DAY 1 TREKKING: KOKODA TO DENIKI

Saturday 23 August

The trekkers arrived in Port Moresby yesterday and were met by their Australian guides “Mick” & “Bruce”, and then they were transported 10mins back to the 5-star Hilton Hotel. A few took the chance to relax by the pool while others did some nervous packing & repacking. Then they gathered for a pre trek briefing before a great dinner, and bed.

There was a great mix of nerves and excitement as the trekkers were up this morning for a hot breakfast before heading back to the airport for their flight to Popondetta. It was a short 30-minute flight, the plane was flying over the Owen Stanley ranges and the Kokoda track. After landing in Popondetta a few of the bags offloaded on the plane, but all the trekkers’ bags arrived! The trekkers boarded a troop carrier for a short 15-minute ride into town to pick up some supplies, and then they were straight back on the troop carrier as they made the journey to Kokoda station.

They inspected the Kokoda Plateau, museum and then gathered under the Kokoda arches for a group photo before heading off into the PNG jungle. The weather was hot, being a top of 35 degrees! Although because of the good weather the skies were blue and the track was dry. They trekked out of Kokoda past the village Kovelo, Hoi before they tackled the first ascent of the trek, the “Deniki” hill, and this was a tough one. The trekkers arrived into camp at 5pm, and it left a few second guessing themselves, wondering what tomorrow has install for them. They enjoyed a cold shower and are now having dinner.

MESSAGE: Day 1 complete! Doing well, love you Jo & Caleb love Darryl.