DAY 1 - KOKODA TO DENIKI

Sunday 20 April

After a long day yesterday, the trekkers arrived in Port Moresby and were transported the 15min drive back to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. A few enjoyed a swim before meeting for a pre trek briefing and then had a great dinner last night before back to the room to unpack, repack, unpack, and repack.

There was a mix of nerves and excitement as the trekkers were up early this morning at 4am for a hot breakfast before heading back to the airport for 6:30am flight to Popondetta. It was a short 30-minute flight flying over the Owen Stanley ranges and the Kokoda track. After landing in Popondetta, the trekkers boarded a troop carrier for a short 15 minute ride into the town to pick up some supplies and then they were back on the troop carrier as they made the journey to Kokoda station.

After arriving in Kokoda, they had lunch, inspected the Kokoda Plateau, museum and discussed some history of the Kokoda campaign. Then they met their local guides and support staff, 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. No rain today & the track is drying out. Everyone is in great spirits, and they are now resting up contemplating what tomorrow has in store for them whilst waiting for dinner.