DAY 1 TREKKING: KOKODA TO DENIKI

Thursday 09 July

The trekkers arrived in Port Moresby yesterday and were met at the airport by their Australian guide Dave, before a 5-minute transfer to the 5‑star Airways Hotel. Some relaxed at the bar while others explored the hotel. Then the group gathered for a pre-trek briefing and a great dinner, then packed and turned in for the night.

This morning there was a mix of nerves and excitement over a hot breakfast before heading to the airport for the flight to Popondetta. The short 30-minute flight crossed the Owen Stanley Range and the Kokoda Track and on arrival in Popondetta the group boarded a troop carrier for a short ride into town to pick up supplies, then continued to Kokoda Station.

At Kokoda they inspected the Kokoda Plateau and museum before gathering under the Kokoda arches for a group photo. They then trekked the relatively easy 90 mins passing Kovelo on the way the to a break at Hoi. They rested here and then packs on again as tackled the Deniki hill, the first real test of Kokoda. This definitely had a few second-guessing what that got themselves in for. They have arrived in camp late tonight at 7pm, having a shower and a few wondering what tomorrow will bring, but everyone remains in good spirits.

A hot, cloudy day with wet ground.