DAY 1 - KOKODA TO DENIKI

Tuesday 20 May

The trekkers arrived at Port Moresby international airport yesterday and were met by their guide, Michael Dever and and transported back to the 5 star Hilton Hotel. A few enjoyed a swim while others had an afternoon nap and in the evening they gathered for a pre-trek briefing & dinner and off to bed.

They were up early this morning for a hot breakfast at the hotel before a 15 minutes journey back to the domestic airport for a 30 minute flight to Popondetta. Once arriving in Popondetta they inspected the memorial here and discussed the Kokoda campaign before making their way to town to pick up some supplies and a few snacks. Then they boarded a private troop carrier for a 2.5 hour journey to Kokoda from Popondetta stopping along the way at historic sites as Wairopi, the Kumusi River, Awala, Oivi and Gorari.

Once arriving in Kokoda they inspected the Kokoda Plateau, museum and discussed more of the history of the Kokoda campaign and battles there.

Then it was lunch here before being introduced to their local guides and porters, before gathering under the famous Kokoda arches for a group photo. Then they headed off into the PNG jungle for the next 8days. They trekked for an hour passing the village of Kovelo and then another 30 minutes for a short break before another 60 minutes of relatively flat before arriving at Hoi for another break and some amazing fruit. The track is in good condition & weather was perfect as they tackled the Deniki hill and once again, this left a few wondering what they had got themselves in for. They arrived at Deniki in at 4:30pm & now resting and those that could muster the energy had a shower and they are now enjoying some popcorn before dinner and briefing on what tomorrow has install for them.