DAY 2 - DENIKI TO ALOLA

Thursday 21 May

5am start for the trekkers this morning after spending their first night on the Kokoda track. They trekked out of the village of Deniki, trekking past the choko vines and the spectacular scenery and sweeping views down the valley on the way to Isurava village. Here they had a break and discussed some history of the 39 Battalion before it was packs on and back onto the track. They trekked for another few hours as they made their way to Isurava memorial. This War Memorial is located at a significant point on the Isurava battle site which the Kokoda Track bisects. The trekkers inspected Kingsbury’s Rock, the site of the action which earned Private Bruce Steel Kingsbury his Victoria Cross on 29 August 1942. Here they held a moving service at the monument and paid their respects to our returned and fallen soldiers.

They listened to some podcasts of the campaign of those who made the incredible and ultimate sacrifice, such men as Corporal John Metson, Charlie McCallum and Bruce Kingsbury. The trekkers had lunch here and then packs on as they hit the track on the way to Alola stopping at Cons rock along the way. They are now in camp enjoying an earlier finish today with arrival into camp at 2:45pm. They are getting showered and ready for dinner.