DAY 6 - MENARI TO NAURO

Monday 26 October

A massive & challenging day of trekking today. After another early start, the trekkers departed Menari Village and spent the first 20 minutes making their way out of camp before crossing a small bridge and continuing on for another 30 minutes to their first rest stop of the morning.

After a short break, the group tackled the first major ascent of the day, climbing steadily up to the Menari Lookout. The effort was well worth it, with spectacular views back across the valley where they could clearly see last night’s village in the distance. It was a great opportunity to appreciate just how much ground they have already covered on this incredible journey.

From the lookout, the trekkers descended along the ridge for approximately 45 minutes before stopping to refill their water supplies. The track then led them across the dry swamp lowlands on the way to Brown River, where a few took the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water after the morning’s climbs.

Feeling revived, the group continued for a short 15-minute walk into Amaduri Village, where a well-earned morning tea break awaited. Here they rested, refuelled and prepared for the final section of the day.

After leaving Amaduri, the trekkers headed back into the swamp, which luckily for the trekkers was nice and dry, for another 45 minutes trekking before reaching the base of the infamous false peaks. Here they enjoyed a short rest, knowing the toughest part of the day still lay ahead. Then another challenging long climb up the seemingly never-ending slopes of the Maguli Range. For the next hour, the group worked steadily uphill through the jungle until they finally arrived at New Nauro Village.

A short break here before they trekked on tackling a demanding 60-minute climb straight out of Nauro. And this certainly got everyone's heart rate up and lungs working. However, the effort was well worth it, as reaching the summit rewarded the group with breathtaking panoramic views across the magnificent Maguli Ranges. Standing at this historic location, the trekkers learned that it was from these very ridges that the Japanese forces reportedly caught their first glimpse of the lights of Port Moresby, giving everyone a greater appreciation of just how close the enemy came during the Kokoda Campaign.

After taking time to admire the spectacular scenery and capture a few photos, the group continued a long two-hour trek through the rainforest to the another rest stop. From there, it was a 30-minute descent to Ofi Creek, where the cool, crystal-clear water provided a refreshing swim, a chance to cool down camp for night 6 on the track.

MESSGAES:

1. Don- To the manifold family, hope your having a great time, missing you lots love Dad.

2. Craig S - having a great time, missing you all.

3. Sam - Hi Clare, miss you hope your well.

4. Jack - don’t go chasing waterfalls unless you’re in the NT or PNG, beautiful!

5. Nick - congrats on finishing Uni chels, very proud of you.

6. Bowls Snr - hope your all well, look forward to seeing you, been a few tough days, missing you all.

7. Bahr - missing you all, can’t wait to see you on Thursday xx.