DAY 1 TREKKING: KOKODA TO DENIKI - FRIDAY 13 JUNE

The trekkers arrived in Port Moresby yesterday and were greeted at the airport by their Australian guide’s Sheree & Jules and transported the short drive back to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. They enjoyed a rest, and few had a swim before meeting at the bar and then a pre trek briefing before dinner. Then they headed back to their room for some last-minute packing.

The crew were up this morning for a breakfast of bacon, eggs, muesli, yoghurt, toast, muffins, coffee & more before heading back to the airport for a flight to Popondetta. It was a short 30-minute flight flying over the Owen Stanley ranges and the Kokoda track, before landing in Popondetta. After arriving in Popondetta trekkers boarded a troop carrier for a short 15-minute ride into town to pick up some supplies and then they were back on the troop carrier as they made the journey to Kokoda station. They passed the Kumusi river on their way to Kokoda & on arriving they inspected the museum; Kokoda plateau & discussed some more history of the campaign. They met up with 5 of the trekkers that missed there flight yesterday due to fog and had to be flown into Kokoda. They had lunch and then gathered under the famous Kokoda arches for a group photo before heading into the PNG jungle for the next 8 days. They hiked for an hour past Kovelo and then another 60 minutes to the village of Hoi, then they hit the first ascent of the trek the “Deniki” hill and a few found this more than tough, leaving a few second guessing themselves. The weather was great and the track in good condition allowing the trekkers to get into camp in good time at 4:45pm. They are now having a shower and getting ready for dinner whilst wondering if tomorrow will be easier.