DAY 2: DENIKI TO ALOLA - FRIDAY 26 JUNE
The trekkers were up early after spending their first night on the Kokoda Track. Following breakfast, they heard the first of what would become many familiar calls of “Packs on!” as they departed the village of Hoi. They trekked for 10 minutes before tackling the first major ascent of the journey the Deniki hill and this had a few wondering what the day has in for them. They briefly rested at Deniki before trekking out of the campsite past the sprawling choko vines and through some spectacular scenery, with sweeping views down the valley providing plenty of opportunities to pause and appreciate the beauty of the region. Along the way, the group discussed the history of the brave soldiers of the 39th Battalion and the critical role they played during the Kokoda Campaign.
After several hours on the track, the trekkers arrived at Isurava Village, where they stopped for morning tea. It was here that the exhausted soldiers of the 39th Battalion were finally reinforced by the 21st Brigade during the desperate fighting of 1942. Following a well-earned break, the group continued the short one-hour trek to the Isurava Memorial.
Located on a significant section of the Isurava battlefield, the memorial stands as a powerful tribute to those who fought and sacrificed during one of Australia's most important military campaigns. The trekkers visited Kingsbury’s Rock, the site of the action that earned Private Bruce Kingsbury the Victoria Cross on 29 August 1942. They then gathered at the memorial for a moving service, paying their respects to Australia's returned and fallen servicemen.
The group listened to stories of courage, endurance and sacrifice, reflecting on the actions of remarkable men such as Corporal John Metson, Charlie McCallum and Private Bruce Kingsbury. These stories brought the history of the campaign to life and provided a deeper appreciation of the hardships endured by those who fought along the track.
After spending time at the memorial, the trekkers tackled a challenging 30-minute climb before continuing along a gentler section of track to the famous Surgeon’s Stone. Here they heard more incredible accounts of the campaign and learned about the extraordinary efforts of the medical personnel who worked under unimaginable conditions to care for the wounded.
The afternoon trek was comparatively easier, although there were overgrown in places, with several fallen trees creating additional obstacles along the way. Despite the demanding conditions, the group maintained excellent spirits and continued to work together as a team.
Arriving at camp in good time, the trekkers were understandably a little weary after another rewarding day on the track. However, morale remains high, and everyone is now enjoying a well-deserved rest while looking forward to dinner and another early night before tomorrow's adventures.
