DAY 1 - KOKODA to DENIKI

Saturday 05 July

After plenty of planning a few nerves, the trekkers finally landed at Port Moresby international airport yesterday and were met by their Australian guide, Leighand transported back to the 5 star Hilton Hotel. A few enjoyed an afternoon nap, while others had a swim and, in the evening, they gathered for a pre-trek briefing, dinner and off to bed.

Unfortunately the plane from port Moresby to Popondetta was rescheduled from 6am to 1pm today and the trekkers lost half a day however, this enabled them to enjoy a sleep in. A few were still up early for breakfast at the hotel before and then mid morning they headed back to the domestic airport for the 30-minute flight to Popondetta. Once they arrived, it was a short 20-minute drive into Popondetta where they were they picked up some supplies and a few snacks. Then it was a long dusty 3-hour journey to Kokoda from Popondetta travelling by private vehicle along the Japanese advance route from the coast via such historic sites as Wairopi, the Kumusi River, Awala, Oivi and Gorari.

After finally in arriving in Kokoda at 6pm they inspected the Kokoda Plateau, museum and discussed more of the history of the Kokoda campaign and battles there. They are now having dinner & getting ready for a huge day of trekking tomorrow. All are doing well.