DAY 5 - KAGI TO MENARI

Tuesday 13 October

The group began the morning with a short walk out of Kagi Village. Passing the local church, they continued towards the airfield, where they prepared for one of the most demanding descents of the entire trek. From the airfield, the track dropped steeply towards the creek, requiring careful footing and controlled movement on the dry but uneven ground.

The descent was particularly challenging because of its steep gradient. Trekking poles and a steady pace were helpful as the group made its way down through the forest towards the crossing. Once at the creek, the trekkers took the opportunity to refill their water bottles and prepare for the climb that followed.

Immediately after the crossing, they faced a short but extremely steep 10-minute ascent. The climb quickly became a calf-burning effort, but the group pushed strongly upwards and reached the top with a real sense of achievement. After the intense climb, they were rewarded with a comparatively easy 30-minute section out in the open.

The group then stopped beneath a gum tree to rest, rehydrate and regroup. After the break, another 30 minutes of walking brought the trekkers to Efogi, situated on the hillside above Efogi Village.

They paused at Efogi for morning tea and enjoyed sweeping views down towards the village below. From the elevated position, the layout of the village and the surrounding valleys could be clearly appreciated. The view also provided a reminder of the rugged terrain the group had already covered and the demanding sections still ahead.

After morning tea, the trekkers descended for approximately 30 minutes into Efogi Village. Once there, they visited the local museum and market, taking time to learn more about the community and the history of the area. The stop provided an opportunity to engage with the village’s cultural heritage before continuing the day’s journey.

Leaving Efogi Village, the group began the long and demanding climb towards Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill. The ascent was a significant test after the morning’s descent, creek crossing and steep climb. The track rose steadily and the trekkers settled into a measured rhythm, conserving energy for the historical sites and the remainder of the day.

At Mission Ridge, they heard more of the history of the Kokoda campaign, explaining the importance of the surrounding terrain and the battles fought along the ridge. The stories helped the group understand how the landscape influenced the movement of troops and the difficulties faced by the Australian soldiers during the campaign.

Continuing upwards, the trekkers eventually reached the summit of Brigade Hill. This was a deeply significant point on the track, and the group paused to conduct an emotional ceremony in honour of the soldiers who fought there. They reflected on the courage, endurance and sacrifice of the men who faced battle in such difficult conditions, paying particular tribute to their bravery and service.

After the ceremony, the group stopped for lunch before beginning the long descent into Menari. The afternoon section involved approximately two and a half hours of downhill walking. Although the descent did not require the same sustained climbing effort, it was demanding in its own way, placing pressure on tired legs and requiring careful attention on the uneven track.

For some trekkers, the descent into Menari was one of the tougher sections of the day. Nevertheless, the group maintained its focus and continued steadily through the forest. Everyone arrived safely and in good spirits, pleased to have completed another important stage of the journey.

Menari holds an important place in the history of the Kokoda campaign. It was here that the exhausted and battered 39th Battalion was withdrawn before the battle for Brigade Hill. The men had endured extraordinary hardship and became known as the “Ragged Bloody Heroes.” Despite their exhaustion and the difficult conditions, they had experienced, many later returned to fight in the battles at Buna and Gona.

The historical significance of Menari gave the end of the day a particularly reflective atmosphere. Arriving there after crossing Mission Ridge and Brigade Hill allowed the trekkers to connect their own physical efforts with the far greater challenges faced by the soldiers who fought through the area.

The trekkers arrived at Menari campsite at 6pm tonight and after settling into camp, they were able to rest, recover and reflect on the day’s experiences. With dinner approaching, the group began preparing for the evening, tired but satisfied after another demanding and meaningful day on the Kokoda Track.