DAY 3 - ALOLA TO VASI CAMPSITE

Monday 17 August

Day three on the Kokoda Track began with a short walk to the Alola Village Museum, where the trekkers had the opportunity to inspect an impressive collection of wartime relics and gain a deeper appreciation of the history that surrounds this remarkable part of the track.

Leaving Alola behind, the group trekked downhill for around an hour, enjoying magnificent views across the valley before reaching a small creek crossing. From there, they tackled a long but gradual 2.5-hour climb to the Eora Creek Battle Site, where they paused to learn about the fierce fighting that took place in this strategically important area during the Kokoda Campaign.

The group then left the main track to follow a short side trail to inspect a Japanese ammunition dump. A more extensive section of this Forest Fort, located only a short distance further up the ridge, has recently been revealed by the local landowners. Here, the trekkers discussed the fort's defensive significance, how it was constructed, and the intense battle that unfolded as Australian forces fought to capture this heavily defended position.

It was then another 45-minute trek to morning tea, where everyone enjoyed a well-earned break to rest, refuel and prepare for the next challenge. With packs back on, the group faced a steep 45-minute climb to inspect an Australian ammunition dump, where live grenades and ammunition rounds can still be seen today. From there, they continued a long 2.5-hour trek through the jungle to Templeton's Crossing, arriving in time for a well-deserved lunch.

After lunch, the trekkers pushed on with another challenging 30-minute climb before being rewarded with a welcome stretch of flatter track. The afternoon continued with a mixture of climbs and easier sections made a little more comfortable with a dry track and cool conditions. Before the final 30-minute descent into Vasi Campsite, crossing the creek to reach camp for their third night on the track in great tie at 3pm.

With another rewarding day behind them, the trekkers are now cooling off in the icy waters of the creek, while others are relaxing with some well-earned popcorn before dinner. Spirits remain high, everyone is trekking strongly, and the group continues to enjoy an incredible journey through one of Australia's most significant historical landscapes.