DAY 7 - NEW NAURO TO UA ULE CREEK

Saturday 26 April

There was the sabbath this morning so, out of respect to the villagers there was no battle cry. It was another tough trek out of camp to start to the day with a very solid climb for 60 minutes and this really got the lungs going early. At the top was some amazing views of the Maguli Ranges, where it was reported the Japanese could see the lights of Moresby. Then it was a long hike across and down for 90 minutes for a break, before a short hike down to Ofi Creek for a swim and up-to the campsite for morning tea.

After morning tea, they had one of the toughest climbs of the trek up-to Irobaiwa Ridge; this was the final advance of the main Japanese army. The trekkers dropped their packs 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 down the ridge to Irobaiwa Village. They had lunch and a good rest here before 45 minutes down to Ua Ule creek. Here some changed into their water shoes and then they all trekked into the creek, crossing it a dozen times on the way to camp for their last night on the track.

The trekkers battled the elements with a wet afternoon and they experienced a bit of a landside coming into camp, after arriving at 4:50pm, they enjoyed a swim and can’t believe it’s their last day of hiking tomorrow. Everyone is doing well and are ready for their last night on the trek, they are excited and looking forward to Imita Ridge tomorrow before the finish line, Owers Cnr.