DAY 2 - HOI TO ALOLA
Saturday 10 October
Leaving Hoi, this morning the trekkers continued along the Kokoda Track for approximately 60 minutes, encountering several short climbs along the way. Although the distance was not particularly long, the uneven terrain and rising elevation required steady effort, especially after the challenges of yesterday.
The group paused at a rest stop to catch their breath, rehydrate and regroup before continuing. After the break, they pushed on for another hour towards Isurava village. The track continued to wind through the dense rainforest, providing occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountain landscape and a constant reminder of the remote and rugged environment through which the original soldiers had travelled.
Upon reaching Isurava village, the group paused to reflect on the important history of the area and the role it played during the Kokoda campaign. After spending time taking in the significance of the location, the trekkers continued for approximately one hour to the Isurava battle site.
At the battle site, the group held a moving service at the Isurava Memorial. In this solemn and peaceful setting, they paid their respects to those who served during the campaign, as well as to those who were wounded, returned home carrying the memories of the conflict and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The trekkers listened to podcasts recounting the experiences and sacrifices of men such as Corporal John Metson, Charlie McCallum and Bruce Kingsbury. Their stories provided a deeply personal connection to the history of Isurava and helped the group understand the courage, endurance and selflessness displayed by the Australian troops during some of the most difficult stages of the campaign.
Following the service, the group enjoyed lunch at the site before continuing along the track to the historic “Surgeon’s Stone”. Here, they heard further remarkable stories about Butch Bissett and Dr Von Con, whose experiences offer another insight into the bravery and dedication of the medical personnel who supported the troops in extremely challenging conditions.
After visiting the historic sites, the trekkers returned to the track and completed a relatively easy 60-minute walk into camp. They arrived in camp at 4:20pm, giving them time to settle in, rest their legs and reflect on a full and meaningful day of trekking.
Their second night on the Kokoda Track was marked by a mixture of physical achievement, historical reflection and team spirit. With another challenging day ahead, the group settled into camp grateful for the opportunity to rest and recover in preparation for the next stage of their journey.
After lunch they shouldered their packs and headed toward Alola, stopping at Cons Rock along the way for some more history. The track remained in good condition, allowing them to reach camp in good time. Now settled, the team are enjoying an early finish, showering and preparing for dinner.