DAY 4 TREKKING: VASI CAMPSITE TO KAGI VILLAGE
Friday 09 October
The trekkers enjoyed a well-earned and surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep beside the creek. After several demanding days on the Kokoda Track, the soothing sound of the flowing water and the relative calm of the campsite helped everyone rest deeply. A number of trekkers even commented that it was the best night’s sleep they had experienced on the trek so far.
The day began early, with the group up at 5:00 am for breakfast. Pancakes were a particularly welcome addition to the morning meal, providing plenty of energy for the challenging hours ahead. Once breakfast was finished, tents were packed, equipment was organised and the call was made to shoulder packs and move out.
Leaving camp, the group crossed the bridge and began the first section of the day’s trek. They walked for approximately 15 minutes before reaching the base of the steep climb towards Mount Bellamy. The ascent took around 30 minutes and immediately tested the legs, particularly after several consecutive days of trekking. Mount Bellamy is the highest point on the Kokoda Track, making the climb a significant milestone for the group.
After reaching the summit, the trekkers paused to catch their breath, enjoy the achievement and take a group photograph. It was an important moment, with everyone able to reflect on how far they had already come. From the summit, the group continued for another 10 minutes before taking a short detour into the moss forest.
The atmosphere changed noticeably as they entered the moss forest. The temperature dropped, and the environment became cooler, darker and considerably damper. Thick moss covered the trees and ground, while the mist and moisture created an almost otherworldly landscape. The change in conditions was a welcome relief from the heat experienced on lower sections of the track, although the damp terrain required careful footing.
From the moss forest, the group continued for approximately another 90 minutes before reaching Myola Supply Dump, one of the major highlights of the day. Myola holds an important place in the history of the Kokoda campaign. During the fighting, the area was serviced by the famous “biscuit bombers”—aircraft that flew supplies in to support Australian troops operating in the challenging mountain terrain. The location provided a valuable opportunity for the trekkers to learn more about the logistical difficulties faced by the soldiers and the vital role Myola played in keeping them supplied.
The group spent time discussing the history of the campaign before beginning the 40-minute descent to Bomber’s Camp, where they stopped for lunch. Bomber’s Camp is the crash site of the American B-25 bomber The Happy Legend, which came down in the area on 5 December 1942. Standing at the crash site and hearing the story of the aircraft added another powerful historical dimension to the day. The remote and heavily forested location also highlighted just how difficult it would have been to operate aircraft and move personnel and supplies through the region during the war.
After lunch, the trekkers set off once again. The track was dry and the weather was not too hot. It took approximately 20 minutes to rejoin the main track, after which they continued for another hour before stopping for a short rest. The accumulated distance and elevation changes were beginning to take their toll, but the regular breaks allowed everyone to drink, refuel and regroup.
The group then trekked for a further hour before taking another rest, followed by a final 45-minute section towards the Kagi–Naduri junction. This is a historically significant point on the track, marking the location where the 39th Battalion was relieved from action on the Kokoda Track. Reaching the junction gave the trekkers another opportunity to reflect on the hardships endured by the soldiers who had travelled through this region under vastly more difficult circumstances.
From the junction, it was just another 20 minutes into camp. The group arrived in Kagi at 4:15pm , tired but pleased to have completed another substantial day.
On arrival in Kagi, the group received a warm and memorable welcome from the local villagers. The beautiful sound of traditional singing filled the village as the community gathered for a traditional ceremony. It was a wonderful display of hospitality and provided a fitting introduction to the evening.
There are understandably a few sore knees, tired feet and aching toes within the group after the day’s climbs and long distances. Even so, everyone continues to dig deep, support one another and maintain a positive outlook. The progress being made is impressive, particularly considering the wet conditions, steep terrain and the physical demands of trekking day after day.
Tonight, after dinner, the local children are expected to visit the campsite to perform a traditional sing-sing. Their performance will provide a special and fitting conclusion to an unforgettable day—one filled with mountain scenery, important wartime history, challenging climbs, warm local hospitality and plenty of memorable moments.
