time of booking if that is the preferred method of payment.

Our truck has been fitted out for tourists with padded seats and see through windows in the canvas as per the photographs below.

To book, please email us:

trekking@kokodatrail.com.au

or

gail@pngbd.com

Please Note: Bookings have to be made and paid for 1 month in advance.]]> Boss Meri Fluppy Mon, 24 May 2010 12:58:31 +0000 1633 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1632 Tonight we welcomed Timothy Falland to PNG who has come to walk the Kokoda Track commencing by flying into Popondetta and driving by road up to Kokoda where he will overnight at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. The next day he will commence his walk across the track with John Derick Eroro as the guide. John is one of the longest walkers on the track with over 400 treks to his credit so they definitely will not get lost!

Photograph: Timothy Falland seen here at the Gateway Hotel swimming pool area.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 23 May 2010 11:26:52 +0000 1632 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1630 It was good to meet up with our latest trekkers last night at the Gateway Hotel. They all appeared excited and ready for their trek. It was agreed to pick the first couple up from the Holiday Inn at 7:30am and then the other two from the Gateway Hotel and take them to the airport to book in for their flight to Guria Airport, Popondetta.

All went ahead a planned and they were soon in the boarding lounge. Trekkers in this group include:

• Kerry Duncan
• Kate Lips
• Ben Clark
• Nicholas Dhar

]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 18 May 2010 11:02:46 +0000 1630 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1628 Last Sunday, we met with two backpackers who were looking forward to walking the Kokoda Track. Seeing as their guide and porters were already in town, it was decided they head out on the 9th for a short walk down to Goldie River to overnight.

Last night they were at Ua'Ule Creek. Trekkers include:

• Fred Lazell
• Josh Edwards

Unfortunately all my cameras were on the track so we used one of the older ones but the quality is not so good so my apology.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 11 May 2010 12:18:45 +0000 1628 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1627 Last night we met with this group of trekkers at the Gateway Hotel where they were tucking into Pizza's before heading out on the track...well with the exception of Mike Wren who had not at that stage met the guys he would be walking alongside. They all appeared to be excited and ready for their 5 day 4 night challenge. It was arrange for them to be ready at 6:15 but when we arrived about half the group were in the foyer with the others missing.

A ring around went on and they all started arriving in the foyer with the exception of two who were still getting organised. Do not quote me but I think from memory it was the Willaton brothers. Naturally they got teased when they finally showed up around 6:30.

However it was not worrying us the operators as it was these guys who had to do the walking today and the later they got away meant the later they would arrive at their destination of Ioribaiwa which is about an 8 hour walk from Owers' Corner. Trekkers in this group are as follows:

• Ronald (Tony) Beevor
• Mark Answerth
• Greg Williams
• David Williams
• Adrian Waller
• Darren Blair
• Chris Willaton
• Peter Willaton
• Dean Burridge
• Mike Wren
  
  Photographs have been loaded onto our 'Facebook' trekking page and can be accessed by clicking on the following link:
  
  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2249...25970&saved
  

Below are group photographs of the group outside the Gateway Hotel around 7:40am this morning 9th May:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 09 May 2010 01:42:24 +0000 1627 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1625 We met with Greg & Jason Palmer at the Gateway Hotel around 6pm yesterday 3rd May and it was arranged a vehicle would pick them up this morning to take them to Owers' Corner along with their guide and porters.

All went ahead as planned today when Russell Eroro picked them up at 7am as can be seen in the photograph below:

Photographs have also been uploaded to 'Facebook', click on the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2238...25970&saved]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 04 May 2010 03:19:12 +0000 1625 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1623 Shane Thomas met with Craig Foster who arrived on an Airline PNG flight and drove out to Bomana War Cemetery on their way up to Sogeri Lodge where they spent the night. ]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 03 May 2010 01:44:43 +0000 1623 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1621 On the 24th April we met with the three trekkers who headed out yesterday to begin their Kokoda trek. They wanted to go to the craft market so the Harold their guide along with one of our porters accompanied them during their shopping spree. Yesterday we collected them at the wee hour of 4am and drove them out to the Bomana War Cemetery for the dawn service.

After the service they went to the Australian High Commission for the Gunfire breakfast which ended around 8:45am.

Photograph:

Anzac Day - Bomana War Cemetery. The last photograph was actually taken by one of our trekkers who returned on the 24th from a trek. Today I was looking at his photographs on facebook and noticed Kenny and Louise in the photograph. Hope Tim does not mind as I saved it to post here for their family and friends back home.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:26:03 +0000 1621 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1617 KOKODA TRACK FOUNDATION: NEWSLETTER #2 2010 - This email is best viewed in your web browser. Click the link below to see it:

http://newsletter.paulhanna.net/t/r/e/ouidkj/trjiydily/

Dear friends and supporters of the Kokoda Track Foundation,

Welcome to our April Newsletter. We have recently returned from PNG where we visited all of the projects and communities being supported by the Foundation. And what an exciting year we have ahead of us! We hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter and as always remember to check out our website for the most recent information about the work of the Foundation in PNG - www.kokodatrackfoundation.org

Greetings from the KTF team.

KTF visits over 30 communities in PNG
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The Kokoda Track Foundation's executive director, Genevieve Nelson, has recently returned from spending a month in PNG visiting all of the communities that the Foundation currently supports projects in. This involved visiting over 30 communities located along and in the catchment area of the Kokoda Track. And yes... it was the wet season!! The Foundation conducted an in-depth audit of all of its projects to ensure that projects are running effectively, without corruption, and addressing the most urgent needs of the communities. The Foundation also awarded the 2010 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarships to students across 25 schools in the catchment area. Please contact the Foundation if you would like a copy of the audit report (02 9252 2992) or gen.nelson@kokodatrackfoundation.org.

156 Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship Students
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Education is one of the biggest priority program areas for the Foundation and we believe strongly in enabling all communities to access affordable and quality education for their children. In 2010, the Foundation has awarded 156 children with Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarships that will enable them to go to school. Parents in PNG often struggle to pay the expensive school fees for their large families and for many of our families the KTF scholarships are the only way that their children can get an education. Click here to see the photos and read the profiles of our 156 scholarship students. [http://www.kokodatrackfoundation.org/whatwedo/education/Fuzzy-Wuzzy-Angels-Photo.html]

Adopt an angel today!
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Want to lend a hand to our nearest neighbour? Want to give back to the wonderful people of the Kokoda Track? Please consider Adopting an Angel today. In 2010, we are supporting 156 children to go to school and we need your help to do this. When you adopt an angel you give a child a once in a lifetime opportunity to get an education they may otherwise never get. For just $25 per month, you can sponsor a student to go to primary school. Or for $83 per month you can support a student to attend high school . Your sponsorship covers the school fees, boarding costs, food, school uniform, and school resources for your Angel. And of course, all donations to the Foundation of $2 or more are tax deductible. Go on... make a life changing decision today to Adopt an Angel and give back to wonderful descendents of those great Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. Click here to find out how.
[http://www.kokodatrackfoundation.org/assets/files/Adopt%20an%20Angel%20Sign%20Up%202010.pdf]


Hawks out to help kokoda track kids
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Hawthorn AFL club will dedicate one of their home games this AFL season to raising money for children who live along the Kokoda Track. Hawthorn players, coaching staff and supporters, who completed the trek last year, have promised to repay the generosity shown to them by sending proceeds from the Kokoda Game to Papua New Guinea via the Kokoda Track Foundation. The May 30 game to be held at the MCG will raise funds for the Foundation's Adopt an Angel program that supports children to attend primary and secondary school in PNG. We are delighted at the Hawks enthusiasm and passion for the kids of Kokoda and we can't wait for the 2010 Kokoda Game! If you're in Melbourne, why not come along... Click here for more information [http://www.kokodatrackfoundation.org/news-list/hawks-out-to-help-kokoda-track-children.html]

Stories from Kokoda.
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Meet Jacob!

[http://www.kokodatrackfoundation.org/adopt-an-angel1/jacob-grade-6.html?searched=jacob&advsearch=oneword&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1]

Jacob is in Grade 6 this year at Edevu Primary School which is located on the Western side of the Kokoda Track. Children from Edevu, Madilogo, and Naoro 1 and 2 attend Edevu Primary School. Jacob is 14 years old and is the top boy in his class. He is an orphan and is currently being looked after by his Aunty. Jacob is a delightful young man and on the KTF's recent visit to Edevu he helped our executive director interview and photograph all of the scholarship students. We think he would make an excellent journalist but his dream is to become a pilot! If that doesn't work out Jacob says that his back-up plan is to become a doctor!

"School is important to me because I want to become a good person in my life time... You are so kind and helpful through Kokoda Track Foundation and thank you very much to the people of Australia".]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:14:40 +0000 1617 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1616 We at Kokoda Trekking would like to welcome to PNG two trekkers from MUSCAT, OMAN. Yes, our very first trekkers from Oman. In case you are wondering reading this just where this country is located - I too had to do a search on Google so will post it here:

Muscat is located in northeast Oman, at 24°00′N 57°00′E. The Tropic of Cancer passes south of the area. It is bordered to its west by the plains of the Al Batinah Region and to its east by Ash Sharqiyah Region. The interior plains of the Ad Dakhiliyah Region border Muscat to the south, while the Gulf of Oman forms the northern and western periphery of the city. The water along to coast of Muscat runs deep, forming two natural harbours, in Muttrah and Muscat. The Western Al Hajar Mountains run through the northern coastline of the city.

unquote

Trekkers are as follows: Ali hassan Sulaiman and his son Hussam Ali Hassan

Both father and son looked very excited today as they drove with me out of town on their adventure of walking the Kokoda Track. I was informed they had walked Mt Kilimanjaro to this was a good start to take on the Kokoda Trail.

We met last night and again this morning at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. By 6:30 we were in a car heading out to the start of their trek at Owers' Corner. In the same car were trekkers walking on trek 647 by the name of Tim MacDonald and Rahman Labelak.

PLEASE NOTE: All photographs have been uploaded onto our FACEBOOK page:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5897...id=374403025970

You can either access by clicking on the above link or by logging onto www.facebook.com and then typing in the 'search button' Kokoda Trekking. This will take you to our homepage.

The photographs below were taken at Rouna Falls on the outskirts of Port Moresby where we stopped for them to stretch their legs.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:54:54 +0000 1616 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1615 This morning I was up bright and early to meet with two treks who headed out today from Owers' Corner. Last night we arranged to pick up Tim from the Crowne Plaza before heading out to the Gateway Hotel to collect Rahman.

Tim was right on time having been dropped off at the hotel by a friend he stayed with in Port Moresby. On the other trek was a father and son combination all the way from the middle east to walk the Kokoda Track.

By the time I got to the Gateway around 6:30, Rahman was waiting at the gate entrance obviously excited to be soon on the track.

On the way up to Sogeri we stopped at Rouna falls so they could stretch their legs.

The two trekkers are as follows:

1. Tim MacDonald
2. Rahman Labelak

PLEASE NOTE: All photographs have been uploaded onto our FACEBOOK page:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2204...id=374403025970

You can either access by clicking on the above link or by logging onto www.facebook.com and then typing in the 'search button' Kokoda Trekking. This will take you to our homepage. Our staff have a camera on the track with them. Once we have it back at base these photographs will also be uploaded onto this website. Photographs can then be shared with family and friends by tagging them. ]]> Boss Meri ANNARHIA Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:40:46 +0000 1615 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1613 Last night and again this morning I met up with our 8 trekkers who headed out from Owers' Corner today for the first of our Anzac Treks. These guys are on a 9 day trek and should walk out in Kokoda on the 23rd April. Seventeen of our KTL staff are accompanying them which are made up of guys who knows the history; a medical officer who took leave for this trek; a well known singer, a practical joker; a guitar player and lots of uke'ule players.

No doubt this trek should be fun based on the humour from the trekkers combined with the boys culture and way of thinking.

Wallace phoned up around 3pm today saying they had reached Imita Ridge and were heading down to Ua'Ule Creek where they plan on spending their first night in the bush on the Kokoda Trail.

Trekkers are made up as follows:

• Ken Toombs (4th time anzac trekker)
• Chris Wood
• Kevin Nichols
• Jim McGowan
• Wayne Norman
• Leigh Davies
• Chris Gass
• Chris Isherwood

PLEASE NOTE: All photographs have been uploaded onto our FACEBOOK page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boroko-Papua...ng/374403025970

You can either access by clicking on the above link or by logging onto www.facebook.com and then typing in the 'search button' Kokoda Trekking. This will take you to our homepage. Our staff have a camera on the track with them. Once we have it back at base these photographs will also be uploaded onto this website. Photographs can then be shared with family and friends by tagging them.

Group Photograph taken outside the Airway's Hotel approximately 7am this morning:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 16 Apr 2010 07:47:25 +0000 1613 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1609 Trek 576 got away yesterday and spent last night at 'Goodwater'. Today they are on the move and expect to make Ofi Creek where they will stop. According to our guide trekkers are doing ok but they decided to give them a short day yesterday so they settle into their trek. Trekkers include:

Earl Snijders and Tabitha Spaeth.

Earl and Tabitha had not met until the briefing. However they both appeared to be happy go lucky people so we are sure they will enjoy their trek with our KTL staff. Earl's mother was originally from Samarai in the Milne Bay Province and he spent some time in PNG during his early years before his parents moved to Australia. Tabitha is toughing it out carrying her own pack!

More photographs have been posted on 'facebook' which you can access by clicking here:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 03 Apr 2010 03:06:47 +0000 1609 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1603 On the 25th March Shane met up with his father and son trekkers who arrived in from a flight from Australia. Not long afterwards they headed out to Bomana War Cemetery and then on to Sogeri where they spent the night at the Sogeri Lodge owned and operated by Warren Bartlett.

This morning their porters were driven out to Sogeri to meet up with them for the commencement of their trek. We arrived at Sogeri, met up with Shane, Paul and Hayden and were soon heading towards Owers' Corner the drop off point.

As this is the first trek for our staff in 2010 they were really excited when they arrived off the plane from Popondetta yesterday knowing they had a job. So you can imagine, they did not sleep much last night it seems due to the excitement and the fact they had a TV to watch.

Photograph:

Paul and Hayden Chow at Bomana War Cemetery.

More photographs can be viewed by CLICKING HERE:]]> Kokoda Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:48:22 +0000 1603 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1601 Wayne Urina's daughter, a two year old toddler drowned in Madi River yesterday 20th March in Kokoda: Many of our regular visitors to this website will have heard of Wayne Urina, one of our guides and renowned also as the second fastest man on the track in 18:34 set in August 2008.

Wayne was the guide on Trek 622 who completed their walk at Owers' Corner on the 19th March. On the 20th March he flew back home via Popondetta along with other porters from this trek. During the afternoon whilst he was looking for transport to get back up to Kokoda, he received news on his mobile phone that his daughter had been swept away in the Madi River whilst playing with other children. Later her body was found downstream. Wayne's wife is the daughter of a store owner commonly referred to as 'Gribble's store. Madi River is not too far from the store.

Wayne managed to arrive in Kokoda last night and I spoke with him this morning. We both cried together as I heard from him what happened to his daughter. Her body is to be taken to Popondetta sometime today to the morgue. On Wednesday he will take her home to his village for burial.

He then asked me to look in the memory card of my camera he took on the track as there should be a photograph of his daughter taken at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.

Just now I found the photograph. No other photographs on the memory card of anyone else except trekkers and porters and the one of his daughter and an older child (refer pic below). I will now get this printed off and sent over to the family.]]> Boss Meri James Harman Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:19:05 +0000 1601 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1599 Around 10am on the 11th March, four trekkers flew into Popondetta and travelled by road up to Kokoda. Last night they overnighted at our guesthouse Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. Around 7am this morning the group headed off on their trek. Their guide is the second fastest man to have ever crossed the Kokoda Trail, Wayne Urina in a time of 18 hours 24 minutes. He promises not to take them that fast on this trek.

List of Trekkers:

James & Nita Harman; Fuad Yacob & Matthew Sharp

Fuad brought with him a guitar and asked for a personal porter who could play it to walk as his personal porter. Tommy Bareo was selected in this role so can only assume they will have lots of music on this trek as Wallace Lemeki sings and plays the uke'ule as well and he too is walking on this trek.

Other staff accompanying them is Brendan Buka the trek champion walking as a personal porter. Frank Taimbari also a personal porter. A guy by the name of Andrew who works for us full time at Orohaven. Hobert - a renowned hard worker who loves to crack jokes and a porter from Sairope whose names escapes me for the moment.

Tonight they should have reached Isurava Village but I cannot say for sure as I did not hear from them today. I am expecting them to call in from Isurava area tomorrow sometime.

More photographs can be viewed by CLICKING HERE:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:56:45 +0000 1599 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1595 Kokoda Initiative Update - 26 February 2010

Welcome to the Kokoda Initiative Update - a monthly electronic update of activities under the joint PNG-Australia Kokoda Initiative, brought to you by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts on behalf of the Australian Kokoda Taskforce. We hope you find this update useful, and we encourage and welcome all contributions and feedback.

In this issue:

• Kokoda Initiative achievements and upcoming activities
• Livelihoods Pilot - Naoro workshops
• KTA's new staff members
• Kokoda Track Foundation announces Community Health Worker scholarships
• KDP Education - February Track walk
• Meet...Newman Cuthbert, Communications and Marketing Officer, KTA

Kokoda Initiative achievements and upcoming activities

In April 2008 the Papua New Guinean and Australian governments signed a Joint Understanding to work together to protect the Kokoda Track and surrounding Owen Stanley Ranges and improve the lives of communities living along the Track corridor ('the Kokoda Initiative').

Key Kokoda Initiative achievements to date include the reform of the Kokoda Track Authority(KTA) and subsequent payments to communities, implementation of the Kokoda Development Program and the rollout of the Kokoda Track Safety Pack

Below is a snapshot of activities completed to date, and those to be completed by June 2010. For further information on these activities, please contact kokodainitiative@environment.gov.au

Kokoda Initiative

Completed For completion by June 2010

Infrastructure

• Analysis of the physical condition of the Kokoda Track
• Five toilets built in key tourist areas
• Track Maintenance agreements signed between the Kokoda Track Authority and on-track communities
• Degraded sections of the Track upgraded by Conservation Volunteers teams working with locals work crews (6 in total)
• Improvements to the Kokoda airstrip
• Urgent maintenance undertaken on Owers' Corner road
• Sogeri Road bridge repaired
• Renovation, refurbishment or major clean ups to three health centres - Efogi, Kokoda and Sogeri - completed and ongoing
• Two additional toilets to be installed at key tourist sites
• Classrooms for nine schools
• construct two additional teacher houses at Efogi
• Toilets installed at two schools
• New or upgraded/renovated community health posts and aid posts in four villages
• Waiting houses for pregnant women in three villages
• Renovation of health staff housing at three villages
• Toilets at five health posts
• Survey and maintain reticulated water system in six villages
• Install water tanks at health posts
• Feasibility studies of community water supplies
• Small scale rural electrification survey
• Village radio network upgraded

Health and education

• More than 250 children vaccinated
• Regular integrated health patrols reintroduced in three areas - Efogi, Kokoda and Sogeri
• Medical equipment and health supplies distributed to all clinics
• Kokoda Track eye care program developed
• Seventeen schools received curriculum materials and stationery supplies; ongoing replenishments
• Supply essential clinical equipment to health posts
• Support functional rural laboratory in Efogi and Kokoda for testing malaria, STIs and other communicable diseases
• Monthly integrated health patrols, including immunisation and child health
• Supply additional teachers and students desks and chairs to one school

Training (health and leadership)

• 40 health workers trained in clinical practice, health facility management, maternal care, STI and HIV
• 62 Village Health Volunteers from Efogi, Kokoda and Sogeri catchment areas
• Forty one women and two men participated in women's leadership and organisational training programs
• Five villages (62 people) received food preparation and small-scale business training
• Commenced Education, Leadership and Management Workshops in all schools
• 2 sports training programs conducted for communities around Kokoda and Efogi with sports equipment provided
• 6 locals trained in toilet construction
• Infection control and waste management training for three community health posts and aid posts
• Sports training for villagers

Transport and communications

• Transport study finalised in August 2009 -contributed to development of new Kokoda Track Safety Package
• Audits of airstrips conducted for Efogi, Manari, Kagi, Milei, Naduri and Kokoda
• Upgrade and installation of health radios in two villages and track radios in four villages
• Repair and maintenance of Track radio network
• Install health radios in all remaining health facilities
• Further improvements to Track radio network
• Community notice boards in 14 villages

Kokoda Safety Package

Completed For completion by June 2010

Tranche 1

• Safety audits of six airstrips
• Ongoing airstrip maintenance works such as mowing, clearing drains and repairing potholes at airstrips
• Sogeri Road Bridge repaired
• New radios installed along the Track and a rolling replacement program is being implemented
• Installation of airstrip safety equipment (cones, pegs, weighing scales and windsocks)
• Provision of airstrip handtool and maintenance equipment
• Kokoda airstrip terminal relocated
• Urgent repairs to Owers' Corner Road, including gravelling, installing new drainage and repairing nearby bridges

Livelihoods Pilot - Naoro workshops

Consultations and workshops for the first Livelihoods (micro-business support) project have begun in Naoro 1 and 2.

Following a detailed situation analysis undertaken in mid 2009, the first of the projects is now commencing to help communities set up businesses that provide sustainable income generation.

As reported in the November e-newsletter, a key objective of the Kokoda Initiative is to improve income generation opportunities for Track communities, including through tourism. The PNG and Australian governments, through the KTA, are working with the Naoro communities as the first pilot area for this program. The first part of the livelihoods project involves a series of workshops in Naoro to assist the community to determine appropriate business activities, identify the skills and resources required to successfully start and run these businesses, and gain family and clan commitment.

Community consultations were successful, with both Naoro 1 and 2 showing their interest and commitment to participate by signing agreements to move forward. Initial assessments of existing businesses, agriculture, livestock and soil conditions were made. Communities were eager to learn more about trekkers' needs so they can develop businesses that lead to income and ensure a better experience for the trekker. Business and agricultural workshops will be held 21 -25 February in both Naoro communities.

The Livelihoods team is led by KTA, AusAID, National Agricultural Research Institute and Ginigoada. The KTA's Livelihoods and Philanthropy Project Officer, Paulus Bogea, will provide ongoing support for the communities. The Livelihoods team is looking forward to further community discussions and working with communities to develop ideas for potential business opportunities.

Note: The Livelihoods project is being piloted in Naoro before being run in other villages across the region to provide opportunities to further improve the program approach as lessons are learned. By reviewing and incorporating success factors identified in pilot businesses there will be a better chance of improving the overall success rate of this program.

Signing agreements with communities

KTA's new staff member

The Kokoda Track Authority has recently gone through a busy recruitment period since December, with the addition of:

• Safety Project Manager, Brian Boon - safety@kokodatrackauthority.org
• Communications and Marketing Officer, Newman Cuthbert communications@kokodatrackauthority.org
• Finance and Administration Manager, Jonathon Tuka - finance@kokodatrackauthority.org
• Permits and Licensing Officer, Lilly Gabina - permits@kokodatrackauthority.org
• Livelihoods and Philanthropy Project Officer, Paulus Bogea - livelihoods@kokodatrackauthority.org

The KTA is also currently undertaking recruitment of two additional Rangers, an additional Permit Officer and a counterpart Operations Manager.

Kokoda Track Foundation announces Community Health Worker scholarships

In early February the Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) launched its 2010 tertiary scholarship program, awarding four Kokoda Track villagers with scholarships to train as Community Health Workers.

This two year training program is an excellent opportunity for the four successful applicants, who will be based at a training school in Veifa, near Port Moresby. The KTF (partnered with Back Track Adventures) will cover the students' tuition fees, travel, boarding and living expenses.

Once graduated, the scholarship recipients will be qualified Community Health Workers and supported to return to their communities (Efogi, Naduri and Enivilogo) to work in aid posts or health centres.

This program complements the Kokoda Development Program (KDP) activities funded under the Kokoda Initiative. For example, the KDP administers the Village Health Volunteer (VHV) program, which trains villagers in first aid and preventative health measures, and links villagers with qualified health providers, including the Community Health Workers. Other KDP health activities also include outreach patrols in the Efogi and Sogeri catchments and health infrastructure work in Vesologo and Manari.

Further information on the Community Health Worker scholarship program, including interviews with recipients can be found on the KTF's website at http://70.40.197.67/news-list community-health-worker-scholarships.html

Scholarship recipient, Collin, from Enivilogo

KDP Education - February Track walk

One of the KDP service providers, Basic Education Development Program (BEDP) walked the Kokoda Track from 2 to 10 February 2010 to introduce communities to BEDP's new Infrastructure Officer, Tyrell Maring. The purpose of the Track walk was to inform communities about the KDP's education activities planned for villages in 2010, to collect feedback from communities and to assist new teachers to settle into village postings.

In addition, in January 2010, BEDP and Janet Philemon (KDP Senior Program Officer, AusAID) conducted workshops at Kokoda Station to strengthen the Board of Management for Kokoda rural elementary schools. Sessions included gender equality, education reforms, education planning, roles and functions of board management.

Meet...Newman Cuthbert, Communications and Marketing Officer, KTA

Each month we will feature someone personally involved in delivering projects along the Kokoda Track to provide an insight into the life and background of the people dedicated to Kokoda Track work. This month's featured profile is Newman Cuthbert, Communications and Marketing Officer with the KTA.

Newman started work with the KTA in December 2009 as the Authority's first Communications and Marketing Officer. Newman is well-known in PNG media circles, having formerly worked as a journalist with the Post Courier newspaper, and as Press Secretary to four of PNG's Governor Generals.

Newman hails from the Kokoda end of the Track and is excited about his new position with the KTA, which will enable him to play a role in supporting Track communities.

Newman Cuthbert on the Track with a Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel

Born: On a leap year - in 2008 I turned 12!
Lives: Port Moresby
Previous work: Political Journalist/Features Writer - Post Courier newspaper and Press Secretary to four PNG Governor Generals

Interesting anecdote about working in the PNG media: PNG media is unpredictable in the issues it pursues and each day is also unpredictable. Politics still makes the front pages and radio news headlines, but the consumer is also unpredictable in its taste for news. It is evident that positive news, where ordinary people are involved in projects and taking initiatives gains high interest.

So do good features on people and places. Business news, the stock market and domestic travel is also beginning to interest a lot of readers.

Why did you take the job with the KTA?: I was invited by Minister Charles Abel to join him in the historical Ministers walk last year and during the nine day walk, I fell in love with the environment, and noticed the difficulties communities faced in their everyday life and believed in what the KTA and Kokoda Initiative activities were doing to assist these communities.

Before this walk I had taken the Kokoda Track for granted and wrote articles about the Track without knowing what it was all about. After that walk I decided that I also had a role to play and that it was time I too offered my skills and experience to benefit communities. Hobbies/interests: You can't take me away from the telly when a Cricket test match is on and especially when Australia is playing the West Indies. I am a diehard Broncos fan and think the Queensland Reds will need to lift their game this year.

I love the sea and my canoe in which I go fishing when I am at home at a little place called Oro Bay in Popondetta (Oro Province).

• Favourite song: I am into Country music and can't get enough of Troy Cassar - Daly, but my song is that Slim Dusty trucking classic "Lights on the Hill"
• Favourite food: Cheese cake
• In my spare time I am either cooking, eating drinking or going for long walks.
• Most unforgettable experience on the Track/Track region: climbing Mount Wilhelm and running out of puff just before the summit.
• Top three things about living in PNG: It is home, where my friends are, the most beautiful undiscovered places in the world, which I continue to discover and want to show off to others. I am well travelled in the region and am passionate about home.
• Aim for your role as KTA Communications and Marketing Officer: to make the Track known to the lands beyond PNG and Australia and say to the world..."The Kokoda Track is much more than just a track".

Kokoda Initiative

Other recent projects and upcoming events relating to the Kokoda Initiative include:

• The KTA and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority will co-host pre-season Tour Operator forums in late March (22 March, Port Moresby and 26 March, Brisbane). Venues to be announced - for further details please contact kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg
• Upcoming KDP - Education Program activities include various infrastructure developments - for example, timber has been cut for the building of classrooms in Efogi and Menari.

Under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges, signed in April 2008, Australian and PNG governments agreed to work together to improve the livelihoods of local communities living along the Kokoda Track, and to protect the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges for future generations.

Email: KokodaInitiative@environment.gov.au]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:24:57 +0000 1595 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1591 This morning Tom Wilson and his friend Christian Powell were up bright and early for a 6am departure to head out to Owers' Corner to commence their trek. One of the longest walkers, John Derick Eroro is their guide who has walked hundreds of times across the track.

Both trekkers are farmers from NSW and last night when I met up them, they looked quite excited and ready to GO!!!

At some stage this trek will meet up with our other trek that left a couple of days ago. Our guide will aim to try and get Tom and Christian from Owers' Corner to Ioribaiwa Village today but it will depend on how they are going as our treks are not set in concrete and the guide has the discretion to pull up wherever he sees fit based on how they are coping with the hot and humid conditions.

]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:40:50 +0000 1591 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1590 Earlier this morning Warren Pitt and his guide Shane Thomas walked off from Owers' Corner along with three of our porters, Clive Guvero; Tom Hango & Nelson Enoga.

Last night Warren and Shane spent the night at Sogeri as guests of Warren Bartlett's Sogeri Lodge. This morning they were picked up by Russell Eroro in my prado and driven out to the drop off point at Owers' Corner.

Photographs below were taken at the Sogeri Monument area:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:11:25 +0000 1590 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1587
After 8 nights on the trail it is great to arrive at Orohaven to icy cold drinks, a hot shower, a flushing toilet and a comfortable bed. Makes all the aches and pain go away.

Only a few trekking companies use our facilities at present, so before you book with any other trekking company, ask where you will be staying in Kokoda at the end of your hard Kokoda trek. All trekking companies are welcome to use the retreat, so even if you do choose to walk with another company, you could always ask to stay at Orohaven.

I would be dissapointed if I had to stay in a tent, have a cold shower and use a pit toilet, when less than a 10 minute walk down the road you could be staying in a nice guest house, having a icy cold beer after a hot refreshing shower!

Another plus is that Orohaven is located right beside the airport. Instead of sitting in a shed next to the airstrip, you simply walk over to the terminal when you see that the plane is about to land.



Have a look at more photos, of Orohaven, click the link below.

http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/photos/showgallery.php?cat=861]]> Kokoda Kokoda Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:31:55 +0000 1587 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1585 This trek will commence when you fly into Popondetta on the 11th January. You will be met at Popondetta airport and driven up to Kokoda where you will overnight as our guests at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. The following day you will commence your walk finishing at Owers' Corner on the 18th January 2010. Trek 617 - Guide Justus Evari:

List of Trekkers:

Kim Murphy and her friend Judith Field

The trekkers arrived in Port Moresby on the 9th of January. Both Kim and Judith were met by our staff member to go over the plans for the following morning.

Kim and Judith caught the flight to Popondetta on the early morning flight at 6:15 am where they were met by our staff member Brendan Buka the fastest man on the track in both directions. A delighted surprise for the girls as they had read about him on our website over the months leading up to their trek.

After a long day they arrived in Kokoda at around 3:00pm where they were met by Gail Thomas. Both girls were excited by the trip from Popondetta to Kokoda as they were able to experience and learn a little about the country and culture along the way. It was a night full of interesting events while they awaited the next morning's trek.

The Guide for this trek is Dudley Bubara.

Judith's Personal Porter is Brendan Buka.
Kim's Personal Porter is Frank Taimbari

The Trek departed at 6:45am. The plan was to walk to Isurava Battlefield where they would camp for the night.

We have photo's which should be available to view in the next few days.]]> Boss Meri Judith Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:38:51 +0000 1585 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1564 Some of our ex trekkers will be familiar with our people carrier Toyota Dyna commonly referred to by us as KTL2 its radio call sign.

We wish to advise that our truck left Port Moresby last Sunday on a ship destined for Oro Bay. The truck arrived safely along with all its cargo, and yesterday 10th December made its maiden drive up Kokoda to its new home.

Gill Enjeka who looks after our motor vehicles and generators at Orohaven is the driver and the trek champion Brendan Buka has been employed as the crew boy.

Since commencing the construction of Orohaven Kokoda Retreat, a vehicle has been the main problem as our other truck KTL1 has quite a few problems which will cost a lot of money to fix so has been put out to pasture. If we manage to get parts for KTL1, a Mitsubishi Canter it will be used for running around Kokoda only.

Today KTL 2 drove back down to Popondetta to pick up some diesel fuel needed for the generator at Orohaven and along the way picked up local people looking for ways to head down to Popondetta.

If the bridges hold out, the vehicle will be used to ferry our trekkers back and forth from Kokoda to Popondetta allowing us to fly them on a Dash 8 as well as providing a service for Orohaven and residents of Kokoda to Popondetta looking for a seat. As the majority of our treks overnight in Kokoda, it should be quite an adventure enjoying the scenery on the way from Popondetta and seeing how the people in the Oro Province live.]]> Boss Meri craigf Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:11:51 +0000 1564 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1563 KTA has moved

The KTA has moved upstairs to a larger ofice on Level 3 Brian Bell Plaza Boroko. We have retained the same phone/fax numbers and we welcome visitors.

Numbers on the Track:

November has been a positive month and over 50 booked for December means we will finish the year with a flourish. Overall visitation is now 22% down on 2008 figures with the potential to be only 20% down by year's end.

Kokoda Track Permit Holder Monthly Trekking Statistics Since 2001 to December 2009]]> Boss Meri Wokabaut Meri Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:54:48 +0000 1563 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1562 The following email was received asking questions as to why the declining number of people walking. As we have a lot of people who come to our forum from all different trekking companies, I thought I would put it to you to post your answers. If you have time to post, we would appreciate your feedback.]]> Boss Meri Mrs Moo Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:01:15 +0000 1562 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1561 I came across an interesting article on Kokoda today which I would like to share with you written by Hank Nelson.

Hank Nelson is Professor Emeritus of Pacific and Asian History at the Australian National University. Much of his writing has been on the histories of Australia, Papua New Guinea and the second world war.

Hank writes:

Interest in making the pilgrimage might be tapering off, but that gives us an opportunity to understand Kokoda in more complex ways, writes Hank Nelson - dated: 30 November 2009

To read more, click on the following:

http://inside.org.au/tracking-kokoda/

or

CLICK HERE:]]> Boss Meri Fluppy Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:08:03 +0000 1561 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1557 KOKODA TRACK AUTHORITY (A Special Authority of the Kokoda and Koiari Local-level Governments), PO Box 545, Boroko NCD 111 Papua New Guinea. Telephone: +675 323 6165 Fax: +675 323 6020; Email: kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg

Kokoda Track Authority - Frequently Asked Questions

What is role of the KTA?

The Kokoda Track Authority (KTA) is a Papua New Guinean Special Purpose Authority, commissioned to:

• Work with tourism providers to develop and maintain the tourism industryin the Kokoda Track corridor;
• Provide a sustainable future for Track communities;
• Collect and manage trekking fees and permits;
• Oversee and regulate the conduct of tour operators to ensure the sustainable management of the Track and respect for local culture;
• Consult with landowners and Local-level Governments on their needs relating to the distribution of tourism benefits; and
• Work closely with the Kokoda Development Program to deliver coummunity development programs.

What is the role of the KTA Management Committee and KTA staff?

The KTA Management Committee (Board) is charged with the strategic direction of the KTA, forward planning and issues management. The Committee was fully reformed in August 2008, and is comprised of a number of individuals nominated to represent the interests of Track stakeholder groups, including representatives from:

• PNG Government Department
• PNG Provincial and Local Level Government
• Landowners
• Tour operators (vacant)

KTA staff manage the daily operations of the Authority. This includes liaising with communities, tour operators, government agencies and media on track management, as well as collection and distribution of a proportion of the trek fees to Track communities.

Through the Kokoda Initiative, the Australian Government provides funding for some KTA staff positions to assist the PNG Government to effectively manage the Kokoda Track. The PNG Government, through the Management Committee, is responsibile for the KTA's strategic direction and operational decision-making.

The KTA also directly funds a number of PNG staff, and is recruiting 'PNG counterpart' positions within the organisation to continue to transfer skills and build capacity.

How does the KTA help manage tourism activities on the track?

The KTA is working with stakeholders on the conditions of 'Commercial Tourism' Licences' to come into effect at the beginning of the 2010 trekking season. The purpose of the licence system is to set minimum standards in the Kokoda tourism industry.

In July 2009, the KTA and Kokoda trek operators released a voluntary Code of Conduct for tour operations along the Track.

What are Track Permit Fees used for?

Track Permit Fees are the sole source of KTA revenue and are used to fund PNG staff salaries, pay office rental, undertake track maintenance, business planning and management and make land owner/community payments (Ward Development funding).

Track management consists of undertaking planning, repairs and maintenance and employment of Track Officers (Rangers).

The expenditure ratio target is:

• Administration, Salaries and 'running the business' - 50%
• Track Maintenance - 25%
• Cash payments to local communities - 25%

How are Track Permit Fees distributed to communities?

Since its restructure in early 2008, the KTA has appropriate financial processes to distribute a percentage of proceeds from trekking fees to land owners/communities ('Tourism Service Funding'). Approximately 25 per cent of trekking fees are distributed to land owners/communities through the Ward Development Committee system.

A total of K15,000 was provided to each of the 14 Wards of the Kokoda Corridor in 2009, plus an additional K5,000 each to four pioneering Wards. The funds are transferred to the communities through Ward Development bank accounts, which are controlled by a Ward Development Committee representing the interests of the community. Each account requires at least three signatories to access the funds. Acquittal is reported back to the communities.

Are communities involved in maintenance work on the Track?

The KTA has negotiated 'Village Track Maintenance Agreements' with communities. This contract pays K2,000 per annum to the 16 Village Development Committees directly on the Track, at an annual total of K32,000.

What is the KTA's role in landowner disputes?

While the role of the KTA does not extend to negotiating conditions between landowners and trekking companies, the KTA will attempt to act as a mediator between the parties when possible.

The preferred method for dealing with landowner disputes is to use existing systems set up through the Local-level Governments and supported by the law and justice system.

Costs involved in resolving any future disruption of Track closure will be deducted from the 'Tourism Service Funding' (see above).

What is the KTA's role in community development?

The KTA is assisting the Kokoda Development Program (part of the joint PNG-Australian Government Kokoda Initiative) with community development programs along the Track. The aim of the KDP is to assist those living in the Kokoda Track corridor to access basic services such as water, sanitation, health, education and transport.

In addition, the KTA is undertaking complementary community development programs, such as working with Conservation Volunteers Australia on a capacity building program, which pays local people to participate in track maintenance training, increasing local capacity and providing future employment opportunities.

In the near future, the KTA will also assist the PNG and Australian governments to implement livelihoods projects along the Track, including micro-business support for communities.

What is the KTA doing to improve safety on and around the Track?

The KTA has undertaken a wide range of safety activities including;

• upgrade along the Track with training over fifty local community representatives to undertake Track Maintenance
• Purchase of Track Radios for KTA Rangers and Track Operator use
• Installation of Track Radio and Satellite phone recharging stations along the Track
• Upgrades to the VHF radio network
• Major rehabilitation of the Kokoda Airstrip
• Development of the Tour Operator Licensing system (2010)
• Removal of unexploded ordinance
• Identification of safety issues through the Track Analysis

The KTA is also working with the PNG and Australian governments to implement the 'Kokoda Track Safety Package', announced in September 2009. Key activities funded under the Safety Package include track maintenance, safety audits of airstrips, repairs to roads and bridges and upgrades to radio communications.

The KTA is negotiating contracts and funding agreements with service providers and communities to undertake the safety upgrades, which will benefit communities, trekkers and tour operators.

How does the KTA engage in stakeholder consultation?

The KTA conducts a wide range of stakeholder consultation activities, including:

• Holding regular Tour Operator Forums in Australia and PNG
• Distributing a monthly newsletter
• Meeting regularly with PNG Government (local and national) counterparts
• Funding Rangers and Permit Officers to regularly walk the Track, talk to communities, porters, tour operators and trekkers.

The KTA also assists the Tourism Promotion Authority in working with the tourism industry and other stakeholders to assess and promote the region's tourism potential.

How does the KTA fit within the broader Kokoda Initiative?

The Kokoda Initiative is a joint PNG-Australian Government program. In April 2008, the two countries signed a Joint Understanding to work together to protect the Owen Stanley Ranges (including the Kokoda Track) and to improve the lives of communities along the Track.

The KTA is responsible for delivering one of the three main elements of the Kokoda Initiative - track management.

Other Kokoda Initiative program streams include improving community livelihoods through the Kokoda Development Program, and protection of the broader Owen Stanley Ranges.

What are the KTA's contact details?

The KTA can be contacted via:

Email: kokodatrackauthority@global.net.pg
Post: PO Box 545, Boroko. NCD 111
Phone: +675 323 6165]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:45:41 +0000 1557 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1556 The Kokoda Initiative

Caring for Kokoda - protecting the Track and improving the livelihoods of local communities

Recognising an important place

The Kokoda Track has historical significance for the people of Papua New Guinea and Australia. It is a powerful symbol of the goodwill and enduring relationship between the two countries. Thousands of trekkers experience the physically challenging 96-kilometre walk every year, making the iconic Kokoda Track PNG's most popular land-based tourism attraction and an important source of national and local income.

The Owen Stanley Ranges, through which the Kokoda Track passes, is rich in natural resources. It is also home to thousands of unique plants and animals, making this historic place one of the most biologically diverse and important areas in the Asia Pacific.]]> Boss Meri kristasmith Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:50:50 +0000 1556 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1553 This afternoon we met at the international airport three trekkers who were rearing to go - no mucking around staying at hotels or in transit, two trekkers from America and one Aussie were already on the track by 3:30 having touched down at Jackson's airport around 12:30.

Trekkers are made up as follows for this trek:

Malwina Caban; Eric Brandt; and Dougall Bruce.

This also included a visit to Bomana War Cemetery as per the photograph below:]]> Boss Meri Monica Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:45:26 +0000 1553 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1551
We also welcome back as a guide Justus Evari. A few years back he left us to commence his own trekking company but it did not work out and he asked for work again to help support his family. As Justus is part of the family being the brother-in-law of the Eroro family, we agreed to let him walk for us again.

During the past month or so he has walked as a porter and is now back to his old position of guide. Last night he informed trekkers that this will be his 138th time on the track so they definitely should not GET LOST...haha

In this group of trekkers we have a group of three friends walking together (all carrying) one of which is a midwife. Another woman who is a nursing sister and a guy from London. They all appeared to be of a similar age group so I think they will hit it off and enjoy their trek, well lets hope so!

Trekkers are:

Bernadette Lack; Travis McCleary; Gavin Wells; Kylee Williams and Mark Lardner

The photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:48:50 +0000 1551 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1550 Today we welcomed to PNG two guys who are doing things differently to the 'norm'! Would you believe, Erden Eruc and Douglas Hilderbrand are going to be the first with Kokoda Trekking to walk all the way from Oro Bay to Kokoda and finish at Port Moresby CBD. Tomorrow they will fly into Popondetta and meet up with their guide and friend for the next few days, Wayne Urina.

When I first explained to Wayne what these guys wanted to do I think he thought they must be crazy...what no PMV ride from Popondetta to Kokoda...I replied NO, they want to walk all the way.

Not only that when they arrive at Guria airport they want to be driven down to 'Oro Bay' to commence their walk. Wayne took it all on board and agreed to be their guide and walk with them. Keep in mind that Wayne is the second fastest man to ever cross the Kokoda Track so pardon the pun but this should be a 'walk in the park' for someone with his level of fitness.

After they arrive in Kokoda by the 17th November, they will overnight at our base, Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and rest their legs. The following day, 18th November they will join up with another trekker who will be flying into Kokoda by the name of Joanne and will commence their Kokoda trek.

However just to be different again, Erden and Douglas along with Wayne will not be picked up by motor vehicle at Owers' Corner but intend to walk all the way to Port Moresby to finish their trek.

You may wonder about the reasons behind such a trek. If so, why not click on to Erden's website and learn a little about the man. However, I will wet your appetite by posting something here for you:

Annals Of Adventure--Around-N-Over: It's pretty hard to make anyone's jaw drop these days, when there are so so few firsts, and so many gimmicks and so many pretenders in the world of adventure. But every once in a while, some maniac comes up with an adventure idea that makes you sit back and say: "Holy sh*t! I can't believe he/she is going to do that!" Well, meet Erden Eruc, a Turkish-born American who plans to climb the six highest summits on six continents. No big deal, you say. Lots of people have done that, and hit the highest summit in Antarctica to boot. True, true. But no one has ever done it...ENTIRELY UNDER HUMAN POWER! What do I mean? I mean Eruc will not just climb the mountains, he will get to them by either bicycling or rowing. No cars, no jets, no nothing with a combustion engine. Just Erden Eruc burning millions of calories as he circles the globe in one of the most ambitious quests I have come across. It is also a poignant one, because Eruc added the mountain climbing wrinkle to this project to honor his great friend and mentor Goran Kropp, who died in a climbing accident in 2002. Eruc, who is based in Seattle, has already bicycled to, and climbed, Denali. Now he's peddling his way south toward Florida, where he'll hit the high seas and row his way to Ecuador, so he can bike to Aconcagua. Here's the full, ridiculous, itinerary:

• The circumnavigation journey began in California in a rowboat, crossing the Pacific Ocean and the Bismarck Sea to reach Finsch Harbor in PNG.
• Finsch Harbor to Oro Bay has been covered by beach walking and sea kayaking.
• Oro Bay to Port Moresby has been completed on foot by way of the Kokoda Track.
• Next will be the row from Port Moresby to Thursday Island.
• Travel in Australia will be by bicycle, following the coastal roads clockwise to Perth. Kosciuszko will be climbed.
• Departure on the Indian Ocean from Perth will be the next step toward India.
• Everest will be climbed, after reaching it by bicycling in India and Nepal.
• After bicycling west to climb Elbrus, Erden will turn south to climb Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
• Bicycling on to Namibia, Erden will launch across the South Atlantic toward Brazil.
• Aconcagua in Argentina will be climbed before turning the journey north toward Bodega Bay in California where the circumnavigation journey had started in July 2007.

Follow his dream by logging on to his website for daily dispatches:

http://www.around-n-over.org/]]> Boss Meri Brian Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:20:59 +0000 1550 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1549 Shane met up with Richard a few days back when he arrived from Manila to walk the track. Earlier today Shannon arrived. After a stop over at Bomana War Cemetery they drove off to Owers' Corner where they are spending the night.

Tonight they are enjoying chinese takeaway and a few beers at Owers' before hopefully having a good nights sleep. They will hit the track early tomorrow morning planning to reach Ua'Ule Creek where they will spend the night. Trekkers are made up as follows:

Shane Thomas, Richard Herbert & Shannon Robina.

Photographs:

Richard seen here talking to some people at a craft market.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:55:49 +0000 1549 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1548 We are proud to announce that we have set up 'The Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship' in memory of Russell Eroro's brother who died in the 11th August, 2009 plane crash near Kokoda. We are honoured that The Kokoda Track Foundation have agreed to this and that they have offered to act in the capacity to select students from Kokoda Primary School; collection of funds for this purpose; and have in place an audit process to ensure students attend school so that you as sponsors can be assured your money has been well spent.

Earlier this year, we witnessed the tragic Airlines PNG plane disaster that resulted in the deaths of 13 people who were on route to Kokoda. Amongst those on board were 9 Australians and 3 Papua New Guineans, including Kingsley Eroro from Kokoda. Kingsley was a well loved and respected Orokaiva man from Kokoda who enjoyed helping the local community whenever he could.

Kingsley was also well known to many Australian Rotarians who have visited Kokoda doing work for the Kokoda Hospital and other projects in and around Kokoda. His wife Grace Eroro runs the local Post Office and is also the agent for Airline PNG in Kokoda. Most trekkers would have met Grace or one of their family on their journey to or from Kokoda. Many of you have walked with some of his brothers; sons; nephews; and wantoks.

Kingsley Eroro worked as the Mill Foreman of the processing – crusher/sag operations at the Porgera Joint Venture/Barrick (Niugini) Mine Site in the Porgera Valley near Mt Hagen, approximately 600 km north of Port Moresby. He was returning home to Kokoda on his tour break to spend time with his family when he died in the accident.

On certain occasions when asked by friends Kingsley acted as a guide on a number of crossings of the Kokoda Track (refer photograph below). Kingsley is an older brother of Russell Eroro whose company Kokoda Trekking Ltd (KTL) has taken many of you across the Kokoda Trail.

Kingsley Eroro strongly believed in the importance of family, education, and a better future for the people of Kokoda and was dedicated to finding pathways for young Orokaiva people. He was particularly passionate about finding opportunities for young Kokoda students to get an education and return to their home village to work and make a living.

In memory of Kingsley’s life, and in paying respects to the ‘Eroro’ family, the Kokoda Track Foundation is honoured to announce the ‘Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel Scholarship’. This scholarship will be awarded to Orokaivan students from the Kokoda district region who are embarking on secondary studies in 2010.

The scholarship will be awarded to students from Grade 9, who has demonstrated exceptional ability and promise for the future and who are committed to returning to Kokoda after their education to make a living and contribute to their community.

The Foundation will announce recipients of the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel scholarship in February 2010 when it conducts its annual audit of the 23 schools supported by the Foundation.

Friends and colleagues of the Eroro family can make donations to the Kingsley Eroro Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel scholarship through the Foundation and all donations will be directed towards the education of Orokaiva children from the Kokoda region.

Please contact Genevieve Nelson if you are interested in making a donation or would like any more information about the scholarship or the work of the Foundation in PNG.

Alternatively, please click here to make an online donation and write "Kingsley Eroro" in the "Purpose" box.

Dr Genevieve Nelson
Executive Director
Kokoda Track Foundation Ltd
gen.nelson@kokodatrackfoundation.org
www.kokodatrackfoundation.org
Phone: 61 2 9252 2992
Mobile: 61 412 869210
Office: Level 10, 19-31 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
Mail to: PO Box 1674 North Sydney NSW 2059

Please Note: All donations to the Foundation in Australia are tax deductible

Photograph:

Left to Right

Cousin Donald Gava (Engineer with the Army in PNG); brother John Derick Eroro (one of our senior guides with hundreds of treks to his credit); the late Kingsley Eroro; Emmanuel Eroro, his eldest son who is one of our porters. Emmanuel also helps with the APNG flights in and out of Kokoda.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:54:59 +0000 1548 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1542 For the past few months there has been a family trying to create a resort on the outskirts of Port Moresby. As I have not only an interest in Kokoda Trekking but also a website promoting the whole of PNG, some months ago I was asked to travel out there to give them my recommendations as to how to grow the area for tourism.

As a local of Port Moresby the first thing that caught my eye on my first visit was the fact that the sand was white and not black which is common around the outskirts of Port Moresby such as 'Gaire Black Beach'. Since then they have been making improvements and now it is ready to market to anyone who would like to spend some time there.

Open Bay is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive out of Port Moresby or 2 hours if there is a lot of local traffic on the road. If you did not know where to go it would be almost impossible to find as its a private beach owned by some local landowners who hope to retire there in a few years time.

At the moment the couple who came up with this idea, live in Port Moresby from Monday-Friday and spend the weekend at Open Bay helping to build the resort. They also have a family home in a village situated not far from the main road but some 20 minutes from their beach haven. Their brother-in-law lives on the beach site and is a builder by trade. Their son is a electrician so pretty much everything you see has been built by the family for their future.

Yesterday was my third trip out to Open Bay and I was delighted to see they have been following my suggestions and that now they have a water tank installed along with some lights and a generator set up on site. They also have a pit toilet with a flushing one being installed within the next few weeks along with a shower similar to the one we have at Orohaven in Kokoda.

My son Shane and I spoke to them about an exclusive right to sell their resort and they have agreed as they are looking for help to bring tourism to their area.

As cash flow improves, so will the accommodation and amentities offered. However, for now its open for immediate use and for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Port Moresby, this is a great place that offers pretty much like you are on the Kokoda Track except the bush you have the ocean at your doorstep.

All food/drinks etc have to be carried in by esky, ie BYO. You will still need your tent and trek gear such as cup/plate/sleeping bag etc but for anyone who is into FISHING or SWIMMING, this is a private place with only the caretakers of the area at the resort for your safety.

Its very RELAXING so take along a good book!

If you are interested, please contact me as this can easily be added on to the end of your trek and the cost is quite inexpensive compared to the hotels and Loloata resort in and around Port Moresby.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:42:42 +0000 1542 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1541 After a few weeks of not having any trekkers on the track, (whilst we had a good break and were able to pop over to Kokoda to do some work at 'Orohaven') its nice to once again welcome to PNG another group to walk the track.

This morning the following trekkers were picked up from the Gateway Hotel at 7am to be driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Most trekkers spend about an hour there before continuing their journey by motor vehicle to Owers' Corner. Today as its a small group they are travelling out in my Toyota Prado which should be a comfortable ride for them. On this trek we have two people all the way from Canada which is a FIRST for us. We have had a few from America, but from Canada I have been thinking really hard, but cannot think of anyone from that country who has walked with us.

• Natasha (Sun Khi) Li
• Dieter Bromme
• Bruce Gillon
• Esther Murphy

Pic 1: Group Photograph taken at Bomana War Cemetery
Pic 2: Group photograph taken at Sogeri Monument Area:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:23:49 +0000 1541 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1539
We would like to let you know about our Facebook Group.

If you have Facebook, please join the group and help support KTL.

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#...gid=57931747304
]]> Kokoda Kokoda Thu, 29 Oct 2009 21:01:59 +0000 1539 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1537
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]]> Boss Meri Wokabaut Meri Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:46:46 +0000 1537 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1528 Under the leadership of Johnsford Eroro, four trekkers were picked up earlier today from their respective hotels to be driven out to Owers' Corner to commence their trek. On this trek we have three Australian's and one guy all the way from Sweden. His name is BO pronounced BOO. He is quite well travelled and has even been on the swedish rescue team for Mt Everest. Other trekekers appeared to relish this info as I could hear them talking to him as I drove the car to the drop off point. Their names are as follows:

• Simon Hutchison
• Bryan Mclachlan
• Bo Sunnefeldt
• Lisa Wheatley

The photographs below were taken at Bomana War Cemetery. Can you pick which one is BO. I heard one guy remark, his legs look like they have climbed a few mountains! Actually he is also a skier so this could help. At Owers' Corner I heard someone comment when he was introduced to his personal porter, you look so strong you could carry him.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:19:13 +0000 1528 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1526 Last night saw us meet up with a lone trekker from NSW at the Gateway Hotel. He looked keen and eager to go.

This morning I collected him from the Gateway and drove him to Bomana War Cemetery. Our driver and truck turned up not long afterwards to drive him and our boys up to the starting point at Owers' Corner. His name is Craig Ferguson and he is carrying all the way himself so is out for the challenge and some history thrown in along the way. His guide is Winnie Pore and walking with them is Glen Henson who is also one of our guides. They are best mates so I am sure Craig will enjoy himself with these two guys.

The following photographs were taken at Bomana War Cemetery around 8:15am this morning.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:42:46 +0000 1526 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1521 Today saw us catch up once again with Soc Kienzle as he led another trek out to Kokoda. Not long after they arrived in Kokoda they drove off for a look around and no doubt to the river Soc grew up next to for a refreshing dip. According to my son Shane at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat, they returned mid afternoon and spent a relaxing afternoon in their hut. Trekkers walking with Soc are made up as follows:

• Richard Hockley
• Vaughan Hockley
• Shaun McWilliam
• Doug McLean
• Scott McLean
• Troy McLean
• Brett McLean
• Daniel Morgan

The photograph below was taken approximately 10 minutes before they boarded our chartered flight to Kokoda which left around 8am.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:17:08 +0000 1521 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1516 Two female trekkers left Owers' Corner earlier today on a 6 day trek planning to reach Kokoda on the 30th September. Last night I met up with them at the Gateway Hotel and they appeared to be experienced trekkers who were looking forward to another trek.

Trekkers on this trek are as follows:

Sharon Jendrzejczak and her friend Julia McKay

They were down for a 6:30am start and when I arrived they were having breakfast but were soon ready to hit the road to Bomana War Cemetery but not before I took the following photograph.
]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 26 Sep 2009 10:57:41 +0000 1516 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1515 Underl the leadership of Ernst Jinga, trek 523 got underway early this morning. Trekkers in this group include:

• Chris Dixon and his son Sam Dixon
• Malcolm Quekett
• Geoffrey Franklin
• Wayne Puckett
• Christopher Mullins
• Patrick Mullins
• Vincent James Collins
• Phil Cassidy
• Michael Van Vegchel

]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:35:01 +0000 1515 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1511 Last night we met up with John Prossor who has trekked with us before and who is associated with the 'Lord Somers Powerhouse Group' from Victoria. We first met up with him when he trekked a few years ago and it was great to receive his initial booking and now the extra trekkers he has brought up with him to share in the experience of walking the Kokoda Track. Trekkers in this group include:

• John Prossor
• Nic Ruys
• PJ (Hutch) Hutchinson
• Jarad Hutchinson
• Steve Rieniets
• David O'Brien
• William O'Brien
• Graeme York
• Greg May
• Stevie Trembath
• Peter Ruys
• Haylee Parfett
• Ian Patching
• Tristan Ellett
• Greg Pries
• Michelle Webb
• Denzil Tudor
• Michael Hutchinson
• Patrick Hutchinson
• Kane Jackson
• Brian Costello
• Rodney Neville Bridges

Last night we arranged to meet with the group at 6:30am this morning. All went ahead as planned and we were all in vehicles by 7am and heading for Bomana War Cemetery. I must say John Prossor handed over paper work which made my job easy today as it was all bundled together and in great detail. Wow, I am not used to this, he will have to come back more often!!!

The photograph of the group below was taken at Bomana War Cemetery.

]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:38:29 +0000 1511 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1510 Earlier today we said goodbye to our latest group of trekkers to head out on the Kokoda Track. All went ahead as planned when we headed off from the Gateway Hotel around 7am and popped in to Bomana War Cemetery on the way out of town. Trekkers in this group include:

Chris Norris; Adam Marsh; Neil Gardner; James French; John & Dianne Shepherdson]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:32:12 +0000 1510 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1503 At the present moment our son Nathan Thomas is on his honeymoon having married Kate Lewer in a garden wedding last Saturday 12th September.

Nathan as the majority of you would be aware, is based on the Gold Coast and works for the business full time taking care of all trekker needs here in Australia. He has his mobile phone with him and intends answering emails but is also trying to spend some quality time with his new wife Kate as they start the next chapter of their lives together.

It was a really nice wedding in a lovely setting on the outskirts of Tweed Heads. The venue had several small cottages so close family members took advantage of this whilst other guests travelled up by bus from Coolangatta/Tweed Heads.]]> Boss Meri Mrs Moo Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:28:36 +0000 1503 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1498 Trek 536 flew into Kokoda around 8am this morning and decided to commence walking upon their arrival thus avoiding the overnight in Kokoda. The photograph below was taken shortly before their flight departed from Port Moresby.

List include:

John Hayden; Lex Van Saane; Anthony Bennett; Barry Walsh and Bryan Winkleman]]> Boss Meri Spud Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:06:53 +0000 1498 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1493 Newsflash: FYI, Kokoda residents all the way down to Popondetta can now send and receive digicel mobile phone calls. This has been a long time coming but to all our guides, porters and their families the excitement is hard for them to contain.

Almost daily, we have been receiving phone calls at all hours of the day or night as they try out their new mobile phones. This morning at 6am the phone rang. I asked the reason for the phone call and was informed, no reason, just checking that his phone was working...haha

Digicel have also been selling their mobile phones for around the K40.00 mark so plenty of locals have been up at the Kokoda Station trying to get their hands on one.

Once the dust settles, no doubt they will soon realise the cost of owning such a phone as a K3.00 phone card will not go to far when they are calling Port Moresby or Australia.

For those of our trekkers who have handed out their telephone numbers, please be warned, you too may start to receive phone calls!]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:45:35 +0000 1493 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1490 This morning our latest trek left Owers' Corner to walk off the track on the 6th September where they will overnight at our base Orohaven Kokoda Retreat before flying back to Port Moresby on the 7th Sept.

Trekkers are walking with Shane Thomas and our guide Tarina Bore. Trekkers walking today are as follows:

• Peter Ryan
• Savas Vostanis

Peter and Savas seen here next to the signpost at Sogeri Monument Area:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:43:25 +0000 1490 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1484 Trek 533 was collected from the Gateway Hotel around 7:30am this morning and driven out to Bomana War Cemetery. Last night when I met up with this group they were all keen and eager to start their trek. Trekkers in this group include two brothers and a couple of mates.

Dean and Brett Oakley; David House and John Tauschke all the way from Saudi.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:38:52 +0000 1484 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1482 Wednesday - 26th August

1.30pm - Casket leaves Funeral Home for St Pauls Church (Murray Barracks)

2.00 - 3.00pm - Funeral Service

3.00 - 4.00pm - Eulogy

4.00pm - Casket returns to Funeral Home

4.30pm - 5.00pm - Refreshment at Haus Krai. Sergeant Donald Titeri's Residence (House #182, Murray Barracks)

Thursday - 27th August

Body is flown to Kokoda for burial.

For further information on Funeral Arrangements, call Justus Eroro on 7160 8629 or call Sgt. Donald Titeri on 7158 6019

May his Soul Rest in Peace]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:25:56 +0000 1482 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1478 Due to the closure of Kokoda airstrip Russell Eroro and myself had no choice then to travel to Popondetta and travel by road to Kokoda with approx 1200 kg of cargo including a pie warmer, five cartons of day old chicks; chicken feed; boxes of bread, cream buns, pies, chip cooker; sausage rolls and heaps of other goodies including two 5kva generators each weighing 101kg.

On the day of the fatal crash, we had a charter booked which was to carry all this cargo to Kokoda. Due to the weather it was cancelled around midday. The following day the airstrip was closed due to a 10km no go zone around the crash site. We have three generators at the retreat but it seems all three had given up working and we had to race out and purchase two new 5kva diesel machines. In PNG everything pretty much works on PNG time (taim) and they wait until nothing works before they inform us. For one whole week we had to hire a genset from a family at the rate of K50 per hour!

As the days rolled by, the need for Russell to return home to the haus krai due to his brother's death, coupled by the urgency to get the generators to Kokoda, we decided to charter an aircraft into Popondetta and purchased two tickets on the RPT flight on a Dash 8 APNG flight for ourselves so we could use up the 1200 kg load factor as cargo.

In PNG you always have a plan 'B'. For example the cargo could not get to Popondetta before us as there would have been no-one there to meet the flight. As the other flight we were on may not have boarded on time and/or cancelled, it was agreed that once on board and with my seat belt tightened, that I make a quick phone call to the operations manager. This is what I did and with the pilots on standby, the chartered aircraft was also airborne arriving in Popondetta some 10 minutes after we had touched down on the RPT flight - perfect timing! We then had to try and keep the bread from being crushed; the cream from melting in the buns and lamingtons, and with the boys drooling at the mouth being surrounded by all this food, I am surprised it did not turn into a party with everyone eating the food before it reached Kokoda.

Not long after, with our two hired Toyota utes @ K900.00 per day or K400.00 one way drop off, we managed to hit the road to Kokoda. Approximately an hour or so later after refuelling, we came to a rather unusual site...a ute hanging on by the bumper bar and grill on the front with its owner waiting patiently thinking of how he was going to retrieve his vehicle from further damage. I could not resist taking a photograph and thought I would share it with you.]]> Boss Meri Eve Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:35:36 +0000 1478 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1477 This morning I met up with trek 532 when they set foot in Kokoda after arriving on a Tropic Air charter - yes, the airstrip has been re-opened to charter only flights as from the 18th August!

It was such a relief for us as it would have meant quite a journey landing in Popondetta and travelling by road to Kokoda and they probably would not have arrived until mid to late afternoon.

As it was the flight landed around 9:30am. Trekkers include:

Doug Ferris; Heather and daughter Alexandra Bull and family friend Edward Stubing; Marissa Moore and Neil Walton.

Not long after they arrived in Kokoda I took the following photographs:]]> Boss Meri Geoff Hardie Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:21:38 +0000 1477 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1472 As I type this, John Derick Eroro is on the radio informing their family in Kokoda and those like Russell in Port Moresby that their big brother is gone! I have goose bumps as I listen to this radio communication.

So many radio communications, so much joy about trekkers who have walked the track, now such tragic news!

Our thoughts also go out to all the families of everyone involved in this airline crash. Lets not forget Airlines of PNG and No Roads.

We are thinking of everyone as we mourn ourselves for someone close to Kokoda Trekking who also died in this crash.

The conversation on the radio sounds like half our KTL boys have made their way up the mountain to pay their respects and to support the brothers of Kingsley in their hour of need. Whether or not they will be allowed to do so remains to be seen, but they are planning to carry their brother off the mountain and back to the family block in Kokoda.

Although Kingsley only walks the Kokoda Track once or twice per year with private groups associated with friends of the people he has met and worked with at the Porgera Mine Site, he is the husband of Grace who runs the Kokoda Post Office and is the agent for Airlines of PNG in Kokoda. If you have flown with Airlines of PNG you will no doubt have met Grace or one of their sons. Kingsley also helps the family out on his tour breaks and was often seen at Kokoda airport.

PRESS RELEASES FROM AIRLINES PNG:

PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA Monday 17th August 2009 1:00pm

Airlines PNG can now advise that the transfer of bodies of the 11 passengers and 2 crew members from the accident site was completed yesterday. We can confirm that there were 13 people on board the aircraft (11 passengers and 2 crew) despite previous false media reports of other victims. The High Commission and the PNG Civil Aviation Authority late yesterday also supported this. Of the 11 passengers and 2 crew the nationalities of the people on board are: Two pilots were of Papua New Guinean decent and the passengers were made up of 9 Australians, 1 Papua New Guinean and 1 Japanese citizen.

There have also been reports that Kingsley Eroro (one of the victims) was not manifested. We can confirm that he was most definitely the only PNG National passenger on the flight. The airline is working with the Papua New Guinean families to arrange traditional ‘haus kreis’ and to then assist in managing funeral arrangements for the deceased crew and one Papua New Guinean passenger.

The airline is also working with authorities to assist in ensuring the rapid repatriation of the nine Australian passengers and the Japanese passenger to their respective countries. Airlines PNG will also provide all other assistance to the victim’s families wherever possible. It is understood that the Papua New Guinean Government has asked the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to assist Papua New Guinea in the investigation of this accident.

Four ATSB investigators arrived in Port Moresby at approximately 7:00pm on Wednesday night. Airlines PNG will be working closely with all authorities to ensure that all lessons learned from this tragic event are implemented. Due to the nature of the investigative process, the ability of Airlines PNG to publicly comment further will be significantly constrained, until the full findings of the investigation are released. Wherever possible however, Airlines PNG will continue to work with the media and the public to ensure as much information as possible is provided.

***END OF RELEASE***


AIRLINES PNG FACT SHEET AS AT 1:00pm 17/08/2009 - #1 Issued: Monday 17th August 2009

ORDER OF EVENTS Tuesday 11th August 2009 Airlines PNG flight CG 4684 - with 11 passengers and 2 crew members on board departed Port Moresby Airport at 10:53a.m bound for Kokoda airstrip on Tuesday 11th August 2009. When it failed to arrive at its scheduled arrival time of 11:20a.m, Airlines PNG’s Kokoda agent contacted the airline’s Operations Centre to advise of its non-arrival. The Operations Centre made immediate contact with Port Moresby Flight Service and were advised that the last radio contact with the aircraft had been at 11:11a.m. The airfield at Kokoda is at an elevation of 1,269ft AMSL (above mean sea level) located in Papua New Guinea’s Owen Stanley Ranges. Four Twin Otter flights were known to be scheduled during the morning.

The first flight – a Twin Otter aircraft operated by another PNG airline - attempted to land at Kokoda at approximately 9:00 am and returned to Port Moresby due to adverse weather in the Kokoda area. This is a common occurrence as the weather in this area can deteriorate rapidly and conversely can improve quite rapidly. That aircraft did in fact return to Kokoda and land safely later that morning.

A second Twin Otter operated by Airlines PNG landed at Kokoda at 09:48a.m. The weather conditions at the time were reported by the Captain to be “good visibility below a broken cloud layer between 9,000ft AMSL and 7,000ft AMSL”, while to the south-west the ranges were still covered in cloud. This aircraft then took off to return to Port Moresby at 10:00a.m.

The Twin Otter from the other PNG airline departed Kokoda at 11:10a.m. approximately at the time the missing aircraft was descending to Kokoda. The weather was reported to be average with areas of reduced visibility but in excess of legal requirements.

The fourth flight from an airstrip called Efogi to Kokoda landed at 11:35a.m. and again the weather was reported by the Captain to be “good visibility below a cloud layer between 9,000ft AMSL and 7,000ft AMSL” with the ranges to the south-west still covered in cloud. Visibility then reduced whilst this aircraft was on the ground, as several rain showers moved up the valley. This aircraft later took off from Kokoda to assist in search efforts.

Airlines PNG activated its Emergency Response Plan and Emergency Centre at 1140 and advised Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that one of its Twin Otter aircraft with 13 people on board had gone missing en route from Port Moresby to Kokoda in the rugged Owen Stanley Ranges and that an extensive search and rescue mission was under way. Two of the airline’s other aircraft as well as two helicopters were immediately contacted to commence sweeps of the search area.

The Australian Search and Rescue, which monitors signals from the aircraft’s emergency locator beacon was contacted and advised that no signal had been received.

PNG’s Civil Aviation Authority, the Australian High Commission and Japanese Embassy were notified of the event at 1:17pm. The airline confirmed that of the eleven passengers on board, one was Papua New Guinean, one Japanese and nine were Australian members of a Kokoda trekking group. The two person crew on the aircraft were both Papua New Guineans.

Victorian tour operator No Roads Expeditions was notified and in turn confirmed that it had advised the families of its Australian clients on board. Australian consular officials from Port Moresby were also in contact with the families to offer consular assistance.

Airlines PNG advised that –

• The missing Twin Otter aircraft had earlier this year undergone a complete refurbishment programme and was fitted with the latest navigation aids and terrain awareness equipment.
• The flight crew were highly experienced with flying in Papua New Guinea’s challenging conditions and very familiar with the particular route flown.
• Earlier in the day, an Airlines PNG flight had operated into Kokoda under normal weather conditions but conditions in the mountainous terrain can be subject to sudden changes.
• Further assistance was being provided in the search area by both PNG and Australian authorities and mining companies in PNG were also providing resources to assist.

Wednesday 12 August 2009 Search efforts continued at first light and the airline confirmed that at approximately 8:40am the missing aircraft was located at an altitude of 5,500ft in the Kokoda area. Visual inspections from a helicopter showed no immediate signs of activity. A PNG Police response team landed a short distance from the crash site, but deteriorating weather and limited communications hampered further information from that team.

Three helicopters, including a Royal Australian Navy Sea King operated in the area to drop further personnel near to the crash site to assist in the rescue. An RAAF Caribou was positioned at Kokoda Airstrip while an Australian Command and Control Dornier aircraft held position above the area to coordinate activities

Airlines PNG advised that the ground party had confirmed there were no survivors and that the airline had contacted the families of the crew and the Papua New Guinea passenger and was providing appropriate assistance.

Australian and Japanese consular officials in Port Moresby confirmed they would contact victims’ next of kin and to provide assistance to the passengers’ families. The airline began liaison with the Papua New Guinean, Australian and Japanese authorities to assist families too and offered its condolences to the families along with flights and accommodation.

Extensive resources continued to be provided by the Papua New Guinea Government, the Australian Government and Airlines PNG as the task of recovery of the bodies from the crash site and their return to their families began.

Deteriorating weather conditions caused the suspension of recovery action overnight.


Thursday 13 August 2009 Recovery efforts continued throughout the day under extremely difficult weather conditions in the rugged terrain but were again suspended overnight.

During the day, further details were released concerning the airline and its crew members operating Airlines PNG Flight CG 4684 and their high level of experience in flying the aircraft in the rugged terrain due to media reports making false claims.

Friday 14th August 2009: Recovery efforts continued again at first light. During the day Airlines PNG re-confirmed the number of victims on board the ill-fated aircraft as (13) after media reports emerged suggesting that there were in excess of this. With the approval of Kingsley Eroro’s family, Airlines PNG confirmed that he was indeed the PNG passenger on the flight. The confusion of total number of victims is believed to be due to only a duplicate booking in the reservations system and one no- show booking.

Saturday 15th August 2009 Remains continued to be recovered and brought to Port Moresby. Airlines PNG confirmed that it was working with investigation teams to ensure that all lessons from the accident were learnt.

Due to the nature of the investigative process, Airlines PNG said that the ability to publicly comment further will be significantly constrained, until the full findings of the investigation are released. Wherever possible however, Airlines PNG will continue to work with the media and the public to ensure as much information as possible is provided.

Sunday 16th August 2009: The last remains were transferred to Port Moresby and Airlines PNG continued to work with authorities as part of the investigation.

MEDIA QUERY CHECKLIST:

Pilot Training & Experience Captain Jannie Moala who was pilot in command of the ill-fated aircraft completed her pilot training in New Zealand, prior to her flying career in Papua New Guinea. She commenced flying Twin Otter aircraft with Airlines PNG in 2005 and had since accumulated over 2,500 hours flying experience on that aircraft type. Captain Moala had flown the Port Moresby to Kokoda route on numerous occasions. The second crew member on the flight was First Officer Royden Sauka who had completed his pilot training in Australia and also started flying Twin Otter aircraft in 2005 with Airlines PNG. He too had in excess of 2,000 hours experience flying that same aircraft type. FO Sauka was also very familiar with the Port Moresby to Kokoda route, having flown it on many occasions. Airlines PNG’s pilots are some of the most experienced in the world in flying this type of aircraft and in this type of environment. Many of them have decades of experience and undergo the most rigorous check and training regime and are fully licensed by the relevant regulatory authority.

Black Box – Should There Have Been One? The aircraft was not equipped with a black box. This equipment is not required on Twin Otter aircraft under the PNG Regulations nor is it even available to Twin Otter aircraft anywhere in the world. Airlines PNG did however on its own initiative and in excess of the requirements of the aviation safety rules equip the aircraft with dual GPS Systems and a Terrain Awareness System as well as a Radio Altimeter.

Kingsley Eroro – Was He On The Flight? There have also been reports that Kingsley Eroro (one of the victims) was not manifested. We can confirm that he most definitely was and that a duplicate booking in the reservations system may have lead to this misinformation of an additional passenger on the flight. With the approval of his family we can also confirm that Kingsley Eroro was a victim on the ill-fated flight.

Airlines PNG Suspension Of Kokoda Flights Airlines PNG under its own initiative has suspended all of its flights into Kokoda until it is satisfied with its own internal investigations and as the airline believes that considering the circumstances it is right thing to do. All other services offered by Airlines PNG are still operating as usual. Please note that Airlines PNG was not forced to suspend the Kokoda air service. The airline chose to.

Any further media queries please refer them to Airlines PNG Media Relations: Danae Jones International mobile: +61 409 346 599 Australian mobile: 0409 346 599
Photograph:

Left to Right - his cousin Donald; John Derick (brother); Kingsley and his son Emmanuel (Mike Ebeling photograph). Message from Colac: We took this photo just south of Mission Ridge in 2006 for John and his brother, Kingsley. That was a happy day.]]> Boss Meri jeroro Wed, 12 Aug 2009 07:47:02 +0000 1472 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1471
Our prayers go out for all the families involved back in Australia as they search for the plane fearing the worst but also we have a prayer for an extra person making up the total of 13 passengers on board, Kingsley Eroro.

Kingsley is the eldest brother of Russell Eroro my business partner. Kingsley's wife Grace you may all know as the woman in charge of the Kokoda Post Office. As well as looking after the Post Office, Grace and their family run the agency for APNG (Airlines of PNG) in Kokoda and can often be seen at the Kokoda airport.

Family members are all fearing the worst as they wait for news up dates.

http://www.noroads.com.au/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/08...?section=justin

http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,2831...5014090,00.html

http://livenews.com.au/news/missing-plane-...009/8/12/215858

Irrespective of which trekking company you walked with, if you boarded an Airlines of PNG flight you would probably have been booked in by Grace Eroro (wife of Kingsley) or one of their children as they are the agents for Airlines of PNG in Kokoda. Grace also runs the post office in Kokoda.]]> Boss Meri Brian Tue, 11 Aug 2009 11:28:40 +0000 1471 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1468 Numbers on the Track

Permit numbers continue at 24% below 2008 numbers and 6% below 2007 numbers YTD. August has over 320 permits presold (802 total in 2008) so we should get close to the 2008 figures.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:10:04 +0000 1468 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1467 Last night when we met up with 12 of the 18 trekkers, we said we would pick them up at 7am from the Gateway Hotel. When we arrived there were trekkers everywhere as there appeared to be three different trekking companies heading out on the track today. As there were 6 trekkers arriving on a flight from Cairns at 8:30, we decided that our truck would take our trekkers to Bomana War Cemetery. Russell in the troopcarrier would ferry in all their backpacks and then be on standby to drive them to Owers' Corner from wherever the truck could reach based on the condition of the road. I decided to stay back and wait for the trekkers from Cairns and then play catch up to the others. It all went like clockwork.

Trekkers arrived on time from Cairns; our big truck got almost to the last village and Russell ferried them to Owers' Corner. As for myself, a bit of fun 4wd driving saw us arrive at Owers' Corner about an hour after the lead group. Today was a bit wet so we could not get down to the archway but we managed to get to the last hill so they did not have too far to walk to get to the starting point.

Trekkers in the first group are made up as follows:

• Sue Lawlor - porter - (Jimmy Barai)
• Catherine (return trekker 2008) & hubby Jeff Pethybridge + Shared Porter with Jeff - (Ramsey Idau)
• Andrew Evely - Shared Porter 'Brendan Buka' with Tracy
• Tracy Wilson - sharing Brendan Buka as a porter with Andrew
• Loretta Monaghan (return trekker 2007) + Requires a porter (Wayne Urina)
• Neil Perry + Requires a porter - (Duggie Eroro)
• Nicholas Perry + Requires a porter - (Justin Egimbari)
• Michael McKellar + Requires a porter - (Conwell Barai)
• Adam McKellar + Requires a porter - (Tommy Bareo)
• Aaron Little + Requires a porter
• Kerry Little + Requires a porter - (Nigel Pue)

As it turns out a couple of father/son trekkers along with a husband and wife and some friends. Brendan Buka has drawn two runners which suits him perfectly even though he will look over shadowed by their height.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:46:47 +0000 1467 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1466 Today we will get to meet up with our latest trek about to head out on the Kokoda Track. Its one of our biggest treks of the year and has Wallace Lemeki as the guide who does not hail from Kokoda but from Milne Bay. Wallace moved their with his adopted family some years ago and now calls Kokoda home.

Wallace also looks after our base in Kokoda and does a really good job. He is in charge of hiring staff and logistics and more recently Managing Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. Wallace will be assisted by Harold Hauro. Both Wallace and Harold have walked with Soc Kienzle who has been giving them history lessons for which they will be forever grateful as it has given them a much better understanding of what happened during the war.

Trek 531 has some return trekkers within the group who have brought along some of their friends. In fact it was Catherine Pethybridge who selected Wallace as their guide and I am sure he will not disappoint her or other trekkers as he takes his job very seriously.

Trekkers in this group include:

• Sue Lawlor - porter - (Jimmy Barai)
• Catherine (return trekker 2008) & hubby Jeff Pethybridge + Shared Porter with Jeff - (Ramsey Idau)
• Andrew Evely - Shared Porter 'Brendan Buka' with Tracy
• Tracy Wilson - sharing Brendan Buka as a porter with Andrew
• Greg Taggart + Requires a porter - (Ray Olen)
• Hugh Taggart + Requires a porter - (Homer Ino)
• Michael Lee + Requires a porter - Jerry Imaita
• Cameron Lee
• Adam Gregory + Requires a porter - (Hobert Keke - a real character and fun to be around)
• Keith McLennan + Requires a porter
• Loretta Monaghan (return trekker 2007) + Requires a porter (Wayne Urina)
• Neil Perry + Requires a porter - (Duggie Eroro)
• Nicholas Perry + Requires a porter - (Justin Egimbari)
• Michael McKellar + Requires a porter - (Conwell Barai)
• Adam McKellar + Requires a porter - (Tommy Bareo)
• Aaron Little + Requires a porter
• Kerry Little + Requires a porter

As we have no idea until they return today what the road will be like tomorrow, we felt it was easier to move the porters out today so the 4wheel drive vehicles can ferry the trekkers up to Owers' Corner tomorrow.

Photographs:

Pic 1: Wallace enjoying a few moments on the track
Pic 2: Wallace on a cleaning mission picking up rubbish at the end of one of our trekking seasons
Pic 3: On his first ever trek he walked with John Prossor. Next month will see John Prossor return again to walk with Wallace. John was also instrumental in inviting Wallace to attend the Lord Somers Camp in Victoria three years in a row.]]> Boss Meri Brian Sun, 02 Aug 2009 01:07:02 +0000 1466 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1465 Hi everyone, today I flew over to Kokoda on a chartered aircraft and the pilot was kind enough to allow me some time to look around before flying back to Port Moresby. It was the first time I had been to Kokoda for over twelve months and I made the most of it as I clicked away with my camera.

You may wonder why it has taken me so long, well the answer is you our trekkers. Whilst trekkers are on the track its imperative I remain in Port Moresby to attend to medivacs; operations; administration duties; meeting and greeting trekkers and so on.

At the end of each trekking season I have headed off to spend some time with my family in Australia returning this year in mid April.

So today I was pleasantly surprised to see that what was bare dirt is now covered in grass and that the buildings have survived and other changes have been made according to my wishes. However, here in PNG nothing moves very quickly and Kokoda is no exception. If I were to spend some weeks there I am sure I could make several changes in a very short time but finding the time is always my problem.

Below are some photographs I took today to help promote Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. As time goes by, this block will be developed even further, but one has to crawl before one can run, so patience is the key at the moment. Today I thought of many things that could be done to improve the facility and will try and work on them one by one until my ideas have been realised.

On my arrival our Manager of operations in Kokoda, Wallace Lemeki was pleasantly surprised to see me inside the aircraft as he had no idea I was coming over.]]> Boss Meri 39thdecendant Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:27:07 +0000 1465 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1464 Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting our latest trekker to head out on the Kokoda Track, namely Efrat Nakash. When Efrat first booked I thought it was a male name so was surprised to find in fact that we had a 'female' trekker heading our way!

After talking with Efrat it was soon clear that she is a well travelled woman and that she is not here for the history; the challenge or anything else the track can throw at her, but for the walk; the culture and the people. She wants to walk; eat; talk; take photographs of people; enjoy the experience of one of the world's great treks.

By the time Efrat leaves PNG she will have seen more of the country then I have since arriving here in 1972. As a photographer, I know she will take home to Israel fond memories of her time in PNG out on the Kokoda Track; her planned walk up Mt Wilhelm and her time on the Sepik River.

After talking with her today it turns out she was able to look up information about PNG on my other website, www.pngbd.com which pretty much covers all of PNG! Today she commented that I have many names, 'Boss Meri' on this website and 'Aussie' on pngbd.

However, if I continue to help bring tourists to PNG to not only walk the track but experience whatever else PNG has to offer, then setting up both websites and the hours I have put into them both will have been well worth while.

This morning I collected Efrat from where she was staying around 7:15am and drove her to the airport to catch the flight to Kokoda. I informed her I would be flying over to Kokoda with her and she appeared excited by that. On the same flight were some of our porters returning home from their trek and Efrat insisted she be photographed along with them before they boarded the Tropic Air plane. The other photograph was taken while we were sitting in the terminal building and another inside the aircraft on the way to Kokoda.]]> Boss Meri Efrat Nakash Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:44:35 +0000 1464 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1460 I received this email earlier this week and thought I would share it with you. Who is Andy Rowan you might well ask? Refer below for the 'Hall of Fame' Kokoda Trekking Records:

Kokoda Challenge Race Records:

• Fastest man on the Kokoda Track/Kokoda Trail: Kokoda Trekking (KTL) porter - Brendan Buka - in both directions set in August 2007 and August 2008. Owers' Cnr to Kokoda 16:34; Kokoda to Owers 17:20
• Fastest Female - Nesta Gipine - set 31st August 2008 - Time 22:08:38
• Fastest white man - International Competitor - Owers' Corner to Kokoda - Damon Goerke set in August 2006 in a time of 19:28
• Fastest white man - International Competitor - Kokoda to Owers' Corner - Andrew (Andy) Rowan set in August 2006 in a time of 24:15

I will copy paste the email I received from Andy who by the way is a doctor. When I first met him, he was a young intern, here in PNG to gain experience in delivering babies. He mentioned that back home in NZ he would not get such an opportunity for several years but being in Port Moresby he had already delivered more babies then he could count in a few short months.

Andy became valuable to me in so much that I did not have a clue how to run a race let alone such a gruelling 24 hour race with all the logistical problems the track can throw at you. Andy having been in adventure races before met up with me on a couple of occasions and gave advice and help for which I will be forever grateful as our race is now in the record books. Andy if you are ever reading this, thanks for never forgetting Kokoda and for emailing me about your latest adventure...GO ANDY, friend Gibbo and new wife Wei Ling !
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Hi everyone,

well what can i say after 7 years of planning ( in the loose sense of the word) am am starting my cycle trip from NYC to Rio de jenairo tomorrow.

You can follow my trip at my blog at

http://andysballbustingadventure.blogspot.com/

hopefully i will update it weekly and add picture etc. below I have copy and pasted the first post ( just to get you excited ?? )

Andy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bike of the conchords : New Zealands third favourite cycle touring Trio

Hi everyone ,

When i was about 20 years old my grandfather ( at the age of 92) imparted to me the only advice he ever gave me , he said

"Andy you can either work when you're young or when you are old , but at some time in your life you will have to work"

- i had alot of love and repsect for Jock ( my grandfather) and I have taken his advise to heart - therefore I've decided to work when i'm old !!!! and tomorrow i am starting my cycle tour From New York City to Rio de J aneiro.

Without labouring the details, about 7 years ago I came up with the idea and enlisted the support of one of my good school friend's, Gibbo . However it has taken the best part of the last 6 years for us to organise ourselves - and just when it seems we had it all sorted Gibbo had to go and jepordise the whole thing by meeting the love of his life and get married ( Wei Ling - did I mention she is a mail order chinese bride !!, ) . So NZ's third favourite cycle duo became a trio.

So anyway here we are in the big apple , we have our bikes and a few maps , and we are due to head off tomorrow morning - to face ( how the french would say) I don't know what. I will do my best to do at least one exciting thing per week to spice up my weekly blog - and as and when I get pictures I will post them.

Andy

p.s - Wei Ling has just been reading over my shoulder and corrected me, she is in fact Malaysian-Chinese]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:18:01 +0000 1460 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1459 Yesterday I received a phone call from Amy Campbell and whilst talking to her on the phone I already had a vision of a young woman with a vibrant personality. When we met at the Gateway Hotel last night she immediately came across as how I pictured her to be. I also met up with her friend Liam Dobson and explained to them during a briefing what could be expected during their hike on the Kokoda Track. Turns out Liam owns and runs his own gym in Melbourne so will know after completing this trek what is needed in preparation to walk Kokoda.

As per the 'private' group that headed off today also from Owers' Corner, it was agreed to skip the visit to Bomana War Cemetery and to head off early. When I arrived at the hotel, both trekkers were ready and waiting in the foyer. As its safer to travel out as a group, I decided to wait until the others were ready and to all leave together. Instead of a 6:30am start we ended up getting away a little after 7am.

At Owers' Corner they met up with their porters and guide Ernst Jinga.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:52:53 +0000 1459 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1458 Last night I met up with our two sets of trekkers who headed out today from Owers' Corner at the Gateway Hotel. Turns out the guy who kicked off this trek Stuart McGregor arrived with his friend and sons from Hong Kong as well as another mate from from New Zealand making a total of 5 as follows:

• Stuart McGregor
• Marshell Byres
• Melvin Byres
• Harrinson Byres
• John Judge

Last night we discussed the option of heading out early and popping into Bomana War Cemetery after they returned or going there today on the way to Owers' Corner. It was decided to skip Bomana today.

Therefore based on their decision, it was decided that we would collect them from the hotel at 6:30am for the drive out to the drop off point of Owers' Corner. I think they were still enjoying their breakfast as it was after 7am by the time we loaded up and headed off to Owers'. Perhaps they thought they would enjoy their last full breakfast before they were forced to dine on dry rations for the next fews days until they reach Kokoda.

Before we left the Gateway Hotel, I snapped a pic of the group:]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 25 Jul 2009 07:03:41 +0000 1458 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1452 Five trekkers headed off today from Owers' Corner on a fast trek which will finish in Kokoda on the 19th July. This group will have a hard trek ahead of them but all appeared fit and ready to take on the challenge. Trekkers in this group include:

• Warrick Colman
• Luke Gilholme
• Darren Howard
• Mark Salmon
• Mick Tynan

This morning we picked everyone up from the Gateway around 7:30am and were at Bomana War Cemetery by 8am. The group spent approximately an hour walking around the area before we headed off towards Owers' Corner. Shortly before 11am they commenced their descent down their first hill.

The photograph below was taken at Bomana War Cemetery.]]> Boss Meri peterh13 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:42:38 +0000 1452 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1450 Last night we met up with our latest group of trekkers at the Gateway Hotel. This morning we arranged to pick them up around 7am however PNG time set in and I was a few minutes late. We ended up arriving at the airport and by the time they were all booked in and headed off it was close on 8:30am:

When they were about to board I noticed I could not find my bag with my camera so had to send our driver home to try and locate it. This he did and I took a couple of photographs.

Unfortunately I do not know what went wrong as tonight when I went to upload, there were no photographs on the memory card so I must apologise for not being able to post one.

I will try and make up for it at the end and will take HEAPS!

Trekkers who headed out today include:

Peter & Rhonda Hatton; Anne Regan; Terry Pedler; Wendy McWhinnie; Kym Kenny; Lester and Jayden Tilbrook.

Seems we have a couple of birthdays. Jayden is turning 21 and Peter I think he said 53.

Turns out Peter is the bloke who writes on our website, Peter 13: I joked at the airport and told him he had better have a great time as he oftens replies to threads on our website.

Tonight they are spending at Orohaven and tomorrow morning they will walk off to Isurava Village. Peter is carrying his own pack so has a real challenge ahead of him.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:23:20 +0000 1450 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1447 Numbers on the Track

June trekker numbers are well down on previous years and are continuing the trend for reduced numbers on the Track. Year to date is 22% down on last year and 12% down on 2007. July forward bookings are positive with 664 permits already sold as of 1st July.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:54:13 +0000 1447 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1444 Today we said goodbye to an ex trekker by the name of Lloyd Love along with two women, one from France and the other from Hong Kong. For awhile Lloyd would have thought he was going to be walking by himself but at the last minute the two young girls decided to join this trek.

Trekkers in this group are:

Lloyd Love; Minji Xu and Maya Kirpalani

We left the Gateway Hotel around 7:30am and headed off to Sogeri where trekkers stopped for a break which provided the first photo opportunity:
]]> Boss Meri peterh13 Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:10:48 +0000 1444 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1442 AUSTRALIA AND AIRLINES PNG GET KOKODA FLIGHTS ON TRACK

Weekly scheduled flights to four airstrips along the Kokoda Track will have a major impact on the lives of people in Track communities says Head of AusAID in PNG, Bill Costello, following today’s signing of an agreement between the Australian Government and Airlines PNG.

Airlines PNG will fly to Manari, Efogi, Kagi, and Milei on a weekly schedule, beginning on 10 July, that will ensure people and goods are able to move in and out of local communities.

The Australian Government is providing K374,000 to subsidise the flights for the first twelve months as one of the initiatives agreed between the PNG and Australian Governments under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges signed at the 2008 Ministerial Forum.

“This is a great outcome for communities along the Track,” said Mr Costello.

“One of the greatest challenges facing Track communities is the walking time and the rugged terrain between them and outside services and facilities. These flights mean that people who need to get to hospital, for example, will no longer need to walk.

“It also opens up greater income earning opportunities for people in the Track corridor.”

Mr Costello explained that the idea for a subsidised flight program followed extensive consultations with communities, PNG Government agencies and the tourism industry.

Head of Airlines PNG Commercial Operations and Charter, Allen Tyson, said that the nature of PNG’s geography means that air transport is the only realistic option for remote communities.

“We are very pleased to be working with the Australian Government on this program and with the subsidy we will be able to offer one-way fares at around K130.

“This is a very affordable fare which will open up air travel to many of the people in those communities.”

Mr Costello said the flight subsidy program was intended to stimulate community and economic development, making it more attractive for the operator to run a regular service along the Track.

The ongoing need for a subsidy program, and any further commitment by the Australian Government, will be evaluated after twelve months.

Airlines PNG will initially offer two scheduled flights from Port Moresby on Fridays. One will leave at 8am and fly to Manari and Efogi before returning to Port Moresby by 9.20am.

The other flight will depart Port Moresby at 9.30am and fly to Kagi and Milei and return to Port Moresby by 10.50am.

The flights will use a 19 seat Twin Otter aircraft.

Under the Joint Understanding on the Kokoda Track and Owen Stanley Ranges, the Australian Government has committed $14.9 million to assist the PNG Government to improve the livelihoods of local communities along the Kokoda Track and to establish effective management arrangements to protect the Track and deliver increasing benefits to local people.

ENDS

Media Inquiries: Jacqueline Smart AusAID Public Affairs +675 325 9333 ext 216

Photographs: Efogi Airstrip]]> Boss Meri Brian Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:29:58 +0000 1442 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1441 Kokoda Airport Terminal Building:

Attention all trekking companies, Kokoda Track Authority and Airline Companies & pilots.

Quite a few years ago Kokoda Trekking decided to renovate the old terminal building in Kokoda and turn it into something to be proud of. We also wanted to add some atmosphere for trekkers as they arrive and or depart from Kokoda so asked local PNG carvers to design and build for us a signboard to 'Welcome' trekkers to Kokoda which has proved a big hit as a photo opportunity upon arrival in Kokoda.

Kokoda Trekking did not put any advertising material up in lights stating that we paid for the terminal building and all the thatched huts providing shade; paid staff to continually mow the terminal area; made sure the toilets and shower were always clean with toilet paper provided; that the water tank always had water pumped up to the smaller tank on the roof for gravity feed to these amenities. We always made sure the tap outside the fenced area worked so trekkers could fill up their camel packs with water; that locals had water to drink whilst waiting for their flight etc

Airline companies always had a nice clean area in which to work and turn round their flights from Kokoda; cargo was sometimes stored there when passengers did not turn up to collect their cargo and so on.

At the beginning of June 2009 we thought we would improve the services previously offered even further and commenced putting in some shelves so we could sell cold soft drinks; ice-cream; hot food; artifacts etc. After the work was completed at more expense, we applied to the authorities in Kokoda for a permit to operate the shop. The permit was refused but permission was granted for us to operate from 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' situated further down the runway on the opposite side owned by Kokoda Trekking.

Shortly after receiving this news, a decision was made to move the premises from the present position on land we had no control over to Orohaven Kokoda Retreat and rebuild. During the past two weeks our staff have worked round the clock to remove all materials and move them to Orohaven. Work has already commenced at Orohaven and should be finished in the not too distant future when once again we will provide shade for trekkers and the general public.

Providing everything goes according to plan we should be able to offer hot food; pizza's; cold drinks, ice-cream and many other products. During the past month we have also started commercial chicken farming on the block. This has proved popular to both locals and trekkers who are looking for protein in Kokoda. We started off with 150 day old chicks every three weeks but the demand has been so high that we are presently sending 200 every week as there is limited fresh meat in Kokoda. This week we sent 13 rabbits for breeding purposes which we are hoping will prove popular to the locals as an alternative to chicken.

Now back to the airport: During the past couple of days I have received emails asking why we have pulled down the terminal building so I thought it best to put something up on our website.

For those of you who may not be aware, 'all materials' used on the premises with the exception of a few iron sheets on the roof and a couple of steel posts remains of the old terminal building, everything else was supplied by Kokoda Trekking. All wages were also paid by Kokoda Trekking with no help from Airlines; Kokoda Track Authority or other trekking companies.; Local Level Government (LLG) authorities etc.

Since building the premises we have also had to provide two full time security staff to make sure nothing was stolen from the premises and to ensure the grass continued to be mowed and the area remained clean and tidy. Shrubs need pruning that we planted for beautification to try and keep the premises and surrounding area clean and tidy.

Now that we have moved the materials to the new block, it will mean we have consolidated our facilities in Kokoda so we will be able to provide even better services and amenities for the travelling publc and the population of Kokoda. The 'Welcome to Kokoda' signpost will once again be erected outside 'Orohaven Kokoda Retreat' and we trust that trekkers from all companies will continue to have their photographs taken with this in the background.

In the meantime we beg you for your patience as we build again something similar at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat. We will provide shade; seating; flushing toilet, cold refreshments and food. It is not our intention to create another airport terminal building as the powers to be in Kokoda will determine where they will be, but for anyone waiting for hours to catch a flight you will have an alternative like before to be out of the sun in a nice environment whilst you wait for your flight.

If we cannot bring food to the people hopefully we will bring people to the food and amenities.

Kokoda Trekking will continue to serve all trekking companies and to provide services to the people of Kokoda.

Please be a little patient with us whilst we complete the new project at Orohaven Kokoda Retreat.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:33:10 +0000 1441 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1440 A lone trekker by the name of David Cummins is now on the track having commenced yesterday from Owers' Corner. He is in the company of Kingsley Boropi (no stranger to villagers as he has walked quite often) along with another couple of porters.

The day before I met David I was up at the Gateway Hotel when the reception staff informed me that there was an urgent message for me to phone the Ela Beach Hotel. I was surprised when I made contact to find out it was in relation to David as I was expecting to find him at another hotel.

We agreed to catch up yesterday and I drove him out to Bomana War Cemetery as we had a bit of time to kill due to the boys having to fly in from Kokoda on our charter that morning.

The trek then got away from Bomana around 10am and I heard later from our driver that it was a fun slippery ride out to Owers' Corner the drop off point.]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:20:11 +0000 1440 http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/forums/index.php?showtopic=1435 This morning we collected from the Gateway Hotel and the Airways Hotel our latest group of trekkers to head out on the Kokoda Track.

We left Port Moresby around 8:30 and arrived at Owers' Corner a couple of hours later after slipping and sliding our way along the road that leads us to the drop off point. They all appeared to enjoy the drive and looked eager and keen to start walking the track.

Trekkers in this group include the following:

• Brendan Rhodes
• Katherine Gordon
• Matthew Kirby
• Andrew White
• Sheree Kemp
• Sarnia Symons
• Emma Stewart
• Amanda Kirby
• Shane Thomas

]]> Boss Meri Boss Meri Thu, 18 Jun 2009 07:13:30 +0000 1435