DAY 2 - DENIKI TO ISURAVA BATTLE SIT

Thursday 24 April

A 5am wakeup call as the trekkers spent their first night on the track. After breakfast, it was packs on as they headed out for their first full day of trekking.

They trekked out of the village of Deniki, past the choko vines and the spectacular scenery and sweeping views of the valley on the way to Isurava village. They rested here and had morning tea, discussed some more history of the 39 Battalion before it was packs on again and back onto the track. They trekked for another hour onto 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. They held a moving service at the monument and paid their respects to our returned and fallen soldiers, 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. They had a good break here and had the opportunity to drop their packs. After their break they trekked a tough 30 minutes up and then another 15 minutes which was easier for the trekkers, making their way to the “Surgeons Stone”. Here they listened to more incredible stories of the campaign and the extraordinary acts of heroism our soldiers performed. After battling the very muddy track due to the light on and off rain during the day, they trekked back to the Isurava battle site where they will camp the night. Everyone made it into camp at 11:45am in high spirits and looking forward to tomorrow as they prepare for their morning Anzac Day Dawn service.