DAY 8 - NAURO TO UA ULE CREEK

Saturday 12 July

Another tough trek out of camp to start to the day with a climb for 60 minutes and this got the lungs going. At the top was some amazing views of the Maguli Ranges, where it was reported the Japanese could see the lights of Moresby. Then it was a long hike down and across a muddy, slippery track for 90 minutes to a short break. Then a short hike down to Ofi Creek for a swim and up-to the campsite for morning tea. Back onto the the after morning tea they powered up one of the toughest climbs, Irobaiwa Ridge; this was the final advance of the main Japanese army. The trekkers dropped their packs at the top and took a short 15-minute hike to see a Japanese Ammunition Dump and Japanese slit trenches before trekking back to the track and down the ridge to the Village of Irobaiwa for lunch. After lunch a light rain fell as the group hiked down to Ua Ule Creek for a quick break before trekking across the creek a dozen or so times, arriving at Ua Ule creek camp site in amazing time at 4:15pm for their final night on the Kokoda track. They are now in camp enjoying a swim, and some can’t believe it’s their last day of hiking tomorrow. All the trekkers are excited and looking forward to Imita Ridge tomorrow before the finish line, Owers Cnr.