DAY 7 - NAURO TO UA ULE CREE

Monday 25 May

Yet again another tough trek out of camp to start the day with a climb of 60 minutes to the top and this really got the lungs going. On arriving at the summit they were rewarded with some amazing views of the Maguli Ranges, where it was reported the Japanese could see the lights of Moresby. Then it was a long 2-hour hike to get to the next rest stop, then a short hike down for 30 minutes to Ofi Creek for a swim. Then up-to to the campsite for morning tea.

After morning tea, they hiked back onto the track for one of the toughest climbs of the trek to date, trekking up Irobaiwa Ridge; this was the final advance of the main Japanese army. They stopped and dropped their backpacks here and took a short 15-minute hike to see a Japanese Ammunition Dump and Japanese slit trenches, before trekking back to the track and hiking down the ridge to the Village of Irobaiwa for lunch.

After lunch it was back onto the track for a 45-minute hike down to Ua Ule Creek. They had a quick break before trekking across the creek a dozen or so times, heading their way to the Ua Ule creek campsite. The trekkers arrived into camp at 5:15pm and everyone is travelling well, and some can’t believe it’s their last day of hiking tomorrow. All the trekkers are excited and looking forward to Imita Ridge tomorrow before the finish line, Owers’ Cnr.

Trekker Messages :

  • Shiv, final night! Can’t wait to talk tomorrow. Love you!

  • Hey Mum and Ben, Last night!!! Still going strong, miss you!! Love El, Tom, Hen and Bern

  • To Jules & Ruby, 7 days down, magical experience & looking forward to the comforts of home. John, Will and Jack.

  • It’s bin night tonight in hawthorn

  • To Jo, Cat, John & Belle. Last night in camp! Great 7 days- all fit and well. Now for the finish! All my love, Mick/

  • Sal, Pappy liv & Hugh, Feet holding up well, Almost there! Dave/Dad

Michael O'Malley