DAY 3 TREKKING: ALOLA to VASI

Saturday 11 July

The day began with a trek through the village of Alola and down to the creek, taking in magnificent views along the valley. After crossing the creek, the group climbed briefly before tackling a steady 1.5-hour hike, with a few short breaks, to reach the site of a Japanese ammunition dump located just off the track.

From there, it was another 30 minutes on foot to Eora Creek for morning tea and a well-earned rest. Following the break, the group began a solid 40-minute climb to an Australian ammunition dump, containing live grenades and rounds of ammunition still lie just off the trail.

A cloudy and rainy day for trekkers.

The journey then continued with a 2.5-hour hike over undulating terrain into Templeton’s Crossing, where they enjoyed lunch by the water. After lunch, they faced a tough one-hour climb before resting at the top, followed by a pleasant descent into tonight’s campsite beside the creek, arriving in good time.

A few members are well outside their comfort zones and understandably exhausted, but spirits remain high and attitudes positive. On arrival at 5:00pm, some braved the cold, clear waters of Vasi campsite to wash off the mud, while others relaxed with hot tea, coffee, and freshly made popcorn.