DAY 2 - DENIKI TO ALOLA

Saturday 20 September

The trekkers were up at 5am for breakfast after spending their first night on the Kokoda track. They gathered under the famous Kokoda arches for a group photo and it was then off into the PNG jungle where they spend the next 8 days. They hiked pass the village of Kovelo, had a short break at Hoi and then started the first of the hills on their way to Deniki and as always, the first hill tested a few of the group. They then trekked to the village of Isurava for morning tea and it was here that the 39th battalion were finally reinforced by the 21st brigade. They had a briefing on the history of the campaign here while also experiencing rain for the first time on the trek. They continued trekking for the next hour to Isurava Battle site where they held a moving service at the four pillars. (Courage, Endurance, Mateship & Sacrifice)

There were a few teary eyes here as they paid their respects to our returned and fallen soldiers, and listened to some podcasts of from soldiers of the campaign who made the incredible and ultimate sacrifice, such men as Corporal John Metson, Charlie McCallum, Lindsay Bear, Bruce Kingsbury and more… 

They had lunch at Isurava and then trekked a short but tough hike onto the "Surgeons Stone” and listened to some more podcast of stories from Stan Bisset talking of his brother Thomas "Butch Bisset". Then they trekked a relatively easy 90-minute trek into the campsite of Alola, where they arrived in amazing time at 5pm. The rain continued to follow the trekkers all the way to camp. Considering they have had to trek 2 days in 1 and are very wet, they are in great spirits! and are now in camp and are enjoying some popcorn whilst waiting for dinner.