DAY 1 - PORT MORESBY TO KOKODA

Tuesday 19 May

The day had finally arrived and after months of training the trekkers had finally arrived in PNG and were met at the airport by Mick 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. Mick was up early & headed back to the airport to check-in all the trekkers bags for 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. However, as they were about to jump on the shuttle to the airport the dreaded phone call occurred and Mick was informed by his PNG operational staff that the plane had been delayed by 6 hours. The trekkers then went back to there room and some gathered for a stretching session by the pool. They met again and headed down to the airport at 1130pm for a 1:30pm flight to Popondetta. 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 3.5 hour journey to Kokoda. They will stay in Kokoda tonight and try and make up the shortfall tomorrow. All are doing well and wondering what tomorrow has install for them.