DAY 7 - NAURO TO UA ULE CREEK

Monday 26 May

A tough trek out of camp this morning with a 60 minutes climb and this definitely, got the trekkers warmed up. The trekkers were rewarded at the summit with some amazing views of the Maguli Ranges. It was here that the Japanese reported they could see the lights of Moresby. Then it was a long hike down and across for 90 minutes for a short break before another 60 minutes to visit some Japanese slit trenches. Then a short hike down to Ofi Creek for a swim and up-to the campsite for morning tea.

After morning tea it was back onto the track for one of the toughest climbs of the trek to date, up Irobaiwa Ridge, which was the final advance of the main Japanese army. The trekkers dropped their packs here and took a short 15-minute hike to see another Japanese Ammunition Dump and Japanese slit trenches before trekking back to the track and down the ridge to the Village of Irobaiwa for lunch.

After lunch they trekked down to Ua Ule Creek and the weather was warm and sunny for most of the day however, a light rain fell just as they changed into their river shoes, had a quick break before trekking across the creek a dozen or so times, on the way to the Ua Ule creek camp site for their final night on the Kokoda track.

They are now patching up a few blisters and enjoying a swim, and a few 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.

MESSAGES:

Gastons in Oz, Gastons in NZ & friends, big day today - day 7, tomorrow’s the last day on the track. It’s been a hell of an experience, forever remembered, cherished!!