DAY 8 - NEW NAURO TO UA ULE CREEK

Saturday 12 September

Day Eight: From New Nauro Village to Ua Ule Creek

The trekkers faced a tough climb out of camp this morning, ascending for around 60 minutes. The steep climb quickly warmed everyone up, but the effort was rewarded when they reached the summit and enjoyed spectacular views across the Maguli Ranges.

From this position, it was reported that the Japanese soldiers could see the lights of Port Moresby. The group then began a long descent and cross-country trek, walking for approximately 90 minutes before stopping for a short break. The skies were clear with perfect weather.

After another hour on the dry track, they visited a series of Japanese slit trenches. They then made their way down to Ofi Creek for a refreshing swim before climbing up to the campsite for morning tea.

Following morning tea, the trekkers returned to the track and tackled one of the toughest climbs of the trek so far: the ascent of Irobaiwa Ridge. This ridge marked the final advance of the main Japanese army during the Kokoda campaign.

The trekkers left their packs behind and took a 15-minute walk to inspect another Japanese ammunition dump and several Japanese slit trenches. They then returned to the track and descended the ridge to Irobaiwa village, where they stopped for lunch.

In the afternoon, the group trekked downhill for approximately an hour to Ua Ule Creek. After changing into their river shoes and taking a short break, they began crossing the creek repeatedly—around a dozen times—on the way to the Ua Ule Creek campsite.

They arrived in camp at 4pm, ready for their final night on the track, tired but pleased with another challenging and memorable day.