DAY 1 - KOKODA - DENIKI

Saturday 15 August

The day had finally arrived and after months of training the trekkers had finally arrived in PNG and were met at the airport by their Aust Kokoda Tours guide, Dave and transported to the 5-Star Airways Hotel. After getting settled they gathered for a pre-trek briefing & dinner & then it was an early night for everyone. The AK team were up early & headed back to the airport to check-in all the trekkers bags for a 9am flight Popondetta on the way to Kokoda. This allowed the trekkers to enjoy a sleep in and then a hot breakfast at the Hotel before heading down to the domestic airport for their flight. They eventually boarded the plane for a 30-minute flight flying over the Owen Stanley ranges and arriving in Popondetta. They then boarded a troop carrier and made their way to town for a snack, before jumping back on the troop carrier for a 3-hour journey to Kokoda. Then they gathered under the Kokoda arches for a group photo before starting the epic trek across Kokoda, trekking pass the village of Hoi, enjoying the spectacular sweeping views over the Kokoda valley and trekking via the original war time village to Deniki. As always, the Deniki hill tested a few and more than a couple trekkers were wondering what they had got themselves in for. Deniki is the site of the 39th Militia Battalion’s first defensive position after withdrawing from Kokoda. The weather and track are very dry and this helped the crew get into camp in great time of 6:15pm, considering the late start. They are now enjoying a refreshing shower in preparation for dinner. All are doing well and wondering what tomorrow has install for them.