DAY 6 - BRIGADE HILL TO NEW NAURO (Anzac Day)

Friday 25 April (Anzac Day)

The crew were up early this morning for Anzac Day, to commemorate what our heroic Australian & Papuan soldiers did for our freedoms. It was a moving service and a few tears were shed. Then the team put their packs on again and hit the track straight after breakfast. They trekked out of Brigade Hill for a long undulating 2.5-hour hike down to the Menari river for short break. The 30 minutes up, into and through Menari village to a bridge crossing, then another 20-minute trek before another short rest before ascending a tough climb for 45 minutes to the ridge top. Then it was a gradual but tough trek for 45 minutes to the top of the ridge where the trekkers could see tonight’s campsite of New Nauro village.

They then hiked down for 60 minutes to the bottom for another quick rest and then another 45 minutes trekking through the very wet and muddy swamp to Brown River for a swim. Then it was a short 10-minute trek to Amuduri village, for a rest. After a break here it was back into the swamp for 45 minutes to the base of the 9 false peaks for another rest. It was a tough trek up 7 of the 9 false peaks with a few breaks on the way to New Nauro village where they are now finally resting and reflecting on their experience in camp. The group arrived into the village late, at 6pm and are all doing well. They are grateful to have had no rain today although their boardwalk was underwater and had holes in it! Despite it being another big day for them they are in good spirits.